LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Andrea Kornowski was nominated by a student.

"At a young age, I faced many personal life hardships. So when someone asks, 'What were the worst years of your life?' my answer is always middle school," said the student. "Thanks to Ms. Kornowski, though, my life improved. Ms. Kornowski is an amazing educator who helped me throughout middle school and my years in high school. When I first met her, she was a computer technician and teacher for drug use prevention, depression, and such. Now, she runs a full charter school with many inspired students. After a bit, she began to ask me how I was, noticing that I seemed so hesitant and anxious around everybody."

"Over those three years, I built a connection with her, and it was like the feeling you get when a weight slides off your shoulders. Her patience, support, ability to teach, and workload must be tough, but all of that has made her a good example of an adult I would want to be. Elementary and middle school were rough, but entering high school was a fresh start where I could get away from my past. I worried throughout the year, yet Ms. Kornowski told me not to and that I was doing a phenomenal job. She even told my parents at meetings how good I was doing. I felt a spotlight shine on me–but not in a bad way–I felt I was good enough," said the student.

"A great example would be in chemistry. One day, I didn't understand the homework and how to lay out the equation. I showed her my work and the answer I got. She looked it over and quickly pointed out where I went wrong, smiling and making me feel it's okay that I made a mistake because I'm learning. I learned so much from Ms. Kornowski in my teen years that I would be so excited if she could be rewarded for her outstanding personality and ability to set a good example for all the students around her. Thanks to Ms. Kornowski, my life improved," said the student.