While many youths turn to smartphones and social media for gratification, 25-year-old Virgin Islander Lariisa A. Mapp aka ‘Lisa’ is cut from a different cloth. Currently, she runs an afterschool tutoring programme called ‘Student Support BVI’ which provides learning assistance and specialised tutoring services to VI students. Photo: Provided

While Ms Mapp is currently self-employed through Student Support BVI, it takes up a major part of her time offering tutoring services. Photo: Provided

In addition, Lisa also volunteers her services to children in local homes and centres. Photo: Provided

A former Girl Guide, Young Professional Lariisa A. Mapp says that knowing that every day is another opportunity to have a positive and meaningful impact on her students gives her inspiration to continue. Photo: Provided

Currently, she runs an afterschool tutoring programme called ‘Student Support BVI’ which provides learning assistance and specialised tutoring services to Virgin Islands (VI) students. 

Becoming an Educator 

Living in the East End area of Tortola, Ms Mapp attained most of her education and schooling in St Vincent and the Grenadines as a result of her parents.

She attended St Vincent and the Grenadines Community College and is currently a University of the West Indies (UWI) student pursuing a degree in Psychology.

Ms Mapp is currently enrolled in the University through its Open Campus initiative and has attained several professional development goals, including certification as a Grade 3-6 Montessori teacher. 

“I love reading, but I really enjoy the process of learning to do new things. In the past, I’ve made soap and I’m currently learning a new skill that will hopefully become a business before I’m 30,” she told Virgin Islands News Online (VINO).

Ms Mapp is currently self-employed through Student Support BVI, which takes up a major part of her time. “I provide one to one support as a tutor during the school hours and after school. We cater only to students at the primary level, we provide homework assistance and specialised tutoring,” she said. 

Finding Inspiration 

Turning to inspirations and rewards she said, “I think the biggest reward so far has been seeing the improvements and hearing positive feedback from the parents,” she said. In addition, Ms Mapp also volunteers her services to children in local homes and centres.

A former Girl Guide, she said knowing that every day is another opportunity to have a positive and meaningful impact on her students gives her inspiration to continue.

Lisa also has big plans for the future to collaborate with different organizations regionally that share similar goals in terms of moulding the future generations.

She said one of the most interesting things about her is the ability to seamlessly separate her professional and private life. 

Business Challenges 

Turning attention to challenges, Lisa says running the business could be tough at times, “I think the administrative part of it really sucks the fun out of it, and I struggle with figuring that part of out,” she said. 

“Nothing happens overnight, we need to constantly show up and do our best. Life takes unexpected turns and you have to be prepared to keep pushing,” she said remains her biggest life lessons.

According to Ms Mapp, she has always had an interest in teaching, “Psychology provided the tools to understand that every child is different and the approaches must reflect that,” she told VINO. 

“I always knew I wanted to be involved in nurturing children’s future, I never expected that this would be the path the universe aligned for me,” our Young Professional reiterated. 

She said to launch ‘Student Support BVI, she endured a lot of personal sacrifices and had to reach out to her inner circle for support, “It was important for me to ask for help when needed,” she said.

According to 'Lisa', financing was a difficult aspect of getting the business going, “In the BVI there aren’t any credit unions, and the banks aren’t willing to partner with small business owners that are starting from the ground up.”

Parting Advice 

“We all have an idea of what we want for our lives and it is worthwhile to pursue these dreams and not live with regrets because we didn’t try,” Ms Mapp said as parting advice to youths who might have a dream of passion worth pursuing. 

With regards to the Territory, she said right now the VI is doing a great job in reaching out to the youths and creating initiatives that would be beneficial to them, “I look forward to seeing this trend expand and improve,” Lisa noted.  

“Go for it! Be dedicated and committed to your vision, check-in with yourself to make sure that your actions are in line with your vision,” our Young Professional left as final parting advice.

She thanked Dr Michael A. Turnbull, Dr Martin and Scott Crawford for being pioneers who have been doing their best when it comes to ensuring that children have the necessary tools they need to succeed, and for encouraging her to pursue her personal endeavours.

Student Support BVI is located on Main Street in the same Building with the BVI Diabetes Association and can be contacted on Facebook or via on Tel 545-9447 for more information about rates and services.