Hi y’all. I am from the rural Central Valley originally. I spent my undergrad years at CSU Fresno studying Physics and Philosophy. I was a Math lab tutor and I helped with sports and tutoring clubs for middle school kids while I was there.

In between my Fresno State Schooling and UCLA schooling I spent a few weeks in Ghana, my first time out of the country, and loved it. I also spent a year doing non-profit work in the Peoplestown community in Atlanta, Georgia. I was able to do this through a program called Jesuit Volunteer Corps. I am a 2nd year MA student at UCLA in the Afro-American Studies Department. My main interests revolve around the topic of Creolization and identity formation, and my research focuses on the Créole community from mainly New Orleans that are living in Los Angeles. Besides being a CA at UCLA I have helped with an after school program at Orville Wright Middle School, and still occasionally do.

My main interest outside of academics right now is growing Bonsai trees. I love trees, love being in and around nature, and my favorite types of trees are Japanese Maples. I love sports when I get a chance to play them. Love baseball used to play a lot of tennis. I enjoy cooking also. Oh yeah, I enjoy watching some anime too.

I’m pretty laid back and easy to talk to so come by if you need some help.

Email me at dancalade@college.ucla.edu