The Mana Mantra

Hello Beautiful People,

Today was one of those days when I wanted to pull my hair out while teaching…

…a day that gave me more grey hair than I care to admit…

…a day that made me…strongly dislike being in the classroom.

And you know what got me through?

The Mana Mantra.

I heard about the magnificent Mana Allen before I actually had the pleasure of meeting her in the flesh.  As you all know, the last question of every Q&A that I ask, whether you are a teacher, author, actress, actor, musician, producer, etcetera is – Who is was your greatest teacher?

When two people told me, Mana Allen, I knew I had to meet this woman.

Mana is the sort of teacher who should teach teachers how to teach. Mana is the sort of person who inspires everyone she meets. Mana is the type of person who could cultivate a love of Broadway in someone who had never stepped foot in a theater. Mana is the type of person who makes lemonade out of lemons.  Mana is the type of person who makes you proud to call yourself an actress, a writer, a singer, an artist, and/or a teacher. Mana, quite simply, is a gift to education and the Broadway community.

Fear not readers, as there will be an epic, EPIC Q&A featuring this phenomenal woman in the near future.  You will learn about Broadway, about NYC in the 70s and 80s, about what it’s like to quite literally grow up in the houses of Broadway theatres.

Mana is the first person to tell you that she never wanted to be a star, that she just wanted to be a part of the party, the part of Broadway, the party that is the American musical.  She is the first person to tell you that she is just a connector…but I am here to tell you that she is so much more than that…

…she is an igniter.

She has helped cultivate and nurture  more careers than I could possible count.  And that’s not just performers, it’s all of her students – regardless of what his/her occupation ends up being.  For she helps people realize their greatness, their maximum potential – she lifts you up, she gives you clarity, and guides you on the path that you have decided to walk upon. 

Today, when faced with a rather unpleasant situation as an educator, I thought of her wisdom. Her strength. The pure, beautiful, wonderful love she has for education and her students. 

And you know what?

Sometimes, all you need are the wise words of a mentor to get you through a terrible day.

Thank you, Mana.

Live, Love, Learn,

Megan & The Write Teacher(s)