I always had a propensity for numbers, coupled with a deep connection to the imagination. I joke that I practically emerged from the womb fluent in mathematics, despite the fact that I could barely put together a coherent sentence in English. I spoke my own vivid language quite fluently, yet it wasn’t one that made much sense to those around me. My peers—and even some of my earliest teachers—were quick to label me as “slow” and “learning disabled.”
Subsequently, I was taken out of my mainstream classroom to attend resource and work with a speech therapist. I felt a great deal of shame and isolation being limited to the lowest level “cat, hat, bat, sat” reading group in my second-grade classroom. Furthermore, it baffled me that my supposed language barrier would somehow negate my demonstrated aptitude for math, with the teacher outright denying me participation in the accelerated math group. After a year of senseless charade games and haphazard attempts at securing an in-roads to my education, I ultimately found myself in a different classroom with a new kind of teacher… a teacher who changed everything. She had us learn about history through reenactments and monologues, explore scientific principles through song and dance, memorize formulas through mnemonics and clever raps and rhymes. I eagerly took to this expressive, performative, kinesthetic, outside-the-box learning style — and with that — something within me “clicked.” I was no longer limited in fluency to just numbers and Cindy gibberish. I found my way into learning through an innovative approach, and with the help of a teacher who saw something in me – who mentored me and believed in me – I transformed from a delayed learner to an honors student.
I went on to excel both in school and in the arts. Come 5th-grade, I would go home after school with friends and we would work on assignments together… everything from word problems and creative writing journals, to book reports. Next thing I knew, their parents were contacting my parents and offering to compensate me for studying with and “teaching” my friends. Hence, at 10-years-old, I began my very own mama-papa tutoring service.
We all have different strengths and it’s important that you find yours.
Teaching comes very intuitively to me. Drawing upon my background in theatre and psychology, along with years of analytical and creative writing, fluency in mathematics, and an in-depth understanding of individual learning styles, I possess a myriad of resources to help guide my approach. Educational mentoring is my gift and my passion.
The word passion can be broken down into Pass I On. I have a passion for activating a spark in those whom I get to mentor, and then encouraging them to grow that spark into something that ignites their curiosity and creativity both inside and outside the classroom. Education serves as the vehicle for me to “pass along my passion” while encouraging others to do the same.
Therefore I set up a personalized education and mentoring service which helps students discover their personal ambitions, desires, goals—and ultimately—their ‘why’ in the world. Rainbow EDU provides a “full-spectrum” of services that are tailored to individuals and their personal paths. No story is the same.
Adversity makes us stronger, as well as teamwork.
That which has challenged me has led to the most invaluable epiphanies and prolonged success. As an entrepreneur, I have learned the value of failing, gleaning insight, and emerging wiser and more determined than ever before. Experience has taught me the importance of surrounding myself with passionate, savvy people who believe what I believe as well as those who excel in areas in which I do not. Delegating is key, and while we can achieve amazing feats on our own, teamwork brings out everyone’s best selves. Collaboration is the stuff of growth. Many years ago, I dealt with a challenging business partner and had to go separate ways and return to my roots. It was one of the best hard-knocks I’ve ever had to move through, grow from, and ultimately transcend.
Moreover, I have mentored students who’ve dealt with severe trauma or hardships as well as those in recovery from substance abuse or eating disorders. My clients often become like family, and partaking in high-stakes interventions has come with this journey, along with the heartbreak of attending a few memorial services and speaking to a congregation of a deceased client’s legacy well before his/her prime. I’ve dealt with volatile family politics, parents who don’t speak with one another, a disconnect between student and parent, unfathomable expulsions and educational obstacles, families who have lost their homes in these rampant fires…you name it. I could write a book about the struggles I’ve encountered in this work, as well as the innumerable rewards that come from working for the joy and finding joy in the work. I feel truly blessed.
If I could do it all over again …
I believe that there is more than one way to get to where we’re going, and I trust that no matter what detours I might have taken along the way, I would eventually end up on the path that I am on now. Obviously, certain paths are more direct and offer a means of less resistance, yet I feel like everything I’ve experienced and encountered along the way has been perfectly tailored to shape me into who I am today…informing all that I have to give and the optimal mode of expression. My life isn’t happening to me; it is undoubtedly happening for me. The answers have always been there. If anything, I would tell my younger self to trust her instincts – and that what might have felt like rejection could’ve very well been the Universe’s way of protection. As I look back now, I see the lesson and merit in everything I’ve done, and so why change it?!
Cindy Chanin runs Rainbow EDU Consulting & Tutoring – https://learn.rainboweduconsulting.com/info/