MOM NEXT DOOR

LIVE mom next door

Amanda Vincent

BY EMILY DREZ PHOTO BY LAUREN ASHTON LIGHTS DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY

OCCUPATION: OWNER OF STUDYVILLE HUSBAND: BENN CHILDREN: NOAH, 15; WILLIAM, 12 HOBBIES: READING AND HANGING OUT WITH FAMILY

AS parents, Amanda Vincent and her husband, Benn, were frustrated with the homework scene at their own kitchen table every night. They felt like their sons, Noah and William, needed to work not only with their peers but also with expert tutors. “I graduated sixth grade already,” she told them. “Now, it’s your turn.” She realized the importance of having realistic expectations for yourself as a parent and also for your children, so she created Studyville to help students with their schoolwork and to keep families together. Studyville is a tutoring center for students where they can work on homework and get help from tutors if needed. That way, families can have a normal dinner together and not stress about the children’s homework during quality family time. During her daily hustle, Amanda loves raising her boys, working with the students at Studyville, and helping them succeed. Her job has even taught her a few valuable lessons about life that will last a lifetime in the hearts of her children and students: not everyone is perfect, but, with grace and humility, you will succeed.

What does a normal day look like for you?

AMANDA: I work out early in the morning before I take the boys to school. Then, I work from home, pick them up from school or sports practice, and take them to Studyville before we come home and get ready for dinner.

What are the joys and challenges of raising your children?

AMANDA: We have so much fun being their parents, but our schedules are frantic.

In one word, how would you describe yourself as a mother?

AMANDA: Busy.

What do you like to do as a family?

AMANDA: We love to be outside. Some of our favorite outdoor activities are hiking, riding bikes, and kayaking.

What’s your favorite thing about being a mom?

AMANDA: Watching them grow up is definitely the best part. They’re really good kids, so it’s super easy to be their mom. It’s a privilege to raise other human beings. Watching them grow up is definitely the best part. They’re really good kids, so it’s super easy to be their mom. It’s a privilege to raise other human beings.

What has parenthood taught you?

AMANDA: I’ve learned it’s not all about me.

What are some things you hope to teach your children?

AMANDA: Above all things, I hope they learn grace and humility.

What is something your job has taught you?

AMANDA: Working with students all the time has really taught me that no one is perfect, and I try to incorporate that lesson into my own home.

What has been your biggest challenge in parenting during the pandemic?

AMANDA: Having to wear a mask and being in isolation has been really difficult.

What has been your biggest challenge for Studyville during the pandemic?

AMANDA: We’ve only been open during a pandemic, so we actually have no clue what normalcy looks like. We have been very fortunate to have not had an outbreak because we are super careful and obsessive about keeping the space clean and sanctuary. Occasionally, we have had staff exposed and had to shuffle tutors and staff, but we were fortunately well-equipped to do just that. We also understand parents are dealing with everything we are, but on a much deeper level, which is why we offer the ability to cancel anytime without penalty. A parent can call us five minutes before their session and cancel, and they won’t be charged for that. Parents have really appreciated that, and we haven’t had anyone abuse the policy, so we are keeping that in place.

How do you make time to relax?

AMANDA: That’s a good question because I don’t relax, though we try to keep Friday nights and weekends free for family time.

What personality trait of yours do your children also have?

AMANDA: Stubbornness.

What do you want to do that is still on your bucket list?

AMANDA: We were supposed to go to China in 2020, but that didn’t happen for obvious reasons. We’re hoping to get the opportunity to go again, but it’s still up in the air, of course.

Which family member has been your greatest role model in life?

AMANDA: My husband because he’s got it all together. He really is the glue that holds us together. I’m usually going crazy trying to get everything done, and he’s the steady one.

Do you have any advice for other parents?

AMANDA: You don’t have to do it all, it’s okay to make mistakes.

Any advice for students or parents with struggling students?

AMANDA: I would say the same! I was (and still am) a perfectionist in school, so mistakes were really hard for me. No one is harder on me than I am on myself. I had a professor in college who used to tell me, “Amanda, no babies died, and no bombs went to Russia. It’s going to be okay.” It’s a great perspective I still remind myself of daily. ■

Q&A

Before I go out, I always check to make sure I have…

my sunglasses.

In my fridge, you will always find…

raspberries.

Favorite movie growing up…

Gone with the Wind.

My guilty pleasure is…

Hallmark movies.

Music I’m loving… anything classical.

My favorite ice cream is…

Counter Culture Frozen Yogurt.

My dream travel spot is... somewhere in the mountains.