Amanda "Mandy" Marie Brock, offers this advice to first-year students, "believe in yourself and don't ever give up!"This reporter would add "buy more coffee (preferably from Mandy)!"
Interviewed by Nikolai Morse ‘24
Hello, Mandy! Thank you for taking the time to sit down with us. Could you start off by telling us a little bit about yourself?
I am from Orange County originally, but grew up in Charlottesville after moving here when I was 13. I’ve been at UVA Law for 15 years now.
Everyone calls you Mandy–what’s your full name?
Amanda Marie Brock.
That’s a lovely name–family name?
Yes, my cousin picked it.
I am always amazed at how many people’s names you seem to know. How do you remember them all?
I just try to focus on the unique things about people, and if they have unique names it makes it easier.
Another thing I love about coming to grab coffee from you, is that you always have excellent music playing. Who are some of your favorite artists?
I like the classics. Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Al Green, and music like that. I don’t like a lot of new music.
Any favorite spots or recommendations in Charlottesville?
Well, I’m pretty busy with work and family so I don’t go out to eat a lot, but there is a lot to do in Charlottesville especially with all of the nature in the area. I love Mel’s Café.
What do you do for fun? You work hard and deserve a break!
I love to travel. We take a lot of trips to North Carolina and other weekend trips around the region.
And how do you like Charlottesville and UVA?
Oh yes, I love it. The students and people I work with are wonderful and make me so happy.
I think every student feels that way about you. You’re a staple of this school and actually, I had heard of you even before my first day. Do you have any favorite memories of your time here at the Law School?
I do. I remember this one year, there was this student who was in her first year. I would see her around and had gotten to know her. Around finals time, she actually came to me and broke down. I talked with her and she told me that she didn’t think she could do it, and wanted to drop out. I told her she had made it here and could do it. Years later when she had graduated and was a lawyer, she came back to the Law School and said maybe I didn’t remember her, but that I was the reason she stayed in law school. I said I remembered her, and I still do. That has always meant so much to me and stayed with me.
That’s incredible. Thank you for sharing that story. Alright, let’s do a lightning round. Ready?
Alright!
Favorite color?
Blue.
Favorite food or dessert?
I love chocolate cake. We used to have some in the café here!
Favorite holiday?
Thanksgiving. It isn’t stressful, and it’s so nice to be with all my family.
Zodiac sign?
Gemini.
Favorite movies?
The Halloween movies. The original ones.
The originals are great. Are you a big horror movie fan?
Yes, I am. I would always watch them with my mother growing up.
Thanks so much, Mandy. This has been terrific.
Of course. Thank you and I will see you around!