Meet Oluremi Ojo | Math Enthusiast
We had the good fortune of connecting with Oluremi Ojo and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Oluremi, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
“If you have an idea and really love that idea, keep doing it. If you know you can turn nothing into something, keep going.” -N. Parrish, a Chool scholar
My goal for Chool Bus is to take a school bus, drop the s’ and mobilize Chool Bus services. Manifesting this great idea is going to require belief in every letter of Nick’s affirmation. The quote was from a crumpled homework paper tossed to the side as he pulled out his math journal. I requested he give me this assignment after it’s been graded so I can frame and put it inside the first Chool Bus!
What should our readers know about your business?
You should know what our name stands for. Do you remember this typical after school conversation: Mom, “How was school today?” Child, “School’s cool.” Eventually the response turns into “school’s school.” followed by a list of reasons why school is no longer cool. Undoubtedly, math is on that list. Students come to me with mental and emotional barriers between math and their ability. In Chool Bus sessions, we keep cool and carry on by encouraging students to ask questions, celebrate right answers and acknowledge growth in the wrong ones. I love to tell my students, “There is more than one route to the mountain top, as long as your route consistently leads to the right answer, let’s go!” I’ve always taken interest in the unique ways each child thinks and have yet to run into a wrong way. What I have found are ways with a few rough patches that can be ironed out, minor details re-routed. This comes naturally to me especially when the child is willing.
At this moment, I am proudest of the progress made with one of my clients that has dyslexia, dyscalculia and ADHD. Together we’ve etched out a strategy for success in problem solving. Getting to where we are, I had to let go of my way of problem solving and dive into his strengths. He loves to read, he’s imaginative and logic driven. With these discovered attributes, I decided to shift the focal point from math to reading strategies and logical reasoning. Sure there is still a need to master grade level math skills but prioritizing his strengths increased the likelihood of him producing correct answers. Leaning into a student’s personal strengths and making it applicable to math problem solving requires patience.
The ever widening gap between Chool Bus and others tutoring services is patience. What makes Chool Bus attractive to parents is a matched belief there is something uniquely great about their child.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
1846 Coffee- This is a coffee shop in Cedar Hill and I say give it a year and (fingers crossed) I’ll get the “Norm” greeting like in the old sitcom Cheers. I’m a regular because I use this location for clients who prefer in-person services over virtual. This place is personable and their drinks are amazing. I recommend Bonnie and Clyde for its spice kick and sweet chocolate finish.
Dallas Farmers Market- I love this location because you can always come across something new. My favorite shop is Chelle’s Macarons. I don’t know if I can call myself a true macaron lover because there is only one flavor I like, Salted Caramel! I will happily turn a blind eye to my lactose intolerance and stuff my face with their salted caramel macarons.
My guest and I will definitely take a class together. I LOVE a good cooking or crafty class so the Cookery, Dallas Silk Art or MYX will make the itinerary.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Dad and a teacher by the name of Ms. Noyes.
Growing up, my dad was the smartest man I knew, he was well respected in the Nigerian community of Dallas. His presence, albeit humble, still commanded attention when he walked into a room. At least that’s how I saw it. I never felt smart or powerful growing up, so I valued any advice he shared with me. One simple study tactic he used to tell me was this, “Remi when I need to study and I don’t understand it I would read, read, and read again.” I rolled my eyes, thinking there’s no way I could have access to his level of intelligence by that simple tip. I was wrong, it works and I share it with my students all the time.
Ms. Noyes taught Media Technology in high school, it was a four semester course and I enrolled my junior year. I’m forever grateful for that class because, before, I felt like a student just floating around with no connection nor place to land. Ms. Noyes’ class opened the doors to belonging in the world. I had no idea where I fit in before her class. I must give credit to how she showed up for us because she was openly vulnerable by nature, inclusive in the way she managed the class and instructed with hands-on project based strategies, before project based learning was even a thing.
Website: www.choolbus.net
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/oluremi-ojo-🍎✏🚀-a08010106
Youtube: Look at my first TikTok video to get a feel of how I present math. @daily_f.a.c.t.s
Image Credits
Suraj Jinadu
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