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Danielle Demopoulos

Biography

Profile: Danielle Demopoulos lives life to the fullest.  “I live life as if there is only one chance – every breath, every choice, every action counts because there is no do-over button applicable to any of us,” said Danielle.  Now in her mid-30s, with a wonderful husband and three children, Danielle’s on her own self-imposed fast-track to success.  That wasn’t always the case for Danielle.  Her teenage years were filled with much heartache and despair, but she somehow survived.  She survived because of an inner strength that those who know her well certainly understand.  She survived because she is, as one teacher said, “a tireless advocate for others.”  Whether those “others” are her children, or husband, or classmates ...or just someone she’s met casually, Danielle is their beacon. Although older than most of her peers at community college, Danielle is a role model for her classmates just out of high school who look to her for guidance and advice and to hear her voice ...the “everything will be ok” tone in her voice.  Passionate about human rights and justice, once Danielle earns her undergraduate degree in neuroscience and behavior, she’d like to attend graduate school and teach on the college level.

Inspiration:  There have been so many extraordinary professors in Danielle’s life who helped her realize her true aspirations it is hard (and probably unfair) to choose just one.  But she lists her literature Professor James Werner for his welcoming and encouraging personality. “Professor Werner's writing was eloquent, intelligent, and inspiring. His ability to act as a mentor outside of the classroom was a true demonstration of an educator who cares.”

Aspiration:  To teach neuropsychology at the university level.

Making a Difference: The achievement Danielle is most proud of is being chosen valedictorian of her graduating class at Westchester Community College.  Why?  It’s best to let Danielle explain in her own words: “I was honored when I received the news that I was chosen, but it was not until I had the chance to give a speech in front of close to 700 people, that I realized the magnitude of this honor. Even greater than that, was the fact that my family was in the audience. My children came up to me and told me that they never knew I could do something such as that. My 6 year old daughter was cheering and telling people around her that I was her mom. My daughter Desirae said that I inspired her to reach for the stars, as I had always told her she could, but seemed to truly realize it once she saw me address the audience. Most significant, was to see my son, a 13 year old who struggles in school and is still trying to find his identity in a world filled with confusion, come up to me, hug me, and tell me he had to fight back tears. I will treasure that day for the rest of my life because I connected with my family in such a profound way.”

Accolades:  The aforementioned selection as valedictorian of her class is tops on Danielle’s list of awards.  In addition she was named the Curriculum Chair Award Winner for Liberal Arts/Social Sciences for 2011 and earned the Vera Delgrosso Memorial Scholarship award for academic achievement and outstanding service to the college.

Interesting Fact:  Danielle has seven tattoos, but you’ll never see them.  “People are always shocked when they hear this. The tattoos are all very small and hidden, therefore, most people (other than family and a few close friends) are unaware of them.”

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