Name: Daniel Villar
School & Year: FCLC ’17
Major: Double major in psychology and communications with a concentration in journalism
Hometown: Jackson Heights, Queens
Campus Involvement: I’m largely involved with the CFM (Commuter Freshmen Mentor) program on campus. Last year, I was the student representative on the Educational Quality Committee to the Board of Trustees, where I was the voice of Lincoln Center students. I was also a contributor to the Observer. And I’ve been on the Dean’s List all three years here.
1) Why did you decide to become a CFM? There are many parts to this answer. First of all, it’s because I wanted to make a difference in the lives of others. Coming into Fordham, I never understood the importance of having a mentor or being a mentor to others because, growing up, I never really had a mentor around the same age as me. My own CFM had a huge impact on me my first year and helped guide me through freshman year. Without her, I wouldn’t have been able to get through it. After that, I had a gratitude and a desire to give back to my community. I wanted to be a big brother to students on campus and be there for them. I wanted to help others to be their best selves, to feel comfortable in this community, and make them feel like they’re at their second homes. More than anything, I just want to be the reason why someone looks back on their first year and reflects on their experience knowing that at least I made it a little bit easier for them. Helping people is one of my biggest passions in life and I realized through mentoring I am able to do that. By mentoring, I get to help people every day and give back to my community, and that brings me happiness. It’s so important to have mentors in life, to have role models to look up to and guide you. I feel like being in the program now for three years has really shown me the importance of that.
2) Funniest memory as a mentor? This isn’t really funny but it’s cute: My first year we [mentors] wanted to take a Christmas card picture so we all dressed up in denim and took a group picture. It was so cute. We also had a secret Santa that year and that’s one of my favorite memories.
3) If any celebrity could be your mentor, who would it be and why? Demi Lovato because I look up to her as a role model since she speaks out about mental health issues that I’m very passionate about.
4) Last show you binge-watched? Sense 8. It’s a Netflix original series.
5) If you could have your own celebrity squad, like T-Swift, who would be in it? Josh Hutcherson, J-Law, Miguel Angel Silvestre, (of course I would have) Taylor Swift, Emma Watson, Pedro Pascal, Sophie Turner, Nick Jonas, Demi Lovato, Ashley Benson, Troian Bellisario, Adam Levine, Zac Efron, and Spencer Sutherland. I think that’s a pretty solid squad.
6) What song are you currently jamming to? Traicionera by Sebastian Yatra
7) What’s your dream job? Working as a developmental psychologist in an applied setting such as a school.
8) What are you going to miss most about Fordham? So many things. I’m going to miss all the people here, my CFM team, Professor Juric, and just generally having this community that is so welcoming, where I can feel free being myself. I’m going to miss having such an immediately comforting environment. I’m going to miss the events on campus like the ones hosted by the CFMs, SOL, and MSA. I’m going to miss not having a group to mentor and not coming to Lincoln Center every day. But I’m not going to miss the food, that’s for sure.
9) What advice do you have for incoming freshmen? Get involved on campus as soon as you can because I think that’s the best way to be able to start connecting with your community and making friends. Put yourself outside your comfort zone daily. Be open to new experiences and different perspectives on the world. Don’t be scared to try new things. Learn about all the resources you have on campus and use them. Buy an agenda; use it. Don’t be afraid to talk to others. Speak up for yourself. Believe in yourself. Be yourself. Have confidence in your abilities to shine. Be kind. Just breathe.