Daniela Salinas

Daniela Salinas always wanted to pursue a career in science, but her visual impairment meant microscopes and beakers were not in her future. Thus, she turned to the social sciences, finding psychology. After taking an abnormal psychology course, Daniela discovered she wanted to specialize in anxiety disorders.

In the summer of 2015, Daniela interned at the Washington D.C. Public Schools’ Urban Education Leaders Internship Program. Daniela created a teacher resource guide providing best practices and strategies to foster a healthy and effective special education learning environment to improve the achievement gap for students with disabilities. She also had the opportunity to co-teach elementary school students with severe disabilities.

Daniela attributes her success to her Yaya (grandmother) — a colorful lady who raised her with all the love and spoiling in the world, helping Daniela discover her strengths (persistence) and weaknesses (impatience).

Additionally, Daniela credits her family for her drive and passion. She learned more can be done by those who want than by those who can, and that with a little help, persistence, passion for what we do — and a sense of humor — we can achieve anything.

A dean’s list student, and the recipient of the 2015-2016 Dr. Fareed Haj Scholarship Endowment for blind students, based on academic achievement and civic engagement, Daniela will pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology.