Lem Andrews, Winning Teacher
Post-Secondary Advisor
Booker High School, Sarasota, FL
Ellen Bausback, Student Author of Essay
12th Grade, Booker High School, Sarasota, FL
Mr. Lem Andrews is the reason that I am going to college. Not only is Mr. Andrews a post-secondary advisor and teacher at my school, but he is also my mentor, my ally, and my number-one fan. When I arrived my freshman year at Booker High School, I wandered into Mr. Andrew's "College and Career Resource Room" none the wiser.
After a quick introduction and a handshake, Mr. Andrews got right to work, immediately seeing some unrealized potential in the shy, timid girl that had stumbled into his room. "You're coming to speak at an AKA luncheon with me," he said, "We're going to get you talking!" Reluctantly, I dragged my soft-spoken self to the event, where I had the opportunity to meet a hundred amazing African American ladies and speak to them about my future goals. I stuttered through my speech, but in the end I was proud of overcoming my fear of public speaking. With this small experience, Mr. Andrews had started a transformation in me.
The next three years of high school, I dared not leave Mr. Andrews side, knowing that I had a lot to learn from him. "It's never too early to start doing" is one of his favorite phrases. Mr. Andrews helped me create my resume and apply for scholarships in only the tenth grade. He brought community members into his classroom to introduce my peers and I to college and career opportunities. He also led countless time-management and leadership workshops and helped me become a certified peer mentor with College For Every Student (CFES). Mr. Andrews truly believes in giving back, encouraging his students to mentor and share with others the techniques and knowledge that we have benefited from.
Most significantly, however, Mr. Andrews helped me improve my soft-skills, turning me from a young-woman who dared not raise her voice in a crowded room into an experienced networker and public speaker. Time and time again, he affectionately forced me to speak in front of crowds, one time even sending me to a School Board meeting but not telling me I would be speaking on TV. Mr. Andrews knows when to push students out of their comfort zone because he really wants what is bestfor all of us.
"Make eye contact. Be prepared to explain your goals in a one minute 'elevator-speech'." These were only a few of his invaluable tips to me that have single-handedly changed my personality so that I am unafraid approaching complete strangers and starting a conversation. Mr. Andrews taught me to break out my own personal shell and become the confident individual that I am today.
It is now my Senior year, and if it were not for him, I wouldn't be equipped with the tools to be prepared for college and make my own way in this world. For twenty years, he has impacted students like me: helping us grow, making us laugh, and changing lives for the better. He is a remarkable teacher who inspires me daily.