Tiffany Hooks ‘04

Tiffany Hooks ‘04 (Coventry High School) graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 2009 with a B.S. in Exercise Science & Kinesiology. “I chose Exercise Science, the study of the human body, because I’m interested in the health field and enjoy helping people,” she says. Tiffany plans to attend graduate school to become a doctor of optometry. She currently works at LensCrafters as an eyewear consultant and is responsible for both selling and repairing eyeglasses. “My job gives me experience in the optometry field and allows me to do what I enjoy most,” she says.

Tiffany attended Providence College for freshman and sophomore years and then transferred to URI as a junior. She is grateful for the College Crusade scholarship support she received for all four years of her college attendance. “Receiving a Crusade scholarship made a huge difference, because college is so expensive,” she says. “Every semester I would participate in the work-study program, and having the College Crusade scholarship meant I was able to work less and have more time for my studies.”

In her free time, Tiffany volunteers for an nonprofit organization called The Gift of Sight (www.thegiftofsight.org), which is dedicated to restoring and preserving clear vision for all those in need. The organization refurbishes old eyeglasses and distributes them to people all around the world. She also has a special interest in dance and works for the Rhythm Dance Center in Exeter, R.I., as a teacher of both children and adults. “I teach different types of dance – ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, and hip-hop – while encouraging a fun environment that promotes a positive self,” she says.

For the past few years, Tiffany has served as an instructor for our Ways to A’s program, teaching study skills to new sixth graders who are just entering The College Crusade. Tiffany has also been an instructor for our Saturday Cru Club program. She has good advice for Crusaders who are starting college in the fall. “Stay focused and remember why college is so important,” she says. “You are there to better yourself and to achieve a college degree. Don’t let friends or any other influences get in your way or slow you down. When you feel defeated or discouraged, take a moment to think about all that you have achieved so far, and use that to motivate yourself!”