Chris LaPorte
University of Massachusetts DartmouthSenior Anthropology/Sociology Major Chris LaPorte has distinguished himself as a can-do, make-it happen UMass Dartmouth student with a big goal: bringing change to the world by encouraging people to help others. Chris's concern for the socio - economic issues of our day and servant leadership style impacts his fellow students, staff and faculty by bringing out the best in those who surround him. His positive spirit and commitment to serving humanity has had a significant impact on our campus, in our local community and as far away as the Philippines. A budding social entrepreneur we are quite sure Chris will continue to make a transformative impact.
Personal Statement
"If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change," wrote Wayne Dye. This quote is the essential reason why I decided to involve myself in public problem solving. As a kid coming from France to the United States, I was fortunate to have an aunt, a social worker, who would wake me up early to volunteer so that I would always be conscious of serving others. When transferring to UMass Dartmouth I needed to find a new challenge. I decided to stop playing football and took on the mission of helping others and building myself as a positive person. I have been involved in recent years so much so that even back home I work and volunteer. My current focus is to develop a mentoring program with our Moors Engaged Noble (M.E.N.) group and a nearby Middle School called Normandin. You might ask why I am doing this? Well, I once struggled as a student as a kid and I had a hard time speaking English yet people came into my life and helped developed my confidence. Now I want to help others believe in themselves.