This week’s campus celebrity hails from the U.S. Virgin Islands. D’Mone Clendinen is a 20 year-old junior from St. Thomas with a major in Mass Communications.
Even away from home, D’Mone has been able to find some similarities between Tampa and St. Thomas. One thing in particular she loves is the weather. “It’s very reminiscent of home,” she says. In regards to UT, D’Mone thinks that the small close-knit community is a definite plus, “I like that there are small classes, I find I learn better when I am comfortable and can approach my teacher,” she adds.
On the flip side of things, there is nothing D’Mone hates about Tampa; however, she thinks that at times UT does not have enough food or good choices for students to choose from. Also, if it were up to her, more activities would be advertised on campus and held weekly in order for students to become more involved.
For anyone who has never been to St. Thomas, D’Mone would describe her home as “hot, green, and welcoming”. Especially in regards to tourists, “We really appreciate them,” she says.
On campus you may have seen D’Mone sporting pearls and decked out in either pink or green, as she is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. She holds a position on the executive board as Treasurer in her chapter, also known as Sigma Nu. D’Mone is also the Treasurer of S.I.S.T.E.R.S, which stands for Sisters of Integrity Striving Towards Empowerment Respect and Success. The purpose of S.I.S.T.E.R.S. is to be the voice of women on UT’s campus, and help them continue to develop personally, academically, and provide more opportunities as they strive for success.
On April 20 the Tau Pi chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Incorporated will be holding the Miss Black and Gold 2014 Scholarship Pageant. D’Mone is contestant number five, and if you are interested tickets may be purchased from her. All proceeds will go towards funding for the pageant. When asked why people should vote for her, D’Mone gave a very commendable answer. “I’m not going to bribe anyone. You should vote for me just because you want to.”
D’Mone is the first person in her family thus far that will be receiving a college degree, and her biggest challenge to date would be her attempt to succeed in her goals. “It’s all about self control and focus. Keep your eye on it!” she says.
In order to stay focused, and keep her eye on the prize, D’Mone keeps one quote at the forefront of her mind. “Good, better, best. Never let it rest. Until your good becomes better and your better becomes your best.”