Together We… Strive for Progress

Where would you be without Think Together? For Andrea Suarez, she was enrolled in culinary school before finding her passion for education. Now Andrea is an Assistant Site Coordinator for Howard Tanner Elementary in the OC region where she strives for progress over perfection. Learn more about Andrea by reading below.
What are your professional goals for 2025 and how do you continue to stay inspired at Think Together?
As we start off a new year, I want to continue learning about all the great programs and learning opportunities Think Together has to offer students and their families. My professional goals are to grow into a new position where I can continue to share my creativity and passion for student success.
What has been your favorite place that you have travelled to?
The Grand Canyon was the most amazing place I’ve visited. It was a quick stop my parents made while on a road trip to Chicago and even though we weren’t there for long, it’s been a treasured core memory. The views were unbelievable, and the air was so crisp and fresh. I was standing on land but at the same time walking on clouds. I would love to go back to the Grand Canyon and explore it with my kids so they too can experience the amazing feeling.
What has been your favorite/ most proud project to have been a part of while at Think Together?
It was putting a presentation together and leading a group of students in a LEGO STEM activity. This project gave K-5 students the opportunity to learn about coding, movement, and engineering as they built a theme park with LEGOs. The students did an amazing job working together and adding their creativity into their theme parks. I felt so proud of everyone, and their projects were so cool I had to leave them up on display!
If you could be the lead singer in any band, past or present, which band would you choose and why?
I would be the lead singer for the band Train because whenever I listen to their music, I can’t help but feel happy. Their music is catchy and easy to sing along with and gives you a sense of hope and goodness.
What is the best piece of advice you have received that you like to share with others?
Something I’ve been told and started to tell my kids and students I work with is “Progress over perfection.” Those three simple words have been a game changer for me when it comes to reducing stress. I don’t believe perfection exists because it looks different to everyone. Even when you think you have reached perfection, you find that there is still more you can do to make it better. However, progress is something anyone can notice and appreciate.
If you weren’t an Assistant Site Coordinator or in the education field, what career would you be pursuing?
I would be a pastry chef. Fun fact about me is I went to culinary school after high school before pursuing a career working in education.
You are someone who sees both sides of Think Together as an Assistant Site Coordinator and as a parent at Think Together. What can you share about this unique experience?
Having the opportunity to do both roles is amazing. I not only get a chance to help our children learn and grow but I also get to share those opportunities with my own kids. They enjoy having me around and think it’s cool they get to call me Mrs. Andrea, instead of mom. I enjoy the Assistant Site Coordinator side because I see all the hard work that it takes to provide all the resources offered. As a parent, it just makes me feel extra thankful for the hard work that everyone puts in to bring the programs to the schools.
Outside of work, what do you do for fun?
I like to relax at home with a family game night or movie night with my kids.