Denisse Villegas
Major: Economics
Second major: Psychology
Minor: Organizational Studies
GPA: 3.76
Personal Statement
Being considered for the Pepper Prize is an honor, not only for me but for my ancestors who never had the privilege of attending college. Growing up, my parents taught me to pursue every opportunity, even if it meant doing it scared. In that sense, the “Cur Non” motto, my interpretation of the Lafayette ideal, has always been a part of my life.
Whenever I saw an opportunity to do more for the campus, I took it. During my first semester, I quickly got involved with the Hispanic Society of Lafayette to stay connected to my roots while increasing awareness of Latin American culture on campus. I became a LEO during my sophomore year to improve the orientation experience for incoming students by making it more welcoming and inclusive.
Although my major support system became unstable before my junior year, I leaned into the experience as motivation to create the support system I lacked, for myself and for others on campus. I have developed a senior series to equip graduating students with the resources they need to succeed in their transition to adulthood. I also continue to support students of all class years as a Gateway Peer Advisor by reviewing and editing career-related materials.
As a senior, the “Cur Non” mindset continues to guide me. I decided to become a macroeconomics Supplemental Instructor during my spring semester because I wanted to give back to my Lafayette community by providing other students with the kind of support I would have appreciated. Taking on this role has shown me how much I have grown during my time at Lafayette. From the beginning, I’ve been actively involved on campus. Over time, I have grown to embrace challenges with confidence and a deeper purpose, to strengthen and support my Lafayette community.
Other Information
For a moment, I did not think I would graduate with my class in May. I considered taking a leave of absence during the fall semester of my junior year to help care for my dad, who became seriously ill. Despite my dad’s unexpected illness and my mom having to move full-time to Ecuador to be his caretaker at the beginning of my junior year, I persevered and thrived in college. Now, my mom will get to see me walk across the stage to receive my diploma, while a family member holds the phone on FaceTime so my dad can experience it as well.
I want to sincerely thank all of the individuals who have been my support system during this time: my friends, my professors, and the supportive staff that I have developed close relationships with. Lafayette has truly become my home away from home, and I will miss it dearly after I graduate
As a first-generation Ecuadorian American woman, the possibility of becoming a Pepper Prize recipient brings me so much joy. It would honor my parents’ sacrifices, reflect my resilience, and help pave the way for future Latinx students to be recognized and celebrated in Lafayette’s legacy.
Academic Activity / Award Total years participated Briefly describe your involvement
Team Success 4 years
I have been a member of Team Success for 4 years.
Hispanic Finance Association 4 years
I have been a member for 4 years.
Alpha Alpha Alpha: First Generation Honor Society 3 years
I was awarded this honors award during my sophomore year and I have been a member for 3 years.
Psi Chi (The International Honor Society in Psychology) 2 years
I was awarded this honors award during my junior year and I have been a member for 2 years.
Omicron Delta Epsilon (The International Honor
Society in Economics) 2 years
I was awarded this honors award during my junior year and I have been a member for 2 years.
Academic Resource HUB Employee 1 year
I was a Peer Note Taker during the fall of my sophomore year for Principles of Economics and now, as a senior, I am a Macroeconomics Supplemental Instructor.
Intermediate Spanish Conversation Partner 1 semester
I was a conversation partner for the Lafayette Language department for one semester during my sophomore year.
DIS Copenhagen: Study Abroad in Scandinavia 1 semester
I was a student part of the DIS program during the fall semester of my senior year with the help of the Lafayette Study Abroad Office.
The Global Tech Experience Coding for Data Bootcamp 10 weeks
I was a participant of this bootcamp offered through the Gateway Career Center during the summer after my junior year.
Lafayette Summer Abroad Comparing Ethical, Social, and Economic
Aspects of the U.S. and U.K. Healthcare Systems 8 weeks
I studied abroad the summer after my freshman year where I completed an internship with a start-up called Uncommon Minds through the EUSA American Internships program.
Campus Service Activity/Award Total years participated Briefly describe your involvement
Hispanic Society of Lafayette 4 years
I was a member during my freshman year, secretary during my sophomore year, vice president during my junior year, and now I am the president during my senior year.
Gateway Peer Advisor 3 years
I have been a Gateway Peer Advisor (GPA) for 3 years. Currently, I am taking more of a project manager role within my GPA role to create a senior series for life after college.
Campus Service Activity/Award Total years participated Briefly describe your involvement
Tour Guide and Office Worker for Admissions 3 years
I was a tour guide for my freshman and sophomore year and then I was an office worker during my junior year.
Lafayette Extended Orientation 1 year
I was a Lafayette Extended Orientation leader when it first became the year-long LEO program during my sophomore year.
Lafayette Communications Assistant 1 year
I wrote articles for the Lafayette Today during my sophomore year.
Community Service Total years participated Briefly describe your involvement
Construyendo Puentes 1 year
I volunteered through the Landis program Construyendo Puentes during my freshman year, teaching Spanish-speaking parents English.
Athletic Activity/Award Total years participated Briefly describe your involvement
Lafayette Salsa Club 2 years
Lafayette Salsa Club is considered a sports club on campus. I was a memberduring my freshman yeat and then I was vice president during my sophomoreyear.
Special Interest Activity/Award Total years participated Briefly describe your involvement
Dyer Center Involvement 2 years
I have been an active member of the Dyer Center during my sophomore and junior years attending events such as the Founder’s Table or events on Real estate, etc.
Recreation Center Involvement 1.5 years
I have consistently been going to Zumba classes every Monday during my junior and senior years.
Singing 1 year
I was a part of the Latin Night performance during the spring of my sophomore year with Will Shelton and currently, I am practicing with Professor Jorge Torres’ Latin Ensemble for this semester’s Latin Night performance.