According to the MeriamWebster.com website perseverance is defined as “continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failures or opposition.” J’zsamika Buckley fits the definition of perseverance in her determination to see her dream a reality.
At 29 Buckley has been the owner of an afterschool program, Afterwards Afterschool, tutoring children 5 to 12 years old, since 2021. However, beginning this summer she is expanding her business to include an all day learning academy for children 12 months to 4 years old.
Buckley began her career in the academic world in 2015 as an assistant teacher and began teaching in 2018 with the Rankin County School District. She received her undergraduate and graduate education degrees from Jackson State University. Buckley has found her niche in that she loves elementary age children, teaching and tutoring them.
She admits she had some bumps along the way getting her degrees. According to Buckley, “I left college and went to the military (Air National Guard) because I was struggling passing my teacher’s exam in 2016. I think it was a God thing; I needed discipline. As soon as I came back I took my tests and I passed them. I feel like it was separating myself and getting focused.” Buckley continued, “I wrote down my plan. It was on a pink pad; I wrote Afterwards Afterschool.”
Through a series of unfortunate events Buckley found herself in need of a job but no prospects. She was at rock bottom when she called the childcare licensure agency to start the ball rolling on her dream. Buckley had a building and a plan set. After that one phone call everything began to fall into place. She opened Afterwards Afterschool in Mendenhall in 2021.
This spring Buckley took a leap of faith and bought a building in Magee located at 713 Simpson Highway 149. She has left her teaching career to become a full-time educator in her own right with Afterwards Academy offering schooling from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The younger children will receive hands-on teaching using a set curriculum. Buckley currently uses Abeka but is also reviewing others like Alpha and Omega with Horizons.
The after school children will still receive tutoring.
Both groups have set schedules that include breakfast, lunch and snacks, all provided by Afterwards Academy. Children will have supervised learning activities and outdoor playtime, along with time for study, homework help and computer time (for older children).
Current enrollment is 51. Buckley hopes to expand in the future to add room for more children.
“I am excited. I have big dreams; I have goals; it’s going to be great!”
For more information call Buckley at 601-503-3743.
