This week’s campus celebrity is a one-of-a-kind girl who will light up any room with her smile and caring personality. Candace Pierce is a Masters of Occuaptional Therapy student, former Antioch team member and two-year member of the Dance Marathon Executive Board.
Graduation year: I will graduate in 3 weeks (2015) with Bachelor’s in Psychology and then again 2016 for my Masters of Occupational TherapyYear in school: SeniorHometown: Victor, IAMajor/minor: Psychology and a 2nd year in the Occupational Therapy programCampus involvement: Antioch Leader for 2 trips, Family Relations Director for Dance Marathon for the past 2 years, and a SOTA memberDream job/why: I would love to be an Occupational Therapist working in the VA for outpatient therapy or with a geriatric focus. I have always loved the geriatric population, and I feel that you can learn a lot from them. I also love the VA because it is so client-focused. Plans after graduation: I plan on staying in Davenport to complete my final year of graduate school.Who is your role model? My role model is my mom. Ever since I was young, she always told me that I could be anything that I wanted. She goes along with my crazy ideas and is always my number one supporter.How did you get involved in Dance Marathon? I got involved in Dance Marathon my sophomore year of college when I applied to be on the Family Relations Committee. Throughout that year, I had the privilege and opportunity to meet the families and kiddos that we are helping. The cause just struck my heart, and I believe that we make a huge difference in the lives of so many. From that moment, I knew that I needed to get more involved.What was your title/position in DM? I was the Family Relations Director from 2013-2015.What is your favorite part of DM? My favorite part of Dance Marathon is that we truly make a difference. Over the years, we have been able to make a difference to our Miracles Families, the St. Ambrose community, the Quad City community, and the children being treated at the University of Iowa’s Children’s Hospital. You cannot only see this difference in our 12 hour event, but throughout the year. Everything we do is for the kids, FTK! It is not just a phrase, but the true meaning of Dance Marathon.Do you have any advice for underclassmen? Try to get involved on campus. There are so many opportunities that St. Ambrose provides. It is a great way to help you find friends with the same passion, teach you leadership/teamwork qualities, and so much more! Favorite quote/motto to live by: “Surround yourself with the dreamers and the doers, the believers and thinkers, but most of all, surround yourself with those who see greatness within you, even when you do not see it yourself.”