A Life In Words With Olga Fyne
Olga Why don’t you give us some details about you and your story? How did you get to where you are today?
It’s a long story. However, I believe I was born with a gift to speak and an insatiable appetite for writing. It all started as a child with writing in school, where all my teachers used to show off my writing to their colleagues, and my pastor and Sunday School teachers, took special pride in my ability to recite to the largest crowd possible, with correct pronunciation, enunciation, diction, and all. As I grow older, the desire to write and speak became more intense. Writing then, became a hobby. I would write at every available opportunity about anything, anywhere. I suddenly became aware of this, when I started to find pieces of writing with my name written on it, so I started collecting my writing pieces( usually poems) in one place. In 2008, I decided to publish my first three children’s books, namely, My Shadow is a Copycat, Squirrel Race and Jerry, and Sherry. I continued to write since then, and I am now a published author of 13 adult and children’s books. I’ve also authored several poems and numerous inspirational quotes. My writing ability has not only enhanced my speaking ability, but opened other doors for me to visit schools, host conferences, and facilitate workshops.
I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?
I was born in Jamaica West Indies to a poor family of 14 children. Neither my mother nor father had a secular Job. My father was a small scales farmer, who made his living while farming for the family and selling the little he could, to take care of us. My mother’s only job was taking care of us children and raising her family. I was also a very sickly child, who started school at 7 years old. I managed to earn my first degree despite the odds and became a public-School teacher. I taught for at least 10 years in Jamaica West Indies, after which I migrated to the USA, where I continued teaching in the NYC Public Schools for 25 years, while still going to school and raising a family of five. Today I hold a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree plus 30 credits above, permanent NYS certification in Schools District Administration, permanent NYS certification in Elementary Education, and a host of other professional certificates.
Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in and why should someone work with you over the competition?
After 25 successful years in the NYC public schools as a teacher, I decided to retire early, where I believe I could spend more time in writing while pursuing it as a career. Today, most of my time is spent writing, while working privately as a teacher trainer, a pastor, private consultant Keynote Public Speaker. As a pastor, I found it to be extremely rewarding, as I spend my time, preaching, counseling, and ministering to the needs of others. People are easily drawn to me because I’m passionate about their needs and find great delight in helping them. Among the many hats which I wear, I really believe I have an instinct for writing and sharing, especially rhymes and poems with children. When I schedule author’s visits to schools, there’s nothing like seeing the faces of children light up, as they repeat rhyming songs, gems, and poems. This is just a delight for me. Hearing that Dr. Fyne will be visiting their school today, is like music to the ears of many children.
What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life?
I would advise anyone who desires to find success, that there will be discouraging moments, but you must never give up. Finally, try harder when you most feel like giving up, and realize that the more failures you have, the greater your chances for success.
Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?
For many people, success means different things. I believe success is pursuing poignantly what you’re most passionate about and have the opportunity and privilege to do it. I believe everyone was born for a purpose and that no one can be fulfilled until he found out why he exists. Mark Twain said: The two most important days in your life, are the day you were born and the day you find out why. That’s my definition of success.
What’s next for you?
After writing so many books, my next move is to promote them by animating all the children’s books and narrating my adult books, to be read on Audible. I also hope to expand my speaking career in every way possible, so my message will spread far and wide. Finally, I’m overly concerned about the Pandemic and will be doing everything that lies in my power to help alleviate it . One of those things is to organize a global Family Prayer Summit, to pray, not just for our nations but the world at large.
Finally, I have always dreamed of giving back in a very substantial way , not just to my native country Jamaica, West Indies, but to as many people as possible, who are in need. I believe I will be able to do this and more .if I am highly successful in the sales of my books
