Daily Inspiration: Meet Chris Andrews

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Andrews.

Hi Chris, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
God has blessed me! I would consider myself to be a consistently active pillar of my community. I’m originally from Miami, Florida and decided to move to Atlanta a few weeks after graduating from Florida A&M to seek professional opportunities. I’ve been here since 2016 and have been striving to be a consistent presence in my community ever since. I’m currently a Middle School Science Teacher, Baseball Coach, and mentor to children in Atlanta’s urban areas. Growing up in Miami, I didn’t have my first Black male Teacher until 6th grade then 8th grade then Florida A&M. I wasn’t a perfect child, however, growing up in a urban area myself, I always understood that all these children need is a little bit of guidance. Sociologically, I understand some of the ills of my culture, especially when you consider household dynamics, so I’m able to relate to children from adverse backgrounds. As an Educator, I feel as though you need compassion, a great personality, and unlimited energy for the new 2025 children. I entered this specific profession with the understanding that I’d need to be totally immersed into the lives of my children in order to help them make changes and progress within themselves over the course of the school year. Coaching baseball is a passion of mine because it takes me back to my childhood and makes me reflect on the men in my community that spent time guiding my friends and I. Coaching baseball in Atlanta has been a dope experience because it allows me to see students in a different light then pour into them; character, spiritual development, chivalry, family, the future -these are all things that I get to discuss with my players. Beyond the classroom, I am passionate about education policy as a way to bring about equity for Georgia’s children. I am consistently inspired to be an advocate for my students because legislatively, they aren’t getting everything that they need. Georgia’s students receive their funding through the QBE (Quality Basic Education) Act Formula but the issue for Georgia’s children is that this formula has not been updated in 40 years which means that Georgia’s students are funded with an out of date formula. These decisions trickle down to my students so “the work” is a much heavier lift, however, this is my life’s work so this is what I’m here for. I have been blessed to be selected for various policy fellowships that would speak to my desire to be a strong advocate for my community such as the Men 4 Choice Fellowship where I learned about women’s reproductive justice and what men can do to be strongly allies as women’s reproductive rights are being stripped away. In my community, I currently serve as the President of the Young Democrats of Dekalb. In this role, I’ve been working to bring back a renaissance where we are get back to actually meeting the needs of the people by interacting with them where they are. I’ve always been passionate about community uplift so this role allows me to lead through community outreach, innovative ideas, partnerships with like-minded individuals, and by providing civic education to anyone that is listening because when the community knows better, we’ll be in a greater position to ultimately do better.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Nothing has ever been a smooth road. I am a first generation college graduate so while I was on the path to becoming something that my family could be proud of, it was difficult because I didn’t have much guidance from my family. Although my family always pushed excellence as a theme over my life, I couldn’t call home for direct guidance when it came to the challenges that I would faced as a student. I can vividly remember my Grandpop encouraging me then reminding me that I “can’t come home without it”. I would say I faced the normal college student struggles of being broke, making good decisions, being balanced in life, and just trying to make something out of myself. I joined different organizations to meet like-minded people and experience the balance of being an organizational leader and full time student. On top of that, my ex-girlfriend and I had a child during our Junior year at Famu so that definitely added to the complexities. Becoming a father solidified the fact that I needed to graduate and start to knock down some of my life goals and very quickly at that. There were times where I would be holding my daughter in one arm while trying to knock out a 15-20 page paper but God allowed me to get it all done. Graduating from Florida A&M University is the most difficult thing that I have ever had to do, even beyond earning my Master’s degree from Georgia State. I moved to Atlanta maybe 4 weeks after graduating from Famu so navigating a new city was definitely a challenge but I was determined to make it. I HAD to make it. I’m still here so God has been great to me!

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a Middle School Educator that also has High School experience. I specialize in Science and Social Studies for gifted students, however, I have been blessed to educate children possessing various intellectual capabilities. I am known for having consistent high standards for my students while allowing my sense of humor and personality to show while engaging with students. As an Educator, I’m a couple of things -the Teacher you hate to see coming if you’re not in school to get your education yet, I’m the same Teacher that students want to spend multiple class periods with. I guess I’m the one stop shop for the “get your life right” lectures, snacks, band-aids, and life advice.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
I’ve learned a few lessons along the way. I’ve learned to keep God first because without him, nothing in my life would be possible. I’ve learned to keep my plans to myself until the job is done. Lastly, life has reaffirmed that family is all you truly have in life so value your family.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @Teachrebelution
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-andrews-84509ab5

Image Credits
Bruce Ehrans