Amanda Peña
Class: 2015
Hometown: Whittier, CA
Residence: Welsh Family Hall
Major: International Development Studies & Poverty Studies
Email: apena4@nd.edu
I am a FIRE Starter because... there are unspoken issues among the student body that need to be brought to light. Notre Dame needs leaders to courageously step out and support the physical, mental and emotional health of their peers. Issues of sexual assault, disordered eating, obsessive health behaviors and sexual orientation and gender roles add a layer of pressure and stress to an already competitive student body. As a FIRE Starter, I hope to spark conversation and foster a communiy of awareness, understanding and support.
My favorite thing about Notre Dame is... all of the opportunities available to students. From research to self-discovery, there is a program, grant, professor or group that students can join to make them feel at home under the dome. I also value all of the rich traditions and history that makes Notre Dame the incredible univesity it is recognized as.
A fun fact about me is... I have two cats: one is an arrogant, conceited maincoon named Mr. Howie and the other is a timid, socially-awkward black and white cat named Simba. I am also deathly afraid of bees.