We recently had the chance to connect with Dana Blow and have shared our conversation below.
Dana, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
Since the last article, our family has been blessed with another bundle or joy, so I am currently in the season of life with an infant and no two days are the same! However, in general the first 90 minutes are as follows: Wake and read a devotional or Bible passage while nursing baby. Make sure my older kids are up and eating breakfast. On school days, I get dresssed and we hop in the vehicle for our commute while lately listening to songs by Forrest Frank. It helps us all get our day off to a joyful start.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Dana Blow, the founder and Head of School at Solid Rock Preparatory Academy. We are a Preschool-5th Grade University-Model® School that offers a unique blend of traditional schooling and homeschooling. We partner with parents to provide students a Christ-centered college prep education while cultivating Christ-like servant leadership skills. In our model, students attend class on our campus two days a week, then do school at home (or at the trampoline park, in the car, or in between play dates) on the alternate days.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I was often called “shy” because I was quiet upon initially meeting people or in new situations or places. In college while taking child development classes, I learned about different temperaments of children –and people in general– have. When I read one called “slow to warm up to” it was like looking in a mirror. Those with a “slow to warm up to” personality are observant and need time to process and adjust to new situations, Their strengths include impulse control, introspection, empathy, and problem solving. So, what I thought was a weakness because it was often spoken in a negative way, became my super power! Now I am able to encourage my own children or students who have a similar temperament and teach other parents how to set their children up for success when they are in new situations.
Is there something you miss that no one else knows about?
I miss hearing my dad tell me stories about his life… his childhood, how he met my mom, what it was like to be a first time parent, and so much more. Growing up, I heard these stories on our hours-long road trips. He passed away in 2014.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say faith, family, and education matter to me.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I would immediately stop doing housework and cooking… I would hire someone else to do both for me. With a family of seven, these things take up a lot of time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.solidrockprep.org
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/solidrockprep
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/solidrockprep
