For my next feature of #MindsoftheYouth I met up with Levy Nyamariwata. Levy is passionate about personal development and helping others.
He is one of the few people that knows how to simplify mathematical concepts in to small edible and understandable chunks. I highly recommend him if you want to learn and understand maths. See our conversation below, which I really enjoyed.
Tell me about your upbringing and where you come from?
I was born in Zimbabwe in 1997 and I moved to South Africa in 2006. Growing up in both Zimbabwe and South Africa was normal. I grew up just like any other kid, nothing special. I have a lot of siblings. In school I was an average student even in mathematics, in fact I hated maths for the longest time. I started to become serious with my academics in grade 12. In my matric year at Hoerskool Akasia my mindset changed, I valued my time more. From being an average student, I ended up getting distinctions in maths, IT and LO.
To people who don’t know you how would you describe yourself?
I am reserved and an open book if you ask the right questions. I am no longer that shy guy I was in high school.
What is your occupation and tell us more about Bright Young Brains?
I left University of Pretoria (UP) to focus on a tutoring business which is called Bright Young Brains. It was founded by a friend of mine, I call him Mr President, mainly because he was the head boy at school, and also because I have a ton of respect for him. We are roughly the same age but I find it difficult to call him by his first name. We started the maths YouTube channel last year during lockdown.
The main aim was to create a digital footprint for the brand because I personally wanted to move towards creating digital products for maths, in the form of online courses. The first few courses are already up on our course platform.
When did you fall in love with mathematics?
I started to love maths in matric mainly because of my maths teacher, she made everything look easy and as my math marks improved, my confidence was improved and other subjects like physical science were a bit more understandable.
Why do you think mathematics is important?
It’s important because in school it’s important. The misconception now is that everyone must be good in maths and I think that is why you have a large pool of people hating maths. The reason why I am a math tutor is that I want to show that it is just like any other subject and not special.
Do you think anyone can do mathematics?
I believe everyone can do maths but not everyone can do it well consistently. What I mean is that most math concepts can easily be forgotten if they are not ‘used’ on a frequent basis.
Our mathematics pass rate is still very low in our schools. Why do you think this is the case and what can we do to improve it?
Everything rises and falls on leadership. One thing we can do is to increase our standards and remove the 30% pass mark. This will change our perceptions and mindset towards maths.
What is your philosophy of life?
I am action oriented, so, when I start something, I like to see it through. I like to walk the talk and not just talk for the sake of it. Do what you say you will do.
What are you willing to struggle for?
I am willing to struggle for a greater good and fight for timeless wisdom, something that is bigger than me. In a nutshell, as long as I know that I am not the only one that will benefit from a particular outcome, I will most definitely be willing to go through the struggle.
What is your quake book?
Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
What is your favourite quote?
“Growth equals change. If you want to get better, you have to keep changing and improving.” – John Maxwell.
For people who are keen in doing mathematics with you, where can they go?
YouTube Channel: Bright Young Brains
Online courses: https://byb.thinkific.com/
Instagram: @le_evy