About Me — Mandy Osterhaus Ream

Captivated by the power of sharing stories.

The author listening for a story. Victoria, Canada.

I was a hyper child. I spent a lot of time in my early teens creating a list of synonyms for hyper.

Effervescent. Enthusiastic. Gregarious. Energetic.

I was, and still am, quite enthusiastic.

The author being enthusiastic.

When I cleared my 20’s and celebrated my 30th birthday, I was certain I had “arrived.” Complete self-actualization would descend any day.

Then, after ten years of therapy to understand my anger and anxiety issues, after a triumph over infertility, the birth of two boys, one with Down Syndrome, a break from my life-love of teaching, and navigating the first fourteen years of marriage, I reached my fortieth birthday CERTAIN I had done my work and was now settling into self-actualization.

Then, I agreed to be an elementary school PTA president.

More therapy.

This led me to medication for anxiety with a dab of depression and I concluded I simply had to return to teaching college students for my sanity. It is one of the great joys of my life, teaching college students. That and being in…