Damaris Mani-Muñoz '28 (SUNY Geneseo/ Mat Johnson)
Damaris Mani-Muñoz '28 has found her place at Geneseo in several ways. She has discovered an academic path, close friends, and confidence to lead.
As a first-year student, Mani-Muñoz wasn't sure what major to pursue, but knew she was interested in public health. That interest inspired her to take Anthropology of the Borderlands, a study away course in which she and other students traveled to Arizona to learn about the history, challenges, and issues of immigration. She returned with more direction.
"I am now a double major," says Mani-Muñoz, who has also enjoyed playing viola since fourth grade. "I'm studying sociomedical sciences and music. I get to pursue both of my interests at once, which is really wonderful."
Mani-Muñoz is interested in exploring immigration and the reasons people migrate in more depth, especially along the southern US border. She will be a teaching assistant for the Borderlands course this spring.
She is also minoring in Spanish, and is a member of the running club and LatinX Student Association. She is a member of a sorority, and plays viola in several on-campus music ensembles. And while she felt nervous about meeting new people, it all fell into place.
"I made good friends," says Mani-Muñoz, remarking that she met them in orientation, activities, and the Borderlands course. "I knew I found my people when I knew I could be myself and not be judged."
Mani-Muñoz also challenged herself in new ways. Last summer, she served as an orientation leader for the Class of 2029, preparing Geneseo's newest students for their own journeys. It was a role she never imagined for herself, but her Geneseo experiences gave her the confidence to take it on. She says she was open about her own struggles feeling comfortable away at college.
"A student told me that really spoke to her. It touched me," says Mani-Muñoz. "As an orientation leader, I saw a side of me that I didn't really think I had because in high school, I was really quiet. I didn't take on leadership roles because I was nervous. Just the thought of doing a presentation made me sweat and turn red with panic. But I loved it. I like building community and I was able to connect with students. I realized that there is no one way to be a good leader."