Where are they now? Mandy Arthur

Written by: Jacob VanVliet '13

      Thousands of generations of families come through the halls here at Eaton Rapids High school, everyone leaving there own unique legacy. Mandy Arthur has done no different.

      Mandy graduated from Eaton Rapids High School in 2006. "I most remember the really exceptional teachers at ERHS. Each teacher that I had the opportunity to study under routinely went out of their way to help students learn.  That kind of exception is a rarity nearly everywhere else", Mandy says with confidence.

      Mandy went to college for over two years and took a variety of courses ranging from Cultural Anthropology to Advanced Photography. "I enjoy learning and I think I learn best through self-education and experience. Still, I think that I will continue to take courses in subjects that interest me for as long as my curiosity impels me."

      While attending college, Mandy pursued her interest in photography and focused most of her work on senior portraits. Shortly after college, she moved to Eastern Michigan to work at a Music Theatre, where she had the chance to photograph such legends as Eddie Money, Jonny Lang, and Gordon Lightfoot among many others.

      Mandy continued portrait photography as a hobby, while she began studying business and law. While continuing her work with the Theatre, Mandy undertook the management of a variety of different businesses.

      "In addition to work, I took some time to travel after college. On one of the more memorable trips, my dad (Mr. Bos) and I took; we traveled throughout Egypt where we experienced genuine ‘culture shock’."

      Not only has Mandy’s life been fulfilled with great learning opportunities but she has gotten to experience different parts of the world and undergo what she calls a "Life changing experience". Mandy is currently employed and working with Smackwater Jack’s Café, where she is involved in every aspect of the business. 

      What is Smackwater Jack’s Café? It’s an inspired and innovative new cafe located in downtown Rochester, MI. What sets Smackwater a part from competitors is that they include gluten-free and organic selections on their menu in order to provide an option for restricted diets. What makes Smackwater Jack’s unique is that they have a conscience about the food they serve and the service they provide, it’s not a sales pitch- it’s the way they do business!

      Mandy Arthur is happy with where she is now and she enjoys working at Smackwater Jack’s Café. Mandy says her key to success was learning from her failures, and her family. "That philosophy is central to the person that I’ve become," Mandy says with pride. If you’re ever in Rochester, Michigan, stop by Smackwater Jack’s Café and say hi and give her food a try.