ANDI THOMAS-SANCHEZ
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M.A. STUDENT DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION
ABOUT me
Hi! It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Andi, and I believe that storytelling can change the world. Scroll through to learn more about my story.
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Little one
I was born in sunny San Diego, California on October 19, 1995. As the child of a professional surfboard shaper and a marine biology enthusiast, I loved the water from the time I was a baby.
SWEET 15
I grew up fast. My life changed at age 15 when I learned firsthand what it means to be a domestic violence survivor. In the years that would follow, I would find that being vulnerable about my survivorhood made me feel powerful.
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HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE
I graduated from Canyon Crest Academy (CCA) in June 2014! As a high school graduate, there were many things about the world that I didn't yet know. Mainly, I didn't know if or when I wanted to go to college. With my high school diploma, I decided to work full-time and figure things out.
#pugetsoundbound
My gap year was one of the hardest years of my life. I felt left behind while I watched my high school friends move away to begin their college education. Alongside my work experience, I reflected on my college journey and made the choice to apply to schools for Fall 2015. I chose to attend my top choice school, the University of Puget Sound!
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![IMG_3198.JPG](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/bed862_361e16a5aabb473a91be1be68cc4c677~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_122,h_92,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/bed862_361e16a5aabb473a91be1be68cc4c677~mv2.jpg)
college student pt. 1
In my first three years at Puget Sound, I sought out communities, causes, and activities that aligned with my values. I changed my major...multiple times. I joined Puget Sound's dance club, founded a sorority chapter, and got involved in sexual violence prevention on campus. I tried to balance school and relationships, but I think relationships took up the majority of my focus and energy.
College student pt. 2
I declared my (double) major, math and studio art! I made a place for myself on campus. I became a leader, an advocate, a disruptor, and a supporter. I left an abusive relationship. I rediscovered myself during my healing journey. In 2020---after five years of college---I graduated!
![MYCZ3410.JPG](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/bed862_f360943b15e44cd0a0725b710ee15cea~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_104,h_139,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/bed862_f360943b15e44cd0a0725b710ee15cea~mv2.jpg)
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hr professional?
Gap year, round two! The COVID-19 pandemic completely disrupted any and all expectations that I had for my life as a college grad. Once again, at another crossroads, I didn't know what to do. My heart said student affairs, but I was afraid to pursue it. I landed a full-time role working in Human Resources for a Target store in San Clemente, California. I figured, "Why not?" Shortly thereafter, I would find that working in the corporate sector was not for me.
SDA, Here i come!
I decided to pursue student affairs, and chose the SDA program as the path to get there! I packed up all my things and moved from Southern California to Portland, Oregon...? The SDA program was virtual for 2021-22 academic year. I made friends with my peers via Zoom calls and monthly trips up to Seattle. To help me stay connected with the program, I decided to join the Seattle University Student Development Association (SUSDA) executive team as the Professional Development Chair!
![IMG_0632.jpeg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/bed862_5830f7f8a366441fa7b1c2310d2a3723~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_123,h_92,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/bed862_5830f7f8a366441fa7b1c2310d2a3723~mv2.jpeg)
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(almost) graduate
With the announcement that SDA would be moving back to an in-person modality for the 2022-23 academic year, I secured a graduate assistantship with SU Wellness & Health Promotion and moved up to Seattle! Here, I have formed deeper connections with my Zoom friends from the SDA program. I continue to explore Seattle and experience all the wonderful things this city has to offer. Nearing the end of my SDA journey, I find myself at another crossroads. I'm not sure where exactly this journey will take me, but I can't wait to find out.