Hi my name is Andy De Leonardis and I am a recent graduate of UCSD earning a degree in History and a minor in Psychology. I enjoy long walks on the beach, a good book by the fire, and an occasional high powered game of Candyland. On a more serious note I served as a Student Minister for the Liturgy Committee last year and felt honored for the opportunity to serve the Newman Center Catholic Community which has given me so much life. I now serve on the church staff as a Co-Adviser to this year’s Student Ministry team.
I was quite homesick as a freshman four years ago. Coming from a small town about 300 miles north (not THAT far I know but still…) to the big city of San Diego, I felt like a little fish in a big pond. While still trying to get my bearings, I first felt at home sitting in one of my first Masses at the Newman Center. The Catholic faith has always been a great part of my life going to 11 years of Catholic school; however, I didn’t own my faith until my Confirmation process my Sophomore and Junior years of High School. My senior year, I was the Student Director of Campus Ministry for my High School and fell in love with youth ministry, especially watching students open up during retreats, sharing their lives and faith.
These experiences led me to become more involved at the Newman Center and also in my faith. In the winter and spring of 2008, I studied abroad in Rome, Italy and had a scrumtrulescent time. Rome was absolutely amazing. Living in a different culture, mixing it up with the locals and the Swiss Guards, going to Mass at St. Peter’s, visiting other countries,….and studying of course…. was a great experience that I recommend to everyone. If you can study abroad, doesn’t matter where, during your time in college PLEASE DO!!!!
I could go on and you would experience the true history major, but I will leave the rest for you to ask me about. I look forward to continuing to serve this community and watch these ten wonderful Student Ministers we have to lead us this year grow, develop, and rock the socks off the Newman Center.
I’m a lover of laughter, romance, UCSD Gospel Choir, Charger football, surfing, singing while I ride my bike, this great nation that allows us to practice our faith freely, and of course our boy Jesus Christ. I currently work as a tutor and want to go into a teaching program getting my Masters in Education and teaching underprivileged communities next summer. You can find me basically being awesome or looking good somewhere in San Diego. If you have ANY questions about ANYTHING please feel free to contact me at my email above or on Facebook.
Two verses of wisdom for you: If you are ever stressed I recommend Psalm 23, and remember to live in God’s love, as St. Paul says in his first letter to the Thessalonians 5:16 “Rejoice Always!”
Hope to talk to you soon!!!