Robinson ’02 Opens Students’ Eyes to Diversity

By Phil Walzer

Andre Robinson '02 has known since he was 3 that he has Asperger's syndrome, a high-functioning form of autism.

In Robinson's case, it translates to a discomfort in social situations, a slower gait and an occasional limp, but also unexpected bursts of energy.

He needs those bursts working with youngsters. Robinson, 39, has spent his career in education. Since December, Robinson has worked at Strawbridge Elementary School in Virginia Beach as a lunchroom monitor, substitute teacher and Standards of Learning tutor and proctor.

"They love me," he said, and Leanna Landry, the school's assistant principal, vouches for his assessment.

"He's a phenomenal person that absolutely loves kids and has a passion for making the cafeteria come alive," Landry said. "He does games with the students. He's opened up their eyes to diversity and to accepting people for who they are on the inside. He's open and honest with kids about what makes him unique."

The students, Robinson said, "get used to it, and they get used to me. It will help them down the road with compassion and empathy. This might even cut down on the bullying and school violence."

Growing up, Robinson didn't have problems with most kids. When he did, he often found it best to walk away from confrontations.

At Old Dominion University, he majored in history. He was a "nerdy freshman" at the start. "But I came out of my shell my sophomore year." The key was participating in Zeta Phi Beta's Mr. GQ Blue talent and fashion pageant.

He left ODU with a corps of tight friends and a desire to help other students. Robinson was influenced long before college by his favorite teachers in elementary and high school.

"They helped me and shaped me," Robinson said. "They made education fun."

Before joining Strawbridge, Robinson worked in several other local public and private schools in such positions as teacher's assistant, long-term substitute and basketball coach. At Strawbridge, "it's a family," he said.

Robinson lives in Newport News with his wife, Lana, whom he married last year. They attend Fountain of Life Outreach Ministry, where he sings in the choir, in Hampton.

He summed up his life's philosophy in nine words: "In a world full of lemons, be a lemonade."