Alumni

Tysheina L. Robertson
Morgan State University, B.S Engineering
Civil Engineer
 
When I was 15 years old, HEAF helped me enroll in a summer physics course at Columbia University because I told them I wanted to be an engineer. HEAF reinforced the educational foundation laid by my parents by introducing me to things I didn’t know existed. I learned about the world outside of the impoverished neighborhoods that I grew up in – where attending college, owning a home, and having a bright and vibrant future are dreams that so often are never given the opportunity to take root and to flourish.

Tanasha Bennett, HEAF Class of '97
Temple University, BA '01
Beginning Temple Law School in August '07

I am Tanasha Bennett, newly promoted "Captain" Bennett.

I was selected for participation in a gifted and talented program while in the 4th grade. After an entrance exam, I was accepted into Mott Hall. This is when my involvement in HEAF began. HEAF provided me with tutors, workshops, expression classes at Julliard and the list goes on. Their office on 125th Street was not only their headquarters, but also a haven for the students. The HEAF staff went beyond what was expected of them and were mentors and counselors to us all. They were always available and never failed to provide guidance and advice on academic and personal issues. When the student body increased, the mentorship program was created to ensure we each got the individual attention we had become accustomed to.

The relationship between HEAF and myself continued throughout my years at Brooklyn Technical High School. HEAF provided me with workshops to help prepare for the adjustment to college life. I was given advice on choosing the right college for what I intended to study and assistance in completing college applications. I can remember trying to decide what colleges to apply to and Temple University was not even on my list but it was the push from HEAF staff that prompted me to apply.

While I was a student at Temple University HEAF sent me my first care package. HEAF gave me my first desktop computer—a necessity I was not able to afford and was incredibly grateful for. My freshmen orientation visit to Temple was a smooth transition thanks to another HEAF alumnus attending Temple who was gracious enough to take me to Philadelphia and show me around.

I joined the Army ROTC program during my sophomore year in college at Temple. I received a full scholarship and was selected as the Gold Bar Recruiter by the Professor of Military Science and held that position for 7 months. I was slated in the Adjutant General branch but was required to serve a branch detail as a Chemical Officer for three years.

My next step was basic training at Ft. Leonardwood, MO. The memory that stays with me the most from that experience was going through the Chemical Defense Training Facility. We were sent into a live nerve agent chamber. During my time at the basic course, I was able to use what I learned at HEAF to be successful.

I was then sent and stationed in Germany, my first time overseas. I worked as a planner in the Divisions Chemical section. After 7 months, my unit, 1st Armored Division was sent to Baghdad, Iraq for 15 months. After about 5 months there I switched jobs and became the executive officer of the Division's only Chemical Company. I was responsible for approximately 150 soldiers. I learned so much about myself, my soldiers, and the differences that exist in our world.

I have been fortunate enough to be affiliated with two incredible organizations: HEAF and the Army. HEAF assisted me in growing into the responsible adult that I am. Without HEAF I doubt I would have been as successful. The Army assisted me in becoming the leader that I am. They both have given me the opportunity to do great things.