Danielle Blinn, Nashua Community College

Danielle is preparing for graduation in May 2013 to continue her preparation for a career in Elementary Education. She has been involved in many activities during her time at Nashua Community College, but the one that stands out is her dedication to the students of the LIFE-OP program. LIFE-OP is a post-secondary educational and vocational program for students with developmental disabilities. During her 15+ hours a week, Danielle has made a tremendous difference in the program, in the lives of the students and greater community at NCC. Whether she is working with the students on sign-language, tutoring them in academics or joining them while they eat lunch in the school cafeteria, she has helped these students feel like a part of the college. The supervisor of the program, Nora Driscoll, has said that Danielle has been instrumental in increasing the integration of the LIFE-OP students by introducing them to other students and members of the NCC community. When asked about the specific students, and her relationships with them, Danielle breaks out in smile. She speaks passionately about how much she loves working with these students and what they have brought to her life.