Christina DiCicco is the epitome of a student leader. She’s genuine, honest and has endless patriot pride, setting the perfect example of how to be a positive force in the Mason community. This week I sat down with Christina to learn more about her Mason story and what sort of legacy she aims to leave on university life.
Hometown: Richmond, VA
Year: Senior
Major: Business Management
What have you been involved in on campus in the past?
I was a Peer Mentor for University 100, a Program Assistant for the Center for the Advancement of Well-Being, Class Officer of Alumni Affairs in Class Councils, President of the Class of 2015, and a Program Board member.
What are you currently involved in on campus?
I am the Executive Secretary of University Life of Student Government, a Resident Advisor for the Mindful Living LLC, a Mason Ambassador, the manager of SI Films, a member of The National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and a member of Beta Gamma Sigma Business Honor Society.
What is your favorite ice-breaker or team-building activity?
My favorite ice-breaker activity is called Ships and Sailors. One person is chosen to be the Captain and in order to complete a task, the captain calls out orders and everyone follows. I like this activity because it builds friendly competition and helps people feel more comfortable around each other.
What is your favorite place at Mason?
It’s a tie between the Student Involvement office, where I have worked for the past four years, and the Piedmont residence hall, where I have lived for the past four years. Both hold so many valuable memories for me.
What are three things you couldn’t live without?
Friendship, family and Facebook
What are three things you’d ask a fairy godmother for?
I would ask for the ability to re-live moments, the ability to see myself as everyone else sees me, and for shopping money.
If you were an animal, which animal would you be and why?
I would definitely be a dolphin. They’re my favorite animal, and they always look so fun and happy!
Do you have any advice for people looking to get involved on campus?
Definitely get involved! Get overly involved, because it’s easier to quit something halfway through than to miss your chance to get involved early in the year. Co-curricular activities teach you how to work with others, to effectively utilize your strengths, and to help you build a support system.
What is the most rewarding thing(s) that has happened to you at Mason?
My most rewarding moments were the moments that I didn’t get what I wanted and the moments that I felt really down, because in those moments I learned so much about how to bring myself back up.
If your friends had to describe you in one word or phrase what do you think they would say?
“Christina knows how to combine kindness, ambition and reality to help others grow.”
What do you want to accomplish or try before you graduate?
I want to leave the sort of legacy that helps other student leaders see beneath the surface of being a student leader. It’s not just about planning events or helping run a theater, it’s more about people-to-people interaction. I want everyone to remember those moments that I contributed to.