Mandy, a graduate from Bowling Green University with a degree in Early Childhood Education, has been with A Grade Ahead for almost 6 years. Mandy is the Franchise Manager and helps manage and mentor all 34 A Grade Ahead academies throughout the nation. We sat down between Mandy’s franchise visits and asked her a few questions so that you all could get to know her better. Enjoy!
What is your favorite part of working for A Grade Ahead?
The laid-back atmosphere, and the owners of the company who have been tremendous mentors! I also enjoy traveling around the country to visit our locations and working with all the unique personalities I’ve had the opportunity to interact with along the way.
What would you like to do most in the future? (Either professionally or personally)
Sell all my possessions and travel the world!
What do you like to do for fun?
Spending time with my son, traveling, reading poetry, listening to music, yoga, and meditation.
If you could go anywhere, where would you go? Why?
La Casa del Arbol in Banos, Ecuador. It’s called the swing at the edge of the world! You swing over the edge of a mountain with an active volcano in the background.
What historical figure do you think is a good role model for kids? Why?
Frida Kahlo. She had no fear of being herself and expressing herself.
What is the best advice for students who want to excel in school?
Always remember that education is a gift that no one can ever take away from you. It’s the gift that keeps on giving and will lay out the foundation for your future. Take advantage of each opportunity and learning experience!
What is your favorite educational or motivational quote?
“When you go out into the woods, and you look at trees, you see all these different trees. And some of them are bent, and some of them are straight, and some of them are evergreens, and some of them are whatever. And you look at the tree and you allow it. You see why it is the way it is. You sort of understand that it didn’t get enough light, and so it turned that way. And you don’t get all emotional about it. You just allow it. You appreciate the tree. The minute you get near humans, you lose all that. And you are constantly saying ‘You are too this, or I’m too this.’ That judgment mind comes in. And so I practice turning people into trees. Which means appreciating them just the way they are.” ~ Ram Dass
Have any other questions that you would like to know about our A Grade Ahead staff?
Author: Linzy Elias, Marketing Assistant at A Grade Ahead
Very nice quote at finish. Love your efforts Mandy. Keep up the good efforts, spirit and friendliness. We really appreciate working with you.