by Moira Cullings
moira.cullings@theleaven.org
Last week I pretended I was back in college.
Although it was only for a day, I had the chance to experience what life at Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, is like through the eyes of freshman Angelica Perez.
Angelica has an outgoing personality and enough patience to put up with our photographer Jay and me following her around like dogs all day.
She let us and our faithful readers into her life and was happy to do so.
But Angelica is no ordinary college student. She has both a unique spunk and a dedicated focus on her dreams. Her story is similar to many who attend Donnelly, but at the same time very distinct.
As a freshman, Angelica has high hopes for what her future could hold. An aspiring psychiatrist, she plans to study pre-med at UMKC after earning her associate’s degree at Donnelly.
Angelica’s parents are her biggest motivation because they have dedicated their lives to making sure she can take advantage of whatever opportunities she possibly can.
Because they speak only Spanish, Angelica often finds herself translating for her parents. Although this can be challenging, Angelica does it happily and without complaining.
The chance she has to attend college and go after the career of her dreams is something her parents never really had, and it’s clear she is doing whatever she can to make the most of it.
Not only does she work extremely hard at her studies, but she takes the time a few hours a week to give back to her community by volunteering as a greeter at Shawnee Mission Medical Center.
To say Jay and I were impressed would be an understatement.
This Friday, our front page and spread will feature photos and captions that will take you on a journey of Angelica’s life at Donnelly. We will also have a video on our website and social media pages to add to this visual experience.
We hope that in this week’s issue, you’ll discover what an incredible person Angelica is through this little glimpse into her life.
