Damian De Los Santos Suriel ’27, a sociology major and member of Moravian’s Track & Field team, completed his summer internship expecting it to affirm his career direction. But what he gained was more than just a professional experience—it gave him the opportunity to put his passion for helping others into action.
As a community initiatives outreach intern with Moravian’s Center for Inclusive Excellence, Damian worked directly with high school students during the Reed Raymond ’74 College Readiness Program, a five-day, overnight campus experience that prepares college-eager Lehigh Valley students and their families for the extensive college-search process.
“The best part was watching students become more confident throughout the week. Some students barely spoke at the beginning of the program, but by the end they were participating in discussions, asking questions, and talking about their future with excitement,” says Damian.
The experience challenged Damian to grow. He learned that effective mentorship isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about listening, showing patience, and being willing to ask for help. He saw concepts from the classroom, including social inequality, access to education, and mentorship, come to life, and it confirmed his desire to pursue a career supporting others.
“Seeing that change [in the students] reminded me why I chose sociology in the first place. I want a career where I can help people, build meaningful relationships, and make a positive difference in their lives,” says Damian.
Support from the Lloyd and Laurie Riley ’82 Brubaker Endowed Internship Fund made this opportunity accessible to Damian. By relieving the financial pressure that often accompanies internship work, the stipend allowed Damian to focus on his professional growth, leadership development, and community impact.
“Your generosity made this opportunity possible,” Damian shared in a thank-you note to his donor. “Instead of worrying as much about finances, I was able to invest my time and energy into gaining meaningful experience. Because of your support, I was able to focus on becoming a better student, a better leader, and a better person.”
