La'Cia Reynolds is a senior at IUPUI who is originally from Gary, Indiana, and is pursuing a degree in health service management. She became involved in DEAP as an incoming freshman when she was offered a scholarship and an opportunity to participate in the Summer Bridge program. She felt honored to be one of the few chosen for a spot. "I felt like I had stood out, which was a great feeling," she says. She has remained active within DEAP throughout her college career, involvement that she credits with introducing her to other organizations and people on the IUPUI campus.
Reynolds says, "Being involved with DEAP definitely helped me feel connected here. It opened my eyes to other organizations, like the Student African American Sisterhood, and even sorority life. I'm a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, which I wouldn't have learned about without being in DEAP. The sense of community we have in this program helped me open up and not be so nervous to approach new people."
Being involved with DEAP definitely helped me feel connected here. It opened my eyes to other organizations, like the Student African American Sisterhood, and even sorority life.
La'Cia Reynolds
Reynolds currently works as a program specialist for DEAP and plans to use her professional experience from that position to help with her career goals. After attending graduate school and obtaining a master's degree in health care administration, she would like to hold an administrative position at a hospital. Having already been working under a director with tight deadlines and as part of a hiring committee for DEAP, she feels prepared for the professional world outside of IUPUI.
Reynolds explains, "Overall, I would say that I wouldn't be the student I am today without DEAP. I never thought that I was the type of person to be engaged with their campus or to take on leadership roles. Now, I'm someone who is confident talking to new people and being a leader, and I can thank the opportunities that DEAP has given me for that."