Mattie Frascella

Creating Solutions Through Stories

2 through 4 — What does it mean?

2through4.com was born of the idea that what we experience is not just about what happens to (2) us, but how that experience is then filtered through us, for (4) us, and eventually for others who may have experienced similar circumstances. Creating Solutions Through Stories reflects my belief in the transformative power of personal narrative to connect lived experience with broader social impact.I write both academic and creative works. Most of my work centers on encouraging nontraditional and system-impacted students to recognize the value of their personal histories and to use their stories as tools for mentorship, empowerment, and global engagement.Lecture topics such as perseverance, mentorship, and the relationship between humanities education and empathy for underrepresented voices highlight how individual narratives can inspire collective progress. In this way, I aim to demonstrate that stories are not only reflections of the past but also catalysts for building more inclusive and resilient communities.

© 2through4, SolutionsThroughStories, Mattie Frascella. All rights reserved.

About

My name is Mattie Frascella, and I am a self-proclaimed grammar nerd and bibliophile. I love to travel, to experience new cultures and traditions, and I love words. I love the fact that words allow emotions and past experiences to come to life. Words, and how they are used, can build relationships or burn bridges. They can harm or they can heal. My aim is to help people embrace their stories and use them to help others along the path to wholeness.My poetry (Never Again Begins) and some non-fiction works have been published both in the United States and abroad. I am currently working toward facilitating and co-leading a seminar in Europe to empower nontraditional students to share their stories and pursue higher education. More on that when the plans are finalized.Everyone has a story, and mine includes being the last of eight children, marrying young, bearing five children, and boldly pursuing a college degree after owning three companies and raising a family. Though aging is inevitable, giving in to stereotypes about what one can do after a certain age is a choice. I choose to move forward. I choose to make a difference, and I choose to build bridges, both locally and globally, because my story matters, and so does yours.

Eiserner Steg (Iron footbridge), also known as the Love Lock Bridge. Frankfurt, Germany

Education

I am currently pursuing a degree in English with a minor in professional writing at Kennesaw State University where I will graduate in May 2026. I plan to continue my education through a master’s program in Global Communications and Conflict Management, with the goal of advancing cross-cultural dialogue and fostering collaborative solutions to complex global challenges. As a nontraditional student, I bring a breadth of personal and professional experiences that inform my commitment to education, research, communication, and social impact.My professional goals include expanding access to higher education—particularly for system-impacted and first-generation nontraditional students—while leveraging my medical, hospice, and mentoring experience to support inclusion, advocacy, and leadership development.

Reviews

3+3 Lanzhou Ramen Brings Noodle Magic to Kennesaw

Welcome to 3+3 Lanzhou Ramen! 兰州拉面欢迎您!

3+3 LanZhou RamenIf you’ve ever watched a noodle master stretch a single rope of dough into dozens of strands and thought, “Now that’s dinner and a show,” put 3+3 LanZhou Ramen on your Kennesaw short list. This offshoot of Atlanta’s celebrated LanZhou Ramen (a Top-50—and #10—pick back in 2019, Atlanta Magazine) sits on Town Center Drive and channels the same hand-pulled-noodle craftsmanship that made the original a cult favorite. Expect a casual dining room, quick service, and—best of all—a glass window to the kitchen where you can see the noodle pulling in action.

Photos courtesy of LanZhou Ramen Atlanta and mattie frascella

The broth can't speak, but its aroma communicates without saying a word: Someone wants you to feel better than you did before you came through the door at LanZhou Ramen, and they put that sentiment in every bowl.Mike Jordan, Southern Living Magazine

The vibe & service3+3 LanZhou is built for easy weeknight meals and casual meet-ups; the room turns tables steadily but rarely feels cramped. Families especially love the “kitchen theater,” which doubles as built-in entertainment for kids (and noodle nerds). Service runs quick and efficient rather than chatty, and food hits the table fast—great for lunch hours and post-errand refuels near the mall. Service is robot-assisted, so that's fun too, and definitely part of the vibe. Take a look at the short video below to get a taste of what's in store for serious (and even casual) noodle fans!

What to order (and why it works)Start with dim sum-style appetizers. They are far from an afterthought! The fried potstickers arrive inverted to preserve a lacy “skirt” and deliver a satisfying crunch; the pork filling is seasoned enough to stand on its own. We get these every time. If you’re a soup-dumpling fan, you’ll find their xiaolongbao competes with the city’s best—a tidy, gently gingery parcel with a hot soup center. (Also a family fave.) These aren’t just social-media bait; they’re genuinely craveable (and family-pleasing).The namesake LanZhou beef noodle soup is delectable. Classic bowls follow the style’s “one clear, two white, three red, four green, five yellow 清二白三红四绿五黄” China Sichaun Food Harmony achieved—clear, aromatic beef broth; white daikon; crimson chili oil; fresh green herbs; and golden, fresh noodles with that telltale bounce and chew. When it clicks, each slurp is balanced: clean, beefy depth; gentle heat; and herb lift over chewy strands that never go mushy.By the way, the noodles are still amazing when reheated the next day, and the portions are quite generous. Average prices run about $17 for dinner entrées $10 for appetizers. And trust me, if you have a modicum of self-control, you will have leftovers. Click on the online delivery services in The deets section below for a full list of menu items and pricing.The menu itself is broader than “just soup.” You’ll find several beef-forward broths (classic beef, beef flank), plus roast duck and roast pork variations; on the wok side, there are stir-fried hand-pulled noodles and knife-sliced noodles tossed with vegetables or proteins. Chef specialties range beyond noodles into Xinjiang-style big-plate chicken and other hearty Northern dishes—the selection is par excellence when you’re feeding a mixed crowd of veggie and carnivores.I am definitely a noodle girl, and I like mine thin. Each noodle dish is prepared to the diner's delight, so thick or thin, they've got you covered. I order pan-fried noodles with either chicken or seafood every time, and I will never get tired of it. My husband likes things on the spicy side; he inevitably orders sizzling spicy chicken, pork, or beef in one of the many dishes offered in the "light your eyes up, fire-breathing dragon hot" category. He hasn't cried yet, but I am waiting for the day.

The takeaway3+3 Lanzhou Ramen nails the fundamentals that make Lanzhou bowls so restorative: a clear, beefy broth that never turns muddy; springy hand-pulled noodles; garnish and chili oil are used for balance, not to overwhelm. Add legitimately good dumplings and the built-in spectacle of noodle-pulling, and you’ve got one of Cobb County’s most reliable, family-friendly comfort-food stops—authentic enough for purists, accessible enough for first timers.

Video courtesy of LanZhou Ramen Atlanta

Pro tips• Make it a show. Grab a seat with a view of the window and watch the noodle pulling—it’s part of the charm.
• Dial in your bowl. Lanzhou shops are known for offering different noodle thicknesses; if you like a chewier bite, ask for thicker strands.
• Balance the table. Pair a steaming bowl with a plate of potstickers or a cold appetizer for texture and temperature contrast.

The deets• Address: 2700 Town Center Dr #132, Kennesaw, GA 30144
• Hours: 11:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. daily.
• Order online: Delivery is available via major apps (GrubHub, Uber Eats, DoorDash).

Contact

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