A Student's Story
Looking Through The Window...
Danielle Santos
Class of 2010
Communication Studies Major
African - American Studies & Theater Arts Minor
What’s your passion? Why?
Danielle’s passion is helping people realize and acknowledge their full potential. She is an advocate for uplifting others and speaking out for the unheard when facing injustices. As a firm believer in God, she believes that He has imbedded in her heart a genuine love and care for others. Danielle is certain that if she can put a smile on someone's face, warm their heart and uplift their spirits, then she has fulfilled her passion.
What are you involved with/in @ LMU & externally?
You can find Danielle almost everywhere around LMU, but mostly in the Black Community. She is a Resident Advisor in Leavey 5/6 and works as a Facilities Supervisor in Malone for all Campus Rec Student Center Facilities. Danielle holds various positions such as the Vice President of Sankofa Society, Events Coordinator for Sistah Friends, Sergeant at Arms and sits on the Constitution Revising Committee for the Black Student Union. Adding to her extensive LMU résumé she is also a member of the Student Alumni Association, Harmony Unison of Beats and Virtuous Motion Spiritual Dancers.
What are some challenges/ How have you overcome them?
Leaving home and not knowing anyone at LMU was a bit of a challenge for Danielle, but her natural loving personality helped her overcome that within weeks. She has experienced financial hardships regarding tuition at LMU but has been blessed with scholarships and approved loans to help her continue in her education. Time has always been Danielle’s biggest challenge but through attending LMU, maturing and being actively involved has lead her to manage her time more wisely.
On Campus mentors/influences?
She believes that every faculty and staff member that she comes in contact with influences her somehow, no matter their race, gender, or education level. She finds encouragement by being exposed to the truth in situations whether she wants to hear it or not which in return she appreciates because it makes her a better person. Danielle ended her interview by giving a special thanks to all the faculty and staff involved in TLC, the Communication Studies Department and the African-American Studies professors that she has had because they have had the biggest influence on her.
Chadric Johnson, also known as Chad
Class of 2011
Dance Major
Theological Studies & Political Science Minor
What’s your passion? Why?
Chad’s passions include entertainment and bringing courage to others by helping them to establish better lives. His desire to help people stems from his need to see people on one accord and establishing healthy relationships with one another. Since his early childhood he has felt that entertainment is his calling, a part of his ministry and form of self-expression. He is a jack-of-all-trades and has made it a priority to perfect his craft; this includes singing, dancing, modeling, and acting. His hope is to inspire others to actively pursue their own passion and give back to those that have helped them.
What are you involved with/in @ LMU & externally?
Not only is he an active and proud member of the LMU community, but in his short time as a Californian he’s found a church home at. At church he is a member of the choir and a praise team leader. On campus he is involved in Kuumba Beatz, Brothers of Consciousness, The Black Student Union, Righteousness for Christ, The Voices for Joy Gospel choir, Big Brother mentoring program and volunteers some of his time to the Los Angeles soup kitchen which he recommends that every one do. He works for Campus Recreation and plays drums in his free time.
What are some challenges/How have you overcome them?
Chad found it difficult to adapt to LMU because he felt like an outsider coming into a new world, but as a result of his southern hospitality he was meeting and greeting everyone that he came across. In his words “all of a sudden I knew everybody”. Also, he feared his status as a transfer student would interfere with his ability to fit in to the already established cliques and groups on campus, but he was proven wrong.
On campus mentors/influences?
His on campus mentors include Dr. Gail Buck, Professor Judy Scalin, Mrs. Cindy McLemore and the financial aid staff. He says that all of the staff, professors and faculty welcomed him with open arms and he felt fulfilled. He states that they have helped him realize the good person that he has was. Chad ended his interview saying “they helped me realize that I am my worst critic and they build me up and make me stronger…they are my angels from God.”