Student Profile
Vitals:
Name: Dana Solano
Graduation Year: 2010
Hometown: Mamaroneck NY
Major: Special Education and Literacy
Weekend Activity: Scrapbooking, Reading, Shopping with friends
Dana Solano recently graduated from Manhattanville’s School of Education with a Bachelors degree in Psychology and Early Childhood Education. This summer she started Graduate coursework pursuing a Masters Degree in Special Education and Literacy.
“I’ve always known that I wanted to be a teacher,” Dana said. “I had read about Manhattanville’s education program, so I decided to take a campus tour. I fell in love with the campus setting; it is just so beautiful and relaxing.”
During the last semester of her junior year, Dana completed her student teaching at the Mamaroneck Avenue Elementary School, working in Kindergarten and the Second Grade. She has also completed 100+ hours of observations/volunteer work in various classrooms throughout Westchester County. For incoming freshman who are considering a major in Education Dana would advise getting as many certifications as possible. “It is important as it looks much better on your resume and you are more likely to get hired,” she said.
In the midst of her busy schedule, Dana also makes time to participate in volunteer activities with Manhattanville’s Duchesne Center for Social Justice. These activities have included Halloween at the Castle, Soup Kitchen, Friendly Connections, and The Teenage Enrichment Program (TEP). “TEP was my favorite program,” Dana said. “The other volunteers and I worked with teenagers from the Coachmen Center, a homeless shelter in White Plains, NY. We conducted various lessons on theater and poetry. I started as a mentor my freshman year and became a Student Coordinator when I was a sophomore. I enjoyed working with the teens very much and it was also a great way to practice teaching skills.”
At the end of her senior year Dana received the ‘Living the Mission’ award from the Duchesne Center, which is given to students who have best demonstrated their commitment to community service throughout the academic year.