CrossOver Mentoring is successful because we see others as we see ourselves!

...Today, I promised him that his efforts, words, and wisdom will not be taken for granted. If it were not for him, I would not have been able to pursue higher education. I am aware of the sacrifices he has made to ensure that I am enrolled in university each semester. I am honored by his dedication to my education.

I graduated from high school without any expectations of attending university, but Mr. Blake came into my life and made my dreams a reality. His words of encouragement have strengthened me, and I am committed to moving forward positively. I am proud and grateful for everything he has done, and as a result, I promise to make the most of my educational opportunities to make a positive impact in the world.

As I reflect on my journey, I am filled with immense gratitude for Mr. Blake's sacrifices to ensure that I received the best education possible. His selflessness and dedication to my success will never go unnoticed.

I extend my sincere appreciation to Mr. Blake for his invaluable contributions to my life. I appreciate his love for humanity, and I am proud of him for being a man of God. If only I were staying nearby, I would be more efficient and effective in expressing my gratitude.

Sheikh S Kiawen, Liberian, Africa

I met Mr. Dennis Blake, who I now refer to as Uncle Dennis, when he and his family visited his alma mater Morningside Primary School in 2012. Since then, he has been my mentor, good friend, and even family.

In the years I have spent with Mr. Blake, I have observed that he is a true intellectual. He is known for his radiant personality mixed with a bit of authoritarian power. Mr. Blake has influenced many people's lives in many different ways, including mine. I particularly remember when I visited the Blake’s for the Christmas holidays. That’s when I truly got to know Mr. Blake and learned more about his journey to success. He gifted me a book that he wrote, which was soon to be published.

After reading the book, I realized I was living in the home of a celebrity. Mr. Blake is not only a professor but also a two-time Olympian. He set his personal best in the men’s 400 meters (45.68) on 2000-06-18 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. He has been inducted into the Alabama A&M University Athletics Hall of Fame.

Mr. Blake has been an astounding mentor to me over the years. He has been guiding me since primary school until now. He not only helped me to realize my hidden talents but also guided me on the road to success. If it was not for Mr. Blake’s words of encouragement throughout high school, sometimes I feel like I would have given up. He always believed in me even when I failed to believe in myself. Thanks to Mr. Blake’s unwavering commitment to ensuring my success, I graduated from primary school as the valedictorian, with the highest average, which earned me a scholarship to The Hampton School for Girls. I then graduated in 2021 with 7 out of 8 subjects, including my least favorite subject, Mathematics, for which I got a grade of 3 thanks to Mr. Blake. He was determined that I would not fail this subject.

There are a million words I could use to describe Mr. Blake, but none of them would ever be enough to truly make you understand what a distinguished gentleman he is. My best advice to anyone reading this is to get to know him for yourself. He is a true inspiration to many children and citizens of our little island, Jamaica. 

 Coach Blake started coaching me my freshman year and has had a great impact on my track career. Constantly pushing me to be a better hurdler and athlete all around. His attention to small details makes the biggest difference and his mentoring has helped shape me to be the athlete I am today. I am now committed to VCU where I’ll compete at the Division 1 level.