IslandFaces 21 Questions with Laura Tam

Born in Jamaica and raised in Trinidad, Laura Tam has dedicated her life to education, psychology, and empowering children across the Caribbean. In this exclusive IslandFaces 21 Questions interview, Laura opens up about her passion for literacy, her journey working with children of diverse abilities, and how her background in psychology influences both her career and personal growth. From her favorite travel destinations to her thoughts on love, relationships, and chasing dreams, Laura shares an inspiring story filled with resilience, purpose, and hope for the future.

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1. Where were you born and raised, and what was life like growing up there?
I was born in Jamaica, but I was raised in Trinidad. Life wasn’t always easy, but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned to appreciate the things we did have. Education was a must and I had that. My family is pretty big, so there were always places to go and cousins to hang out with. Despite what we hear in the news all of the time, Trinidad is a beautiful place, rich with culture, a deep sense of community, and an exciting history, and growing up, I was lucky enough to experience a lot of it!

2. When did you first discover your passion for psychology and teaching?
I can’t say for certain when I discovered my passion for teaching and psychology. I come from a family of teachers and teaching has always come naturally to me. I also have the gift of empathy, and have always seemed to have a good understanding of human behaviour and emotions. So naturally, I ended up within those fields of study and eventually practice.

3. What inspired you to focus on literacy and fine motor skills development in children?
Literacy is a fundamental skill. I think it’s every human being’s right to be able to read, understand, and communicate. I’ve come across so many illiterate adults, or children struggling with their literacy, in the Caribbean. Our education system is flawed, and we need passionate teachers to step up to the plate and do what they can to curb this growing problem. Similarly, our fine motor skills enable us to do almost all basic and complex physical tasks. Being literate and capable of using one’s hands are probably two of the most powerful things anyone can have.

4. Working with children of diverse abilities must be rewarding, what’s been your most memorable experience so far?
Over the last academic year, I worked with an autistic teenager who had severe fine and gross motor delays. His biggest concern was that he couldn’t write and he wanted to work on that particular skill. Within the course of that year, I was able to help transform his writing from scribbles and scratches to clear and legible words and numbers. This development was received both with shock and praise from his other teachers as well as his parents.

5. You also work as a Project Coordinator in marketing, how do you balance psychology and the creative business world?
I don’t know if I have a straight answer for this one! I think my background in psychology is helpful for both managing people, as well as giving my opinion on what people want to see and why.

6. What’s one lesson from university that has stayed with you in both your career and personal life?
You’re going to come across difficult people and challenging situations in every area of your life. The best thing you can do is remain calm, always be respectful, and think on your feet for some creative problem-solving.

7. If you could describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

• Loyal
• Honest
• Empathetic

8. What keeps you motivated on the tough days?
Knowing that my dream life is possible and that the tough days are just a part of learning, and that I’ll be better for them in the long run.

9. Outside of work, how do you like to unwind and relax?
A good beach day cures all! I also really enjoy going to the gym and spending quality time with my friends.

10. What’s your favourite travel destination so far, and where’s still on your bucket list?
My favourite travel destination so far has been Curaçao. There are too many places on my bucket list to say here, but I’d like to visit half of Asia and Europe, Australia, and a handful of other Caribbean islands!

11. If you could live on another Caribbean island for a year, which would you choose and why?
If I could live on another Caribbean island for a year, it would probably be Grenada, because it’s peaceful and quiet, there are lots of activities and adventures to be had in nature, and I think I’d be able to relax and gain a new perspective on life if I took some time away there.

12. Are you more of a beach lover or a mountain explorer?
You would think that I’m more of a beach lover, but really, I’m always excited for an opportunity to explore somewhere or something new in nature.

13. What’s your guilty pleasure food?
Cheesecake!!!!!!!!

14. When it comes to fashion, comfort or glam?
Comfort for sure!

15. What’s your go-to cocktail or drink when you’re out socializing?
I don’t do much drinking anymore, but an ice cold beer is my go-to when I’m in the mood.

16. How important is love and relationships to you at this stage of your life?
Very important. Above all else, I value family, and I’d like to have my own some day. However, starting a family with the wrong partner can have devastating consequences. I’ve found that if you go looking for love, sometimes you put yourself in a position to accept less than what you’re deserving of. So at this stage of my life (and this may sound a bit cliché), I’m going to let love find me, knowing that it must look like mutual respect, loyalty, thoughtfulness, moral and emotional support, and willingness to compromise and work on the hard things.

17. Do you believe in love at first sight, or love that grows over time?
No, I do not believe in love at first sight. Feelings like infatuation and lust emerge easily at first sight. But love is something that has to grow and age like a fine wine. Looks fade with time, and real love is something that sight has no true bearing on.

18. What’s the most romantic thing someone has ever done for you?
I’m not one for huge stereotypical romantic gestures, but I do really enjoy trying new food. So I’d say the most romantic thing anyone has done for me is plan a dinner date somewhere I haven’t tried before, without me having to ask for it.

19. What qualities do you find attractive in a man?
I find it especially attractive when a man is intelligent, hardworking, ambitious, has strong family values, lives by a solid moral and ethical code, and above all is loyal and honest.

20. If you could give one piece of advice to young Caribbean women chasing their goals, what would it be?
To all the young Caribbean women out there chasing their goals and aspirations, don’t give up. The world hasn’t made the road easy for us, but it doesn’t mean that we can’t achieve the things we want and it doesn’t make us undeserving of the things we want. Every trial and tribulation is a stepping stone and a learning experience that will make you better and stronger, and more equipped to face your future. Stay focused on your goals, be open and willing to learn, and don’t be afraid to ask for help, even if it’s just the help of a listening ear so you can vent!

21. Finally, what’s next for Laura Tam? What dreams are you chasing now?
I am on my way to building my own business. I started some time back, and like many, I lost my way and I lost my motivation due to many extraneous factors. But as I said earlier, don’t give up. So I haven’t given up. I’m working on a new qualification to broaden my reach, and without giving too much away, my aim is to ultimately be able to reach as many children in need of educational intervention as possible, and make a difference in their lives and in the life of our community as a whole.