Danica Leaphart
University of South Carolina, ColumbiaDanica is a junior experimental psychology major from Lexington, South Carolina. She is a bilingual (fluent in English and German) second-generation University of South Carolina (UofSC) student who entered UofSC as a Capstone Scholar. The Capstone Scholars Program, which accepts students by invitation-only, is comprised of high achieving students who are challenged to meet their full potential both through a variety of structured events. Danica regularly volunteers with three of the university's community service-programs: Community Engaged Campus Experience for Youth (CECEY), Impact Weekly, and Service Saturday. She is currently a member of four student organizations: the Association of African-American Students (AAAS), Psi Chi National Honor Society, SAVVY Multicultural Women's Group, and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. Danica also serves as a University 101 Peer Leader and a Multicultural Assistance Peer Program (MAPP) Mentor. Outside of university-sanctioned volunteer opportunities, Danica frequently gives her time to the Ronald McDonald House of Columbia and the Boys and Girls Club of the Midlands. The depth, breadth, and variety of her on-campus involvement is impressive, especially when you consider she has maintained a 3.94 Grade Point Average.
Personal Statement
Before you change the world, you have to start with your home. Home is any place where I fostered meaningful relationships, learned lessons, and tackled adversities. Since middle school, I've taken the initiative to serve others and lead my peers in the direction of progress. Starting college is what motivated me to start a journey that included learning myself as well as the community I'm serving. I joined SAVVY, which is an all-female, minority group that works to create a safe space for women of color to promote self-love and involvement. I joined the Association of African American students and the Multicultural Assistance Peer Program, and I became a University 101 peer leader. These are organizations that promote a sense of community, collaboration, and learning. I became a mentor to a diverse set of freshmen. I participated in service projects around campus including the Community Engaged Campus Experience for Youth program. As I matured, my efforts became more personal and specific. I volunteered for the Ronald McDonald House Charities and worked for the Boys and Girls Club of the Midlands. I also co-founded an outreach ambassador program to raise awareness and money for the RMHC Columbia site.