Berry student embodies college motto

Dnika Joseph seeks to change world through community service

For Dnika Joseph, Berry College's motto, “Not to be ministered unto, but to minister,” is a lifelong goal.

Even though Joseph is just a junior at Berry, the biology major from Trinidad and Tobago has already begun her service-oriented life. Her long-term goal is to open an orphanage for children from different parts of the world.

“It would be the first step in gaining world peace,” said Joseph with a sparkle in her eye.

Joseph was very descriptive in explaining the process she would take to achieve her goal. The children's native countries would sponsor the children, much like the current adoption system. While the children are in the foster home, they would learn valuable lessons such as how to work together and the importance of knowing about different languages and cultures. When the children are old enough to return to their home countries, they would be able to promote awareness and tolerance of other countries.

Joseph’s passion for helping others does not go unnoticed.

“I think what is so unique about her is that she loves to be involved in different things," Joseph’s friend Nayuribe Gutierrez said, "and usually all those things have to do with helping others.”

Involvement on campus
Her involvement in service and leadership activities has led Joseph to become well known around Berry.

“There is barely a face on campus who doesn’t know who Dnika is, even though she’ll deny this,” said Jessie Faulhaber.

Joseph welcomes donors and guests to the annual Martha Berry Society and Berry Heritage Society Dinner in October.

Photo courtesy of Alex Sanford

Joseph is involved in numerous activities on campus. To name a few, she is a Resident Assistant, a Bonner Scholar, active in the Dean of Student’s Office, Allied Health Club and Student Government Association.

“I guess I really am involved in more than I thought,” Joseph said with a laugh after she finished listing off all her activities.

Other passions
While Joseph affectionately talks about her goals and dreams, she has another passion in her life: anything Disney.

“My favorite Disney character is Ariel from ‘The Little Mermaid,’” said Joseph with a shy smile.

Joseph's logic behind liking Ariel is no surprise.

“Ariel combined two worlds that otherwise would never have worked together,” Joseph said, “sort of like what I hope to accomplish with the orphanage.”

After graduating from Berry, Joseph wants to get her master’s in global health from a university in England. Though she is unsure of which university, she said that going to England has been a dream all of her life.

{H. S.}