Most people know me as Michelle, but my full name is Michelle Alondra De La Cruz Santos. It’s a long name, but that’s very typical in Dominican culture. I was born on September 16 in the United States, but both of my parents are from the Dominican Republic. Because of my Latino parents, I grew up speaking Spanish at home. I live with my mom and younger brother. I also have an older brother, but he is married and lives with his wife. Our dog Snowb is a Shitzu and Pomeranian mix, and his birthday is in October!
In 2016, I moved from my hometown of Harrisonburg, Virginia to attend college two hours away at Roanoke College. I am currently finishing up my senior year of undergraduate studies studying criminal justice with a concentration in legal studies. I live in on-campus housing in a multicultural dormitory where I have cultivated some of the most amazing and diverse friendships. Before 2018, I had only traveled outside of the United States to visit my family in the Dominican Republic. My first time traveling to a new country was in May 2018 when I participated in an African study abroad program in Uganda that my college offered. From there, I went on to visit the friends I had made at college in Rwanda, Africa, France and Denmark.
Once I graduate college, I plan on joining the military for four years of active duty.
