Amanda Jainte'

License: TX #MT119768

I want to create a safe and relaxing environment so that my clients' stress and pain can melt away. I want to bring smiles to the people around me by relieving their stress. It is a passion of mine to make people feel better!

I was drawn to massage because of the suffering I have witnessed in my life, and the amplified desire to help others, and to find happiness in my work and life.

Since Memorial Day has just passed and my story is strongly linked to a Fallen Soldier, I would like to start with her story. Her name was SPC Nichole Marie Frye. Nichole was 19 years old when she was killed in action on February 16, 2004.

I met SPC Nichole Frye February 15, 2004, the day before she passed. She worked Civil Affairs at a desk 20 feet from mine at the Government building in Baquabah, Iraq. We were coming back from chow and we started chatting. I don’t remember specifics but I am sure I was telling her the do’s and dont’s since she was new. We ended up bonding over similar thoughts on hair and nails. We decided to try and have a “sleep over”. I know very girly and not very soldier like. I asked my supervisor if I could stay at the government building and hang out with SPC Frye. I told him that there was a convoy looking for a driver and I could come back in the morning. He said no. At the time, I was irritated that he said no but that decision saved my life. Thank you SGT Davis! SPC Frye, volunteered that next morning to drive in a convoy that was coming to my camp. Nichole was going to hang out with me at Camp Warhorse. I woke up to a massive explosion that next morning. An improvised explosive device had detonated at the front gate. SPC Frye was driving. My unit and the other units in my area of operation had lost soldiers but she was the first female. It changed everyone, especial me. It felt like I went from being surrounded by hundreds of comrades to having hundreds of over protective brothers.

Nichole and I had a lot in common. We both were cheerleaders in high school, both short with brown eyes and brown hair, and we both had loving families waiting for us back home. I wish I would have had more time to get to know her. She was very sweet and fun. All of these things made me realize how precious life is. Since then I make every decision considering that she didn’t get the opportunity. I told myself I can't take my life for granted. Her memory deserves better than that. This is why I have 127 credit hours almost 5 different associates degrees. I knew that I needed to live a life doing what make me happy and will offer me the low stress life style I want. After getting my associates degree in Criminal Justice Law Enforcement I began to fill out applications.

For some reason I just couldn’t go through with it. I realized I hadn’t found that career that will make me happy. I knew I wanted to help people. When researching my next move I came across massage. I found Lauterstein-Conway Massage School. I am so glad I did! 

I was 31 years old before I found a career I was passionate about. It’s been a long journey. Thank you SPC Nichole Frye for your sacrifice. Thank you to the support of my friends and family.