Celine Dang

Major: 

Kinesiology

Hometown: 

Bellevue, WA

What are your campus involvements? 

Seawolf Fit, research projects, Kinescope Ambassador, and Newman Center: Music ministry coordinator and secretary.

What is your favorite memory or experience at SSU? 

There was a Marian Conference on campus, and we invited UC Davis to come join us. After the conference, we all went back to the Newman Center to celebrate how well it went. The night was full of laughter, music, dancing, good food, and a little wine, just pure joy. It felt like such a beautiful reminder of what faith and fellowship are really about: coming together, sharing life, and celebrating the goodness of God with one another. That night made me so grateful for this community, and I honestly can’t wait to experience it all again.

What has been the most challenging part of your college experience and what did you learn from it? 

The most challenging part of college so far has been balancing all my extracurriculars with my classes. I love being involved and saying yes to new opportunities, but sometimes I take on a little too much. I’ve realized that while being active on campus brings me joy, it’s just as important to set boundaries and make time to take care of myself. I’m still learning how to navigate that balance.

What brought you to SSU, and what motivates you to stay? 

My mom is actually the one who brought me to SSU. I had applied to other colleges back home, but their decisions were taking too long. So my mom did some research and found SSU, a school she thought would match my personality. Once I got here, I fell in love with the environment, from the peaceful rustling of the trees on campus to the lively Thursday nights filled with energy and laughter. I’ve built and found a family here, and I want to leave my mark on this school before I graduate. There are so many resources and communities on campus that have made being far from home so much easier.

Who at SSU has influenced you and/or made an impact on your journey here? 

My roommate, Lily Garcia, has been my rock since the very beginning. She helped me find all the right resources on campus, walked me to my classes so I wouldn’t get lost, and invited me to events that helped me feel part of the SSU community. At first, I just wanted to keep my head down, get through college, and graduate. But because of all the people she’s introduced me to and the kindness she’s shown, I’ve learned the value of connection and community. Now, I want to give that same support to others, to be the person who helps them feel seen and included. When we’re at home, we talk about our struggles, and whenever I feel homesick or unmotivated, she’s always there to lift me up and remind me why I’m here. I’m on track because of her, and knowing I have her to come home to makes SSU feel like family.