LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Joycelyn Anderson was nominated by an anonymous student.

Ms. Anderson is a caring and charismatic figure on campus. Every student knows and admires her. Previously, Ms. Anderson served as a counselor at Skyline High School, where she was assigned to be her nominator's counselor during their sophomore year.

"I came from out of state, and Ms. Anderson was very patient with my questions. She took the time to ensure I took the necessary classes to meet Texas graduation requirements," said her nominator. "She would call me into her office with opportunities to further enhance my education. I was able to gain an internship with Texas Trees Foundation through an office appointment she made with to give me more information about the Mayor’s Internship Program. She encouraged me to apply and assisted me with the application project."

For Ms. Anderson's nominator, senior year was a critical time, and it was good to know she was there to help.

"She constantly called me into her office with new scholarships and application advice. Through her recommendation and assistance, I was able to get a full tuition scholarship to Southern Methodist University and a full ride to the University of Arkansas. I am now attending the University of Arkansas debt free and pursuing a Bachelors Degree in Engineering. I could not be where I am today without her and the assistance of other teachers that took time out of their day to help me," her nominator said.

Ms. Anderson brings a joyful and energetic atmosphere wherever she goes.

"I recall several times throughout high school where I would tell my peers that Ms. Anderson was my counselor and they would react with 'You’re so Lucky! I wish she was my counselor!' Today, I still have contact with Ms. Anderson through LinkedIn, and she checks in on me from time to time. Ms. Anderson cares for her students even beyond the basic high school setting. The world needs more advisors as passionate and devoted as Joycelyn Anderson," her nominator said.