Allyson Cravero
The other day I was driving and thinking about the past when a memory popped in my head of when I worked at the USF Career Center. I was a USF student from 2006-2010 and from my sophomore year until my senior year, I worked as a receptionist through the work study program at the Career Center. So as I'm driving, I'm thinking about this and immediately think about Mr. Tooke and the lasting impact he had on my life. This was not the first time I have thought of him in the past 20 years, but for some reason this time I felt the need to look him up, hoping to find some information about him and his life since then. With great sadness I came across his obituary and immediately felt devastated that such an amazing man was no longer here.
As a young twenty-something year old working as a part-time receptionist while also attending USF as a full-time criminology student, there were so many times I felt lost in what I was doing with my life and my future career. Mr. Tooke must have sensed this because there were so many times he would walk by the front desk and tell me to come chat with him in his office. I recall sitting across from him and he would ask me simple questions about how school was going, or if I had decided what I wanted to do with my degree or how my family was doing (knowing they lived 4 hours away). I can still picture him sitting at his desk, listening intently to me express my fears and anxieties about what I should do or how to accomplish my goals for my future. Mr. Tooke was always so insightful and would give me the best advice and encouragement. On multiple occasions, he would set up meetings for me with some of his colleagues to help me decide how to move forward with my career choice. He even helped get me a full time job after I graduated by reaching out to one of the employers he regularly dealt with so I wouldn't be out of a job once the work study program ended. From there I worked full time while obtaining my masters degree in criminal justice, which then led me to attending the police academy and eventually a career in law enforcement. After 12 years of working in this career, I am now a Special Victims Unit Detective at a sheriffs office. I love what the work I do and can honestly say that if it was not for Mr. Tooke, I never would have ended up in this position. He was truly an amazing man, mentor, supervisor, and human being. He was so kind, patient, caring, helpful, and always pushed me to dream big and to not give up on myself or my goals when at times I almost did. I don't remember the last time I spoke to Mr. Tooke, but I will never forget the words of encouragement he provided or the kindness he showed me. I am so sorry for your loss, but I believe he will always be with all of you and will continue to listen and encourage you through this life... and thank you Mr. Tooke for not giving up on me and encouraging me to follow my dreams.
