Destinee Lagunas

What are your central passion(s), and how do you plan to pursue them after graduation?

My passions are volunteering at church and helping build the next generation. While at Flagler, I’ve shown my younger siblings that their dreams matter and that they are able to accomplish them. This has a huge role in my passion for volunteering and building the next generation because I want them to know the statistics don’t mean anything. As long as their minds are set on their goals, they can achieve anything with the support of the right community.  

Who or what inspired your passion in this area?  

Being pushed to do experiential learning in Sport Management helped build this passion for mine. I was able to find a passion for coaching youth soccer due to this requirement. Seeing how much they progress season to season is the most rewarding feeling. I also have the opportunity to teach them core values while encouraging them to chase their dreams.  

Can you share a memorable story from your time at Flagler that always makes you smile? 

A special moment for me was right after my first semester, after transferring to Flagler during distress day. My first semester before transferring was not the best experience, but after transferring to Flagler, I was able to be pushed out of my comfort zone and feel like myself again. During distress day, I spend the afternoon enjoying the games, friends, and food. I was also able to snap a photo with Lewis, and that was the moment I knew I had made the right decision on Flagler because I could see the genuine smile on my face.  

Which academic resources, experiences, or mentors at Flagler were most valuable to you, and how did they contribute to your success? 

The most valuable mentors to my Flagler experience were Dr. Ryder, Dr. Villemaire, and Dr. Parris. These professors knew how to push me out of my comfort zone while supporting and guiding me. While at Flagler, I decided to double major in two completely different majors. These mentors of mine shared that it would be hard, but they believed in me. They made it easy for me to chase my dreams and push myself to limits I didn’t think I could initially do.  

What advice or lesson would you give to your freshman year self about the college experience?  

I would tell my freshman self to enjoy the ride throughout college. It might feel like you’re the only one experiencing the feeling of being in a new environment or feeling lonely. But these are the people who will help guide you throughout college. These are the people who will see you at your highest and lowest, so enjoy the whole ride, preferably at the beach, soaking in the sun. Nonetheless, enjoy every aspect of college life because it will fly by.  

In the Flagler spirit, how do you hope to make history after graduation? 

After graduation, I plan on making history by accepting a role at James Moore & Co. While there, I have the opportunity to use my degrees just like I had always hoped. I plan to prove to myself and show my family that the dreams they set are achievable, despite the statistics saying “I wouldn’t make it”.