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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
(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.