Page 12 - Florida Sentinel 6-14-19

Feature
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
TATIANA
This week's Spotlight feature is the lovely Tatiana who loves to sing, dance and spend time with her lit- tle girl. Tatiana is a very unique person who has a passion for being in front of the camera.
She likes the type of man who loves to spend time with her and show her unconditional love.
Her philosophy of life is -"You have to cherish a moment in life, because if you don't, life will pass you by." Congratulations to Tatiana as this week's Spotlight feature.
Educator Is ‘A Man Of Vision’ For Tampa Youth
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
Several years ago, a Tampa native decided to an- swer the call for more African American male teachers. He said there was a need at that time.
Ross Anderson had not planned to become an educa- tor early in life. In fact, he en- tered the workforce, returned to school and earned his de- gree. He volunteered at Big Brothers Big Sisters, Inc., and learned that there was a critical shortage of African American male teachers.
At the time, Anderson had no idea that his life was about to undergo a dramatic change. He had no idea that he was going to change the lives of hundreds of young African American male teenagers.
Recently, Anderson re- ceived a photograph of him- self with some of the young men he has mentored. The caption said, “Happy Fa- ther’s Day.”
During the early 2000s, Anderson decided that he would serve as a substitute teacher. However, that was soon to change. “Mrs. Juanita Underwood was the Principal at Sligh Middle School and she hired me on the spot.”
That was in November 2006. The following month, Anderson took the 20 worst young men at Sligh Middle School under his wing. As a result of his men- toring, 17 of those young men earned traditional diplomas and the other 3 earned their GEDs.
Today, Anderson has mentored more than 1,000 young men in the program. About 400 of them stayed
Ross Anderson, third from left, is shown with his sons, James Elaissint-Anderson, Pierre Alsint, Howard Brookins, and Henry Tillman, Jr.
with the program, graduated, and have returned as alumni to mentor the next genera- tion.
He has watched with pride as the young men en- tered college, the military, or the workforce as young adults. He adopted James Elaissint-Anderson, who recently graduated from FIU with a Master’s Degree in In- ternational Business. He be- came the legal custodian of Henry Tillman, Jr., who is currently serving in the mili- tary.
Anderson takes a no non-sense approach with them, demanding that they carry themselves as young men of character, volunteer as a means of giving back to the community, be respect- ful, and maintain grades that will help them enter colleges and universities.
And, he leads by example. After graduating from Hills- borough High School, An- derson took a year off from school and entered the work- force. He returned to school and earned his A. A. Degree from Hillsborough Commu- nity College. He was hired by
then GTE and worked for the company for 10 years.
He continued his educa- tion at the University of South Florida, where he earned his degree in Busi- ness. During the years, An- derson has also earned a degree from Waldorf College in Marketing and his Mas- ter’s Degree from Columbia Southern in Business Admin- istration.
When he launched Men of Vision, Inc., he had no idea that it would grow to touch so many lives. The organiza- tion currently has chapters on the campuses of 1 elemen- tary school, 2 middle schools, and 7 high schools.
Each year, his students visit college campuses and attend historic and cultural events. They visit the Florida Capitol, and they serve meals to the homeless.
Anderson wants to make sure the young men graduate from high school and not end up in trouble. But, his ultimate goal is to shape them into well- rounded, productive mem- bers of society.
FYI
Greenridge Delaney Creek Neighborhood Association Meet And Greet
Resident of Greenridge and Delaney Creek communities are invited to a community Meet and Greet. The event will be held on Saturday, June 15, 2019, 9 a. m. – 2 p. m. at Winston Park Boys and Girls Club, 7605 Destin Drive, Tampa, 33619
There will be free food, DJ with live music, games and more.
PAGE 12-A FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019