A Day With Tonya Anderson

A Day With Tonya Anderson

Sean Brown

Tonya Anderson, former chief of staff for Rick Maribito, is an interesting woman. She is a Republican who works for a Democrat. She is a Christian who practices meditation in Hindu temples. Anderson a veteran but seems to be an active member of pacifist communities. It seems rather odd that a woman of so many contradictions seems so at peace with herself.

Andersonwas born Nov. 18, 1962 to two teenage parents. Her father took the only course of action available to someone in his position; he joined the U.S. Armed Forces. He made the decision to save his family from a life of hardship by joining the U.S. Navy. Anderson speaks vividly of her time traveling and growing up as a Military Brat.

Deciding to continue her life of travel, Anderson decided to become a flight attendant. She fondly recalls all of the places she has been. She speaks of her life as a flight attendant with the same fervor the same way a sports announcer celebrates a home run.

        Anderson, a graduate University of Hawaii and former student at the U.S. Naval Academy at one point, is by far the most interesting person we have interviewed. After she graduated from the University of Hawaii, she decided to work on the 2004 Kerry Presidential Campaign. After losing, she was offered a job by Pennsylvania State Representative Rick Maribito, who initially rescinded the offer because of her spiritual beliefs. After failing to find anyone better, Maribito made a compromise and hired her despite her beliefs. After coming to Williamsport, Anderson also decided to work as a domestic and sexual violence counselor. When asked why, she said that she herself was a victim of sexual violence and wanted help make a difference.

Anderson is also a proud mother. Her son, despite having a health disability, became a police officer in Millersville. . On his first day on the job, he saved a woman’s life and was honored for his brave and timely actions. Anderson says that she raised her son to follow his dreams and she is happy that he has done just that.

Anderson is a multifaceted individual with so many stories to tell and so much knowledge to offer. I wish we had spent more time interviewing her. I hope that others will be as fortunate as us to hear her story.