LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Patrick Joiner was nominated by a spouse, LaTisha Joiner.

"With humbling adoration, I would like to nominate my husband of eight years, Patrick Craig Joiner, for the LifeChanger of the Year award," said LaTisha.

"I'm reminded of a moment that occurred over 15 years ago. I was an incoming freshman at Columbus State University, and Patrick was a sophomore visiting me from LaGrange College. We were introduced a few weeks prior through my roommate, who happened to be his childhood best friend, and already, we were developing a strong bond. I entered my dorm room, coming from the kitchen, grabbing myself a quick snack, and he was sitting at my desk writing something down in his notebook. I asked what he was writing. He remarked that he was writing down a list of places he wanted to take me. Not necessarily thinking about it, I joined in on the fun, thinking of the places I'd love to visit and explore. Places like Tokyo, Paris, Beijing, and San Juan were some places I remember him listing joyously in his notepad. As slightly naïve as I was back then, I had no idea that this was his way of flirting or attempting to shoot his shot. Besides, I figured even if he was, what are the odds of us going? We had just met, and I hardly knew him," said LaTisha. "What were the odds of him being a major part of my life?"

"Here I am 15 years later with the same man with whom I've traveled to places such as Tokyo, Xian, Phuket, Seoul, and San Juan. Here I am 15 years later with the same man who kept his word. Here I am 15 years later with a LifeChanger," said LaTisha.

"As long as I've known him, Patrick has been the type that never strayed from anything different or unusual. He never denied himself the opportunity to try anything new or embark on adventures that may challenge him. That's how we started traveling in the first place. After graduating with my Master's in December 2014, I struggled to find my first official job in Higher Ed. Patrick was within less than a year of finishing his Bachelor's degree, and we were engaged. Months went on with no luck, and I began to feel defeated. Eventually, I was confronted by a family friend who asked me about possibly teaching English abroad as a second language. I hesitated but decided to research to see what it had to offer. I was quickly impressed with what I found. There were several agencies to choose from that had countries in need of English-speaking teachers. The packages that came along with it were also attractive. I then called Patrick and informed him of this, not knowing how he would respond. Without hesitation, he said, 'Let's do it!' Those very words changed our lives completely," said LaTisha.

"Throughout our time living abroad, he has developed a deep regard and understanding of various cultures that provided him with the tools necessary to become the best teacher he could be. While teaching at Seiha English Academy in Kanagawa, Japan, he carefully observed every student he taught, created lesson plans that focused primarily on whatever needs the children needed most, and implemented them in the classroom. With aid from his fellow Japanese co-teachers, he emerged into becoming a more confident educator. Parents were becoming more appreciative of his efforts and the careful attention and adoration he had for their children. This appreciation was a huge deal because there was a negative stigma towards American male teachers within the company. It wasn't long before he broke that stigma and challenged that narrative," said LaTisha.

"Within a year, Patrick became a popular teacher within our prefecture. Whenever I subbed for him, Japanese teachers would randomly discuss how much of a positive impact he had on their classrooms and the infectious joy he brought to the students. We were invited to weddings, attended dinner parties at the homes of our fellow Japanese co-teachers, and were invited to outdoor gatherings hosted by parents of the children he taught. His impact and dedication to his work were so impactful that our classroom in the city of Hiratsuka became one of the fastest-growing schools in the prefecture," said LaTisha.

"Out of all the countries we have visited, Japan has been the country that has influenced him the most. His fascination with the culture, as well as its customs, shaped and molded him into becoming a better teacher, as well as a better human being. I have watched him take all his learned skills and implement them in the classroom. As Factory Shoals Middle School's 7th Grade ELA teacher, he has redefined and approached teaching in a way that better grasps the students' attention. From studying music lyrics from artists such as Mos Def, Lupe Fiasco, Tupac, and Maxwell and discussing topics such as the School-to-Prison Pipeline, he challenges his students to think for themselves and implement their own narrative that could change the world for the better," said LaTisha.

"During his time at Factory Shoals, he has led through a popular mantra coined by Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers, known as 'The Standard is the Standard.' With this phrase, he challenges his students to gain a sense of responsibility, inspires them to lead with dignity, and guides them when necessary. He encourages his students to put their efforts to the test daily, not allowing challenging surroundings to dictate their overall performance. He leads by example by providing innovative ways to organize the 7th-grade hall, which has caught the attention of the admin leadership staff. He calls and emails parents regularly to provide updates on their children's performance and inform them of upcoming assignments/projects. Multiple parents have come forward thanking him," said LaTisha.

"One of his most proud achievements was when he was recognized in the school district's newspaper as the district's first teacher to create and organize their Japanese Club. During club meetings, the students learn to read, write, and speak the Japanese language, as well as learn their customs and courtesies. The club is one of the most popular organizations at the school and is filled to capacity as far as membership is concerned. Because of its popularity and demand throughout the campus, the school and the district are aiding Patrick in sending his students to Japan in 2025," said LaTisha.

"Witnessing Patrick's dedication and determination has been one of the many highlights of our marriage. He never fails to see the beauty in every child he mentors and encompasses a sense of integrity you don't necessarily find in today's educational system. Patrick's growth has stood the test of countless trials, keeping him grounded and focused, and he has never wavered from his primary goals. With this nomination, I am hopeful that he understands just how much he is valued and that his standard has set the standard for all the lives he has touched," said LaTisha.