The Student We Almost Missed: Seeing Beyond the Data

Hosts Jasmine Cox and Peter Barajas join professional school counselor Rhison Anderson to explore how strengths, relationships, and whole-child insights can help educators see the students who might otherwise fall through the cracks.

On This Episode

In this episode of What’s Strong With Us, Jasmine Cox and Peter Barajas sit down with Rhison Anderson, professional school counselor at YELLOWHAB, to explore a critical question: Who might we be missing when we focus only on academic performance and behavior? Together, they discuss why student academic performance and behavior data can reveal important patterns but never tell the whole story. Through real classroom experiences, they explore how understanding a student's strengths, well-being, hope, and connections are critical Tier 1 foundational practices that help educators move beyond assumptions and recognize the potential in every learner.
The Student We Almost Missed: Seeing Beyond the Data

The conversation examines how small, intentional actions from daily positive affirmations and meaningful check-ins to building trusted relationship- can change how students see themselves and their place in school. Rhison and Peter share experiences that challenge deficit-based labels, highlight the importance of representation in education, and show how educators can create a stronger sense of belonging. The episode offers a practical reminder that relationships and knowing students are not extras in education; they are essential to helping every learner thrive.

Key Takeaways :

Look Beyond the Data
Grades, attendance, and behavior reveal patterns, but listening to students and understanding their circumstances helps educators see the bigger picture.
Rewire the Way We See Students
Strengths-based language and positive affirmations help educators move beyond labels and recognize each student’s potential.
Make Belonging Part of Tier 1
Everyday relationships, well-being check-ins, and meaningful connections help create a supportive environment where students can thrive.

Additional Resources & Reading

About the Guest

Rhison Anderson

Professional School Counselor | Mental Health Advocate | Educational Leader

Originally from Charlottesville, Virginia, Rhison Anderson is a professional school counselor, mental health advocate, and educational leader living in Newport News, Virginia. He graduated from Albemarle High School in 2007 and earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Management, with a minor in Computer Science, from St. Paul’s College in 2012. In 2019, he earned his master’s degree in Professional School Counseling from Norfolk State University. He served as a school counselor with Newport News Public Schools from 2019 to 2025. He currently works as a Professional School Counselor at YELLOWHAB, a project-based micro school in Norfolk, Virginia, and as Counselor and Head of Mental Health and Wellness for Parents Against Bullying (PAB).