Legendary singer Bill Withers said that we all need somebody to lean on. And Dani Leroux wants to be that person. Whether it’s assisting peers in the classroom, running a student organization or by helping sick children find moments of joy in a hospital setting, Dani wants her presence to be one of support, positivity and guidance.

Dani, in her own words

On why I step forward. “I love to lead by example and show everyone that they can accomplish whatever they set their mind to. Growing up, I played sports and often filled the captain role to help guide my teammates. In high school, I was the Prime Minister — like the President, but Canadian — of my Student Council, so I could lead the school in planning events and fundraisers. Now I’m in CEHHS, where I’m a leader of the college’s student staff team and I help train new employees and take charge of big initiatives and tasks. I’m also president of the Child Life Student Association, the secretary of Love Your Melon and a part of the National Society of Leadership and Success. I’ve used my leadership experience to guide my work with Michigan Medicine, my volunteering with Make-a-Wish Michigan and my time at Children's Hospital of Michigan. I truly find joy and fulfillment in helping everyone around me, whether they be very much in need, or just need a little more brightness in their day.”

On post-graduation. “My dream career is to become a certified child life specialist. This is a job for a person to work closely with children and families who are going through challenging times and it often takes place in the hospital setting. I want to use my knowledge of child development to normalize the intimidating hospital environment and decrease any anxieties a child may have about the hospitalization experience. This is usually done through bringing comfort to the child and family, helping them cope with any and all experiences and interactions. This is my goal because I want to help people during their really scary times. I want to be able to bring play and other positive moments into a difficult time to encourage children and families to find the strength and resiliency to get over every hurdle they have thrown their way.”

On why I’m motivated. “I seek out opportunities to help those around me find the strength they need or the strength they are struggling to see.  When you help someone else get to the goal they have been working towards or help someone feel better after a rough day, it makes you feel better about yourself.”