014 | Branda Anderson: From Alaskan Athlete to Servant Leader and Educator

About the Guest

Branda Anderson is a dedicated and accomplished educator and leader, hailing from Eagle River, Alaska. As a talented athlete, Branda’s early successes in high school athletics paved the way for a full scholarship to play Division 1 basketball at Southern Illinois University (SIU) in Carbondale. After completing her basketball career, she transitioned into various roles including ministry service, teaching, and coaching. With nearly two decades of educational experience, she currently serves as the Teaching and Learning Specialist at the Holocaust Center for Humanity in Seattle, Washington, while pursuing her PhD in Holocaust and Genocide Studies.

Episode Summary

Courage, Transition, and Resilience: Branda Anderson’s Journey

In this episode of Becoming UnDone, Toby Brooks sits down with Branda Anderson, a former Division 1 athlete turned educator and leader. Branda shares her inspiring journey from Eagle River, Alaska, to Southern Illinois University, detailing her career as a basketball player and her subsequent transition into teaching and leadership roles. She reflects on her experiences as a student-athlete, the challenges she faced in adapting to a new role on the team, and how these experiences shaped her path to becoming a teaching and learning specialist in Holocaust education.

Through this engaging discussion, Branda emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing one’s role within a team, the courage it takes to pursue dreams in the face of adversity, and the value of continual personal growth. She also explores the relationship between her faith and her journey, revealing how these elements interwove to support her through significant transitions. The episode provides a profound look into how high achievers can transform seemingly insurmountable challenges into fulfilling and purpose-driven careers. As Branda continues to make meaningful contributions in Holocaust education, she remains a beacon of resilience and ambition.

Key Takeaways

• Role Player to Leader: Branda’s journey from a high school athlete to a Division 1 basketball player highlights the significance of embracing one’s role in a team and contributing to success in any capacity.
• Embracing Change: Her transition from sports to education demonstrates the courage required to adapt and thrive in new environments, utilizing skills learned in athletics to fuel her career in teaching.
• Faith and Resilience: Branda emphasizes the pivotal role her faith played in navigating the challenges of college sports and her subsequent career shifts.
• Educational Impact: As a teaching and learning specialist, she is dedicated to improving Holocaust education, aiming to empower teachers and promote a deeper understanding of history.
• Legacy of Contribution: Through her own experiences, Branda illustrates the lasting impact of supportive relationships, mentorship, and pursuing a career path that aligns with personal values and long-term goals.

Notable Quotes

1. “You could play Division 1 basketball, but you need to get your life right.” – Fred Kroll, as recalled by Branda Anderson.
2. “I’m going to leave a legacy of who I am as a human, not who I am as a basketball player.” – Branda Anderson.
3. “I think I’m a better human because I understand what it’s like to want to succeed in a way that you cannot.” – Branda Anderson.
4. “Relax and enjoy. It goes fast.” – Branda Anderson’s advice to her younger self.
5. “I want to empower teachers throughout the country with amazing pedagogy and incredible resources.” – Branda Anderson on her goals for Holocaust education.

Resources

• Holocaust Center for Humanity
• Email: Branda@holocaustcenterseattle.org

Tune in to this inspiring episode to gain insight into Branda Anderson’s captivating story of resilience, dedication, and leadership. Stay tuned for more enlightening content from the “Becoming Undone” podcast as Toby Brooks continues to explore the journeys of high achievers turning challenges into achievements.