Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Harenberg.
Hi Amy, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
So I was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. I spent my whole life there and loved living in the city I had come to know and love since childhood. I taught as a Chicago Public Schools teacher after graduating from college. I loved my life as a teacher for the district that quite literally raised me. But then the pandemic hit, and my world was turned upside down. Supporting and teaching students through a computer screen (and still teaching some in person) became a juggling act that I couldn’t manage. It was still too much when we finally went back in person full-time. There was so much social, mental, and academic backup from the lack of a normal school setting. The 1.5 years without a normal school setting deeply affected everything about education. The pandemic had seriously changed life as my kids and I knew it. And we were facing the consequences every day. My mental health took a serious dip because of this.
I felt myself pouring my metaphorical cup into my children over and over. Yet it didn’t feel like I had anything left for myself, which hurt. It hurt so bad. I felt myself slipping away and becoming this sad, hopeless person I couldn’t even recognize anymore. I desperately craved a new beginning. So I decided to step away from teaching and focus on my mental health. I decided to focus on what would make me feel fulfilled again- what would make me feel alive since I hadn’t felt alive in so long. I started contemplating moving to a new city because I also craved a new environment. So I packed up and, with the help of my friends and family- set off for Austin, TX. And I haven’t looked back since. I’m so very, very grateful to be here.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I will say- it’s not easy. Not at all. I get homesick all the time. I miss my mom, my dad, family, and friends. But I know this is what I need to do. I know this is what is going to bring me true happiness. I’m already learning so much about myself. Being all alone out here is helping me see things in a way I have never seen them before. I feel conscious and clear about the kind of person I want to be. And I’m working hard every day to become that girl. I’m leaning hard into my gut and the path I know I was destined to take. I don’t know what my next career move will be, but I know I’m going to enter it with absolutely everything I got.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
So since I’m taking a break from my teaching career, I’m allowing myself to pursue a more creative role. I am very into photography, editing, and videography. I love making Tik Toks and Instagram Reels for coffee shops, restaurants, events, and anything. I like capturing the joy behind people’s eyes, and I’m able to do so behind the lens of a camera. I am trying to shoot more content for myself to build a portfolio. Once I have that set in stone, I will put myself out there to different companies to see if I can offer my creative work to them in whatever capacity they may need me.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check?
I’m a huge bookworm. So I enjoy reading books that help me mentally and physically keep my life on the right path. I am reading “Atlas of the Heart” by Brene Brown.
She’s an author and researcher on shame, resilience, and the emotions all humans face throughout life. As far as podcasts go, I love to listen to “Mindset Mentor” by Rob Dial. They’re such quick and easy episodes to listen to. They’re never more than 20 minutes, and they give me the exact guidance I’m looking for. I’m also a huge believer in journaling and self-reflection. Humans are typically speaking- visual learners. So writing down the emotions you’re feeling helps you better understand them because you can physically see them when you’re journaling. This helps you better process your feelings rather than just keeping them in your head!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Www.Instagram.com/miniburger_
