By Ryanna Hariram
Hey Falcons,
Ever want to learn more about your favourite teachers? Well, we had those same questions, and decided to interview one of everyone’s favourite business teachers, who’s also been missing for a while… Ms. Amygdalidis (better known as Ms. A)! For those who don’t know, Ms. A left earlier this school year in October to go on an early maternity leave. She has since had her baby boy and is thriving in her daily life as a mom.
Now without further ado, here’s the inside scoop on Ms. A’s life at the moment:
1. How’s the baby?
“My little one, Georgios Stefanos, is doing really well. He is healthy, curious, and full of cuddles! It has been a whirlwind, but a beautiful one. These early months are intense and exhausting at times, but they are also filled with so many quiet, tender moments that I have been blessed with and I know I will never get back. Time is flying, he is growing so fast, and I am really trying to soak it all in.”
2. Are you missing FHCI? If so, what are you missing most?
“I miss FHCI more than I expected. The energy of the students, the daily conversations in the halls and in my classroom, and the business buzz of my classroom are hard to replicate at home. I especially miss our DECA Chapter. I have heard about all the updates and progress from students and that has been my highlight as I am cheering on our team from home – FHCI is on to ICDC in Orlando! I am very proud of the progress we have made and the momentum we have going from starting this chapter only 3 years ago. Watching students step into leadership roles, push themselves in competition, and grow in confidence was always a highlight of my school year. There is a strong sense of community at FHCI, and being away from it makes me appreciate it even more.”
3. How are your marketing skills helping you in your mom life?
“Becoming a parent again has really shown me how powerful and persuasive marketing can be – especially in the baby industry. There is so much pressure to buy the latest products that promise to make you a “better” or more prepared parent. Many of these gadgets did not even exist when I had my daughter just four years ago, and it can be overwhelming if you do not know how to filter through the messaging.
In my marketing class, we talk a lot about Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs – and companies play on that. They know parents will instinctively prioritize their child’s safety and well-being, so they label products with terms like, “Pediatrician Recommended,” or “Clinically Tested,” even when those claims are not regulated or supported by solid evidence.
A good example is inclined baby sleepers or loungers that are marketed as must-haves for naps or reflux. While they are beautifully designed and heavily promoted on social media, many of them have been linked to serious safety risks, including suffocation, and are not approved for safe sleep by organizations like Health Canada or the American Academy of Pediatrics. But because they are everywhere and endorsed by influencers, many parents buy them without knowing the risks.
Having a marketing background helps me take a step back, ask questions, and make more informed decisions. It is a skill I hope my students carry with them, too – being able to see through the messaging and think critically about the products and information they are being sold.”
4. When do you think you’ll be back?
“I am planning to return next school year. I am really looking forward to getting back into my business classes, reconnecting with students and staff, and continuing to build on everything we have created – especially with DECA and the senior business courses. I will be coming back with a fresh perspective and probably a few baby stories too.”
5. Finally, what’s been the best part of your leave so far?
“The best part of my leave has been watching the love grow between my two little ones – my daughter, Angelina, and my newborn son, Georgios. Seeing my daughter rush through the door to greet her baby brother, smothering him with hugs, kisses, and songs, is something I will never forget and will cherish forever. She adores him deeply and takes her role as big sister very seriously. What is incredible is how she can calm him with a simple lullaby or a game of peekaboo – she is also the best at patting him on the back to help him burp after a feed. Watching this bond between them blossom into something so strong and genuine makes me feel incredibly blessed and grateful.
At the same time, watching my baby boy discover the world around him for the first time – the little sparks of curiosity, his first smiles and giggles (he is such a smiley baby), and the way he locks eyes with us – it is all a reminder of how special and fleeting these early moments are. Seeing this sibling bond develop alongside his growing awareness of the world has been the most heartwarming and meaningful part of this time.”
And there you have it Falcons! That’s the tea! We know everyone misses Ms. A, so let’s get ready to welcome her back next school year!