Leslie Fontaine

Leslie Fontaine’s nominator wrote, “Leslie is one of the coolest people I know, and although she’s less than half my age, I aspire to be like her when I grow up. I met her as a first-year student in the Thrive Living-Learning Community. Now, more than two years later, I know a lot more about who Leslie Fontaine is and wants to be -- and much more importantly, she does too. Her journey inspires me. She has evolved into someone with the confidence that can only come from earnest reflection.”

Leslie is a junior majoring in Biomedical Biology with minors in music and religion. She is a member of the Studio 72 Living-Learning Community, is on the Executive Board of the Biological Science Honor Society, is active in the Catholic Campus Ministry at Virginia Tech, is a Teaching Assistant for one of her favorite classes: microbiology, and works ten hours a week in Dining Services. She also works with Cultural and Community Centers and serves as a Cook Counseling Center Peer Assistant for Learning. She wants to help Hokies both present and future, letting them know that they aren’t alone.

When Leslie learned that Warm Hearth Village needed a piano player, she immediately committed to this act of service and took the time to learn more about the residents. She bought a book of the biggest hit songs from their generations. She knows the impact her music has on her audience. Residents who look like they’re sleeping start singing, and residents who can’t remember much from the past hour remember all the words to songs from years ago.

Leslie said, “I used to think that I needed to get ahead for people to respect me. I needed good grades, opportunities, and resume-builders. But I'm finding now that showing respect to all people is first and foremost what will help you find success throughout your life. The more love I give out, the more love I receive from others. This is a far more fulfilling path.”

Leslie said, “I want to be a doctor, and I've always wanted to be a part of a program that brings medical assistance to low-income areas. I grew up near Baltimore, Maryland. I had everything I ever needed: a safe home life, food on the table, good schools, the ability to participate in any extracurricular activity I wanted, and importantly, access to great healthcare. Meanwhile, less than 45 minutes away, people were struggling to access even half of those things. I feel like I was born into a good situation so that I can devote my life to those who weren't. I want to help bring healthcare to the inner city. I am aware of and understand the level of privilege that I grew up with and still have. I’ve gotten a good head start in my life from my family. For that reason, I know that I need to help others. I need to give back to the universe that gave me so much.”

Leslie, it is an honor to present to you the Aspire! Award for SELF-UNDERSTANDING AND INTEGRITY.