How Service Abroad Sparked a Passion for Adult Learning with Chandra Kydd

In thisepisode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, host Amy Stone speaks with Chandra Kydd, educator, author, and founder of Smart Kid Concepts. Chandra shares her inspiring journey from discovering a life-changing Peace Corps poster in college to spending three transformative years serving in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Together, they explore how unexpected opportunities, service, and embracing imperfect paths can shape meaningful adult lives.About the Guest:Chandra Kydd is the founder of Smart Kydd Concepts, LLC, an award-winning adult educator, author, and speaker who believes education is the key to success and personal growth. Her passion for education began as a U.S. Peace Corps volunteer and has led her to guide thousands of students, from middle school to post-secondary and GED programs, toward achieving diplomas, careers, and brighter futures. Chandra is also a best-selling author who has shared her story and insights at major book signings, including the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books and the London Mind, Body & Spirit Festival. She also provides motivational speaking, interactive webinars, and personalized consultations to empower learners, educators, and organizations.Main Topics Covered:The moment a college hallway poster changed Chandra’s lifeWhat the Peace Corps is and what it actually looks like “on the ground”The application process, challenges, and reality checks of serving internationallyDesigning education centers and health/wellness programs in St. VincentThe emotional challenge of “coming home” after immersive international serviceAdult learning: why adults need motivation, structure, and support for successThe creation of Smart Kid Concepts and the Smart Giving ProjectThe power of service, community, and continuing to learn as an adultFeatured Quote:“They appreciated my presence so much. Every little thing, just me being there, leaving, knowing that I left home to be there with them, to show them anything that I knew—to them, they were so grateful. And they were so appreciative, and I was so grateful for everything they taught me.” — Chandra KyddFind Chandra Kydd Online:Website: www.smartkidconcepts.comTimestamps:03:07 – The poster that changed everything: discovering the Peace Corps05:06 – Chandra’s college dreams before the Peace Corps08:17 – Early inspiration for service and family influences10:36 – The Peace Corps application: challenges and perseverance16:24 – “Boots on the ground” in St. Vincent: project work and community embrace27:02 – The joys and challenges of coming home after service33:00 – Founding Smart Kid Concepts and motivation for adult learners41:16 – The Smart Giving Project and serving the local South Florida community43:12 – Show wrap-up, giveaway instructions, and Chandra’s online info44:23 – Fun rapid-fire questions: morning routines, best advice, and favorite vacation stylesIf you love the show and you'd like to support it directly you can tip the host here https://imperfect-adulting.captivate.fm/supportNever Miss a Moment of Imperfect AdultingWe invite you to join our email community and let us bring the podcast directly to you! As a subscriber, you'll receive notifications about new episodes, exclusive offers from our amazing guests, and easier access to any of the important links mentioned on the show—no more scrambling to write down websites or remember special codes.Why subscribe?Stay up-to-date without checking your podcast appGet guest offers delivered straight to your inboxAccess all important links in one convenient placeCatch the highlights even when you don't have time to listenAre you ready? Join us at https://www.imperfectadulting.com If you have a story to share and you'd like to be a guest on The Art of Imperfect Adulting, here are the steps for how you can make that happen. Pitch yourself at https://www.imperfectadulting.com/be-a-guestHere are a few resources that Amy uses to make all this great content. These are affiliate links :-)For livestreaming and recording ECamm https://www.ecamm.com/mac/ecammlive/?fp_ref=amy69Podcast hosting and distribution: Captivate FM https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=ntczmwi Website hosting with Siteground https://www.siteground.com/?referrer_id=9115590Ai Transcription Tool: Castmagic https://get.castmagic.io/ugrmjjrt8ofjFor Email I recently switched to Beehiiv https://www.beehiiv.com?via=Amy-Stonebefore that I used Kit. Books I like and books written by show guests on Bookshop.org https://bookshop.org/lists/podcast-guest-authors