Ross Hardin 

Knowledge is power, and educational travel is a winning combination! My name is Ross Hardin and I am a full-time student and tutor at Merritt College in Oakland, Ca. My continued educational background actually started in martial arts learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) a decade ago. I recently achieved my Purple Belt in conjunction with learning BJJ, I also train Savate Kickboxing and am recognized as a Blue Glove Savatur. I have coached both BJJ and Savate fundamentals to both children and adults classes at Gracie Barra BJJ and Brazilian Academy of Mixed Martial Arts. In addition, I taught an after school program in Oakland and Richmond Ca, which incorporated kickboxing and meditation as a means of improving kids' connection to self-awareness. Having such a passion for learning, along with becoming a new parent, I decided to set academic goals and enroll at Merritt College after being away from any conventional classroom after seventeen years. In another semester, I will earn my Associates's degree in Sociology and Native American studies then transferring on to a public college in the Bay Area to work at achieving my Bachelor's degree in sociology. I Have a passion for sharing the things I learn, and in turn, I look to empower others as a way to give back to my community at large.