Junior Di-Tu Dissassa’s name is just about as exclusive and as bold as her outgoing personality.
From being president of Mungano to being a senior resident assistant, Dissassa is a music major who has been an active leader around Baker’s campus.
"I have known Di-Tu since she first came to Baker on move-in day," Director of Multicultural Affairs Ron Holden said. "She has since then been very instrumental to help foster diversity on campus. Di-Tu is a leader, and is able to easily rally people around a cause."<br/>Diversity plays a large role in Dissassa's family. Her father is from Ethiopia and her mother is African-American.Diversity plays a large role in Dissassa's family. Her father is from Ethiopia and her mother is African-American.
Diversity plays a large role in Dissassa’s family. Her father is from Ethiopia and her mother is African-American.
“Some students come from different backgrounds where they do not have too much diversity in their schools or in their towns, and it is good to get to know others and not be ignorant of other cultures,” Dissassa said. “My heritage and family just keeps me diverse because I meet so many different people.”
Being involved in a number of different organizations, Dissassa admits she stays busy. However, she still finds time to have fun and laugh.
“I am a busy person,” Dissassa said. “I like to have fun and be around a lot of people, talk and laugh and have a good time.”
Freshman Lauren Torrez lives in Irwin Hall and is one of Dissassa's residents. <br/>Torrez enjoys Dissassa's humor and her helpful nature.Torrez enjoys Dissassa's humor and her helpful nature.
Torrez enjoys Dissassa’s humor and her helpful nature.
“She is funny and likes to listen to loud music,” Torrez said. “You can talk to her about anything, plus she helps us with our Spanish homework.”
When Dissassa is not taking time to help out with homework, she is being asked to serve on different boards at Baker because of the respect her peers and faculty have for her.
“She is well liked by not only her peers but also faculty and is asked to sit on different boards,” Holden said. “Di-Tu has goals and will do anything to reach them, but she also helps others in reaching their goals as well.”
After graduation, Dissassa would like to help give back to her hometown, Kansas City, Mo., by opening a performing arts center for children.
“I want to go to graduate school and get my doctorate, so I can teach in college,” Dissassa said. “But I want to set up a center in Kansas City for kids who have never had the chance to take theater or dance classes.”
Even living with a chaotic college schedule, Dissassa keeps her religion close to her with whatever meeting or group she may be running to next.
“I just try to devote my life to Christ, and I hope people see a kind Christ-like person when they see me,” she said. “That is what I hope people see even if they don’t believe in Christ. They see a kind and gentle person.”
