ABOUT Danielle
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
THE MOST MEMORABLE THING I’VE DONE SINCE FRESHMAN YEAR IS…
I don’t think I can sum that up into one event. What I feel as most memorable since my first year of college would be the relationships that I have gained throughout my time here at UNC. Lately, I’ve reflected on the blessings I have received from those I am close with here at Carolina. Each person is so caring and extraordinary and each brings such a sense of delight to my life on a daily basis. I honestly have no idea where I would be today without the support system that I have gained here at Carolina.
I MAJOR IN…
I am an exercise and sport science and psychology double major on the pre-medical (may change to pre-dental) track. As generic as this seems, I have always loved putting others before myself. I can only envision myself in a career that achieves that everyday. Healthcare is always evolving in miraculous ways and I hope to be able to aid in that upward momentum.
OH YEAH, AND YOU SHOULD PROBABLY KNOW THAT…
I was adopted by a single, caucasian, blond haired, blue-eyed woman named Cindi. She is the most amazing person I know and has given me an incredible outlook on the life I live. At age 4, when I questioned why my skin was a different color than hers, she pulled out a crayon box and took out every color you could think of from white to black explaining that we all come from the same box, are made in the same “factory,” and we each have the ability to create the same masterpieces. This, to me, is the coolest way to explain race and this experience has shaped me into the young woman I am today. If I could be anything when I grow up, it would be to be as strong as the woman who raised me.
AT SCHOOL, I’M INVOLVED IN…
I am the President of Harmonyx A Cappella Group which is Carolina’s premier African American a cappella group on campus. We use our voices to continually create uplifting spaces on campus while also working to promote social justice. Other things I am involved in include being the Co-Director of an organization called Carolina Kickoff and also serving the Carolina campus community as an Admissions Ambassador.
IF YOU COULD TRAVEL ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, WHERE WOULD YOU GO?
Katosi, Uganda. This past summer I had the blessing of interning in Uganda. My partner and I were working to complete a water sanitation project in which we would test water filters used in schools and rural villages, fix them and later lead workshops to maintain them to uphold a more sanitary lifestyle in these rural communities. Unfortunately, I became ill and had to cut my trip short. To this day, I am still upset over the fact that I was unable to achieve everything that I had wanted to in my time there. I would give anything to go back and work alongside the women and children I was blessed to meet in my short time there.
DESCRIBE YOUR LAST FRIDAY NIGHT.
I am the Co-Director of an organization called Carolina Kickoff, which is a three-day camp that serves first-years and their transition to Carolina while also providing them with a familial backbone in their four years here. Last Friday, I was in a room for almost 15 hours (6PM to 9AM) selecting our new class of Carolina Kickoff counselors. Needless to say, they are all absolutely incredible in such unique ways.
WHY DO YOU WANT TO BE MISS COED 2016?
I didn’t always know who or what I wanted to be at this age and I struggled at points in my life with truly loving myself, and loving all of me. As Miss COED 2016, I would love to promote self-worth to college campuses all over the country. College is a time of major growth, some obstacles, but it also gives us a sense to work on finding ourselves. Personally, I would just love the opportunity to advocate for girls in college settings around the nation.
