Smith Minard teaches Spanish at Seattle Academy of Arts and Sciences, where she also coaches tennis and helps lead outdoor and international trips. She earned her B.A. in Spanish and Sociology at Furman University, where she spent a semester abroad in Spain, completed undergraduate research on second language acquisition, and did an internship at the US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in D.C. Her most recent accolade is becoming a bestselling author of her debut book “Embrace Your Story: A Young Woman’s Guide to Discover Who You Are, Where to Go, And Why You Matter.” A mentor for almost a decade and honorary big sister, Smith has logged thousands of hours spent with young women, hearing their stories, and helping guide them through life with tips and practical wisdom. She wants readers to know that they have what it takes to embrace their own story, no matter how messy it may seem. Smith is a Georgia native, loving life currently in the Pacific Northwest. When she’s not teaching or writing, she is finding joy in her journey by reveling in the little moments, like enjoying a great sunset, a good book in the sunshine, or a hike through the Cascades with her fiancé or closest friends.
Trenches story: Primarily a HS teacher. Last yr taught 4 classes 8th grade. Gave her respect for MS t’s. One day in particular was tough. Was in the corner of the CR about to cry. Called in a learning specialist. She was very helpful & affirming. Left a chime bell she could use to get attn. The use of the chime was a learning curve. Better to not have to use her voice.
Her first book is called “Embrace Your Story: A Young Woman’s Guide to Discover Who You Are, Where to Go, And Why You Matter”. Came out on Oct. 24 used self-publishing.com; geared towards young ADULTS, 16-22. Talks a lot about transitions you go through as young adult. Figuring about what you want to do w/ your life. Could be a tool for school counselors, some teachers. Some parents who buy it. There are a lot of student quotes. It walks young adults through transitions in life.
How long have you wanted to write a book? since she was a little girl, she journaled her whole life. Long-time goal. In her book, she implemented journal ?’s at the end of every chapt. Cool thing to talk to kids about. Fell b/w her two passions which is writing and young ppl.
What is the biggest problem teen girls are facing today? She has a whole chapt. about loneliness, isolation, having adults in their lives. They can feel alone even if they’re surrounded by others. There are pros & cons w/ social media. Has 2 chapters, one on how it can effect their health. Higher anxiety, depression, suicide rates. Anonymous letters w/ 200 st’s. “What do you wish adults knew about being your age?” Some girls can have strict boundaries, take app off their phone & take break. In her CR, she has a pocket phone “jail”.
How can girls make real and genuine friends? Trust and building solid relationships- she has a whole chapt. on that. Aligning values w/ friends. She has a chapt. on building community & aligning yourself w/ ppl of the same values. She talks about her own journey about 8-10th grade, b/w 2 friend groups. Self-evaluated how she felt w/ certain friend groups. You have to put yourself out there. Join clubs, go on school trips, etc.
How can we let go of comparison and people pleasing for good and live the life we’ve always wanted? She talks about it in her book from adult point of view and teens. Comparison & social media part. She can talk about some positive sides to social media. Gives tips on how to have a healthy relationship w/ it. Learn “what do I want”. Journal, don’t listen to other voices telling you what to do. Best way is through journaling, self-reflecting, having ppl rally around you.
What’s your craziest story from teaching high school? Spanish activities & things she does in her CR. Has taken st’s to Costa Rica. Follows “organic WL”, where it’s 100% in the Target Lang. They have to act it out, draw, etc. Community of trust. She tries to hook kids while it’s interesting to them.
What is the importance of faith in your life? Can talk about having affinity groups, they have Muslim, Jewish, Christian, BSU groups @ her school. Seattle is a very secular city, so when kids can express their faith, it’s impactful. For a few years at her school there’s been affinity groups. The affinity groups were decided on the school level. Some st’s have felt alone in their faith. 30 kids come to the Christian group every week.
Out of everything: biggest thing she tries to tell st’s- You won’t remember grades you got; you’ll remember relationships & how you made people feel. Click To Tweet. Joy, laughter in CR.
Where can ppl find you online: https://www.amazon.com/Embrace-Your-Story-Womans-Discover-ebook/dp/B0CHX1K17T?ref_=ast_author_mpb
My website: https://www.smithminard.com
Amazon Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJ4F7DVN?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Amazon Link to review: https://www.amazon.com/review/create-review/?ie=UTF8&channel=glance-detail&asin=B0CJ4F7DVN
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smith_childs/
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@smithminard
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/44511884.Smith_Minard
Sign up for my “Friday Recap” weekly email to your inbox: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/627adf9746c9ddac8218a266
View this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/MzXPrn-uhSw
MORE EPISODES
