Andrea Gorman was nominated by her colleague, Tamesha Wise.
"I have known Andrea for four years as our college and career coordinator," said Wise. "When I was interviewing for the school counselor position, Andrea was the first person I saw. She was in the office looking for something, and she was so welcoming and nice. It made me more calm before my interview. I was hired, and when she saw me at the beginning of the school year, she remembered me and was so happy for me. I love how she is just so nice. Her smile is always genuine and lights up a room. That is how Andrea runs the college and career center. She is always so welcoming and warm to everyone who walks in the door."
"Andrea has worked with our first generation students, and she is always willing to go the extra mile for all students, parents, and staff," said Wise. "She brought so much joy to our school with her genuine, positive spirit. What I admire most about her is the way she connects with students and their families. She has a wealth of knowledge about colleges and careers. She has been a pillar in the community, and her countless hours of helping our students get to college goes beyond measure. Andrea will be missed at Los Altos High School."
June 29, 2020
Dear LifeChanger of the Year Selection Committee,
Thank you very much for accepting the nomination submitted by my colleagues at Los Altos High School in Northern California. I am very honored and humbled. I loved working with the students, first with the AVID students, and then as a full-time employee running the College and Career Center. Each day, I felt as if I were doing my life’s work. Next year, I plan to volunteer in the Center, assisting the new Coordinator where needed. I have a new grandson, and I am looking forward to spending time reading, playing, talking and visiting with him.
What I loved so much about working with high school students was their honesty. They were so open and honest about how they were feeling. I have received several thoughtful and warm email messages from students, regarding my retirement. This message just arrived this week, so it is fresh in my mind. I have been helping a rising senior with his college-application essay:
Hi Ms. Gorman!
Thank you so much for reaching out to me!!
I just saw the Google Classroom post my math teacher made about your retirement.
I hope you have a wonderful retirement! Since I started at LAHS three years ago, I can't remember a time when you weren't there to help. You've always been so welcoming to us students with your positive energy, and have offered invaluable advice to my now graduated friends. I'm very fortunate to have your support all this time, whether it was reaching out as a club to students on campus (and the enormous lines of over a hundred people at our boba fundraiser!), or now with your guidance on college advice and essays. I wish I had dropped by more often, as it'll be hard to beat your warmness on campus. I hope to see you around sometime! :)
I also understand that this time is for you to cherish, so I'm so sorry that I wasn't aware of this earlier and am very grateful that I have the opportunity to work with you. I'll be sure to keep in touch with the personal email you provided!
All the best,
[Student]
Thank you very much again.
With gratitude,
Andrea Gorman