Well hello there 311 nation! Are we ready for another edition of the fan spotlight? Without further delay, let’s meet Amanda Sczesniak!
So originally Amanda wasn’t a fan of 311. She and her now husband were dating at the time and while he tried to get her to listen, she wasn’t having it. She finally caved and fell head over heels for their music back in 2008.
Show count is roughly 10-12 but that’s not counting the cruise. First show for her was in 2008 at the amphitheater in St. Louis during a summer tour. Favorite event is of course the cruise! “My hubby and I are getting ready to embark on our 4th of 6, and it is the single best time I have had in my life! The people make it.”
The song “Two Drops in the Ocean” means the world to Amanda as it was one of the first songs that her husband got her to listen to. “He said it “fit” our relationship. It has been a favorite ever since.” She doesn’t have a specific lyric that she loves because she loves all the songs since they are about love, unity, positivity and respect. “Each song and lyric speaks to my heart in a different way.”
Springfield, Illinois, is where Amanda grew up then she moved to St. Louis when she was around the age of 12. “My family consisted of myself, my mom, my dad, and my brother. Growing up was fairly normal for me.” In 2004 she joined the Marine Corps., but a mere two years later she was in a serious head on collision that ended her military career. It was due to this that she went back home to St. Louis and then met her husband.
Amanda went through a difficult time in 2010 when she lost her younger brother to a heroin overdose and then a short two weeks later lost her mother due to renal failure as a result of years of alcoholism. A few short weeks after this though she married her husband and said that it was him and the music of 311 that got her through everything and made her stronger. Then in December 2012 they welcomed their first daughter, Lainey Elizabeth. February 2016 brought them another daughter, Phoebe Catherine. Finally they had their son Oliver John, born in March (not the 11th though!). “Although I have had some awful things happen, I have also had some amazing things happen, and I wouldn’t change any of it. It makes me who I am.”
Something unique about Amanda is that she will try anything once! In high school she was in band playing alto saxophone, sang in choir since 1st grade, was on color guard, was a cheerleader, and participated in theater! Guilty pleasure for Amanda is that she loves the show The Challenge on MTV. “I love reality T.V…. Survivor, Amazing Race, Bachelor/ette, and I am a HUGE Big Brother fan!”
Since we know 311 wasn’t Amanda’s first musical love, she shared that her first love was The Used. “I also love other “emo” bands, such as Taking Back Sunday, Saosin, Circa Survive, Underoath, Senses Fail, Coheed and Cambria.” Aside from emo she also loves pop punk acts like Panic! At The Disco, Matt and Kim, Fall Out Boy, and Good Charlotte. Plus she has an “affinity” for gangsta rap like Three 6 Mafia, Bone Thugs n Harmony, old Ludacris and of course, Biggie.
Amanda’s message to 311 is simple and straightforward: “Thank you for being a strong constant in my life!”
To all her fellow fans:
“I love each and every one of you for you! We are all different, and have our struggles, but it is what makes us who we are…beautiful disasters. If you ever need a friend, you have one in me!”
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That was Amanda’s story! Much gratitude to Amanda for sharing and to all who keep supporting this venture. It’s truly a pleasure for me to take time to share your stories. Have a fantastic week and if you celebrate it, a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Much love – The Runt