Aces of Trades: As academic advisor, Frias helps students navigate way
NEWARK ― She’s independent, with a desire to empower and inspire others.
“I’ve always been very independent,” confirmed Brandy Frias. “I have a ‘beat to my own drum,’ as my parents would say, not in an odd or weird way, I just look at things differently with a passionate heart and kind soul. I’m a very good problem solver and have great initiative. For example, if a large crowd is trying to exit two doors because they all just follow like a flock of sheep, I’m the one looking for a back door.”
“I had the typical ‘I want to be an astronaut’ thoughts when I grew up,” she added, “but nothing ever stuck until I was in my late teens. I knew I wanted to work with people, more specifically children in some capacity. But academia? Absolutely not! Well, not in the picture that comes to mind – room full of old professors with their reading glasses, paper/pencils in hand. I knew, though, that I liked teaching. More specifically, empowering and inspiring others to be the best they can.”
Today, Frias is an academic advisor at Central Ohio Technical College (COTC).
“In essence,” she explained, “I assist students with educational and sometimes life goal planning, counsel/mentor and support students in their time of need and be the best GPS they will ever have. Siri has nothing on me. I simply tell students, “You’re in the driver’s seat. I’m your navigation system. I’m here to point things out along the way. If I point out Chipotle, but you want Cane’s, then we go to Cane’s. Either way, you’re gonna get to where you need to go. I just ask that we have good music (aka good communication/conversation) to listen to along the way.’”
Frias was born and raised in Columbus, graduated from Fort Hayes Arts & Academic High School in 1997, then Capital University with a degree in social work. “Honestly, I didn’t know where I wanted to go,” she said. “I just knew I wanted to play volleyball and go someplace where I could major in education. They had both, so I went there.” She then earned a master’s in education at Ashland University. Frias moved to Newark nearly 10 years ago with her husband and 3 kids. Then came COTC.
“My interest sparked,” she said, “when I first moved to Newark in 2013 and my drive home from work in Columbus took me past COTC every day. I told myself, ‘I think I’m meant to work there. That would probably be a great place to work and make a difference.’ However, I had no idea of what I could do or how. I then did some research and thought, ‘Maybe I could teach a course or two in social work or early childhood.’ I have the unique background of being well versed in both. I simmered on it for a few years, but nothing came out of it.”
Then a good friend told her COTC was looking to hire an advisor.
“I had all the qualifications, so I went for it,” Frias said.
“Brandy’s personality is that of the perfect blend of mother/teacher/nurse,” said Jonathan Havens, who used to work with Frias in Columbus. “She’s someone who wouldn’t overreact in a tense situation while other people are melting down. Her personality was always up-beat because she knew whatever she was handling in her world, she also had to be there to support the families/co-workers/and teams that relied on her. She’s one of those all around good people you’re happy to see when you get to work. You know they’re there hoping you have a great day no matter what.”
“I truly think I have a gift for working with people,” Frias responded. “Externally, I’m a very humble person when it comes to my work ethic and dedication, but my internal drive to be great is where I sometimes lose sleep. I have overall great mental health, thanks to my calm soul and easy going spirit. But ‘perseverance’ is tattooed on my arm in big bold letters if that says anything.”
For more information
Central Ohio Technical College is located at 1179 University Dr. in Newark. For more information, call 740-366-9222 or log on www.cotc.edu.
Aces of Trades is a weekly series focusing on people and their jobs – whether they're unusual jobs, fun jobs or people who take ordinary jobs and make them extraordinary. If you have a suggestion for a future profile, let us know at advocate@newarkadvocate.com or 740-328-8821.
This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: As an academic advisor, Frias helps COTC students navigate their way
