Shani Stoddard

 

 

Class of 2013
Lyndonville, VT

Major: Liberal Arts/Dance Licensure Program

Favorite weekend activity: Dancing, choreography, mountain biking

Career Plans: Teaching dance at high school or college; opening a dance studio

 

"JSC is warm and inviting, and the faculty are so kind and willing to meet with me outside of class. ... I came from Manhattan, where professors didn't know your name, and you had to chase them down for grades... Johnson State is such a positive change for me."

Having fallen in love with dance during high school, Shani Stoddard set out to pursue his dream by studying in New York City. After just two semesters there, however, he had his fill of the big city and was ready to return to Vermont.

He arrived at JSC to learn about the dance program and tour the campus and was immediately drawn to one of the best-kept secrets in New England: a vibrant, friendly artistic community that draws its energy from beautiful, natural surroundings.

“I really love the atmosphere on campus. It’s warm and inviting, and the faculty are so kind and willing to meet with me outside of class. I work at a cafe downtown, and my professors come in and say hi,” Shani says. “I came from Manhattan, where professors didn’t know your name, and you had to chase them down for grades, and you didn’t see people outside of class. Johnson State is such a positive change for me.”

Shani is an an active member and president of the JSC Dance Club, the college’s largest student organization. Members spend hundreds of hours choreographing, rehearsing and fund-raising to present two annual shows.

“It’s a big happy club,” Shani says. “It draws people just new to the college, some who have never danced, and some who have danced most of their lives. I work with 35 people behind me in the mirror, so the Dance Club is helping me cultivate those skills I will need as a dance teacher.”

But dance isn’t Shani’s only campus activity. As coordinator of student activities for the Student Government Association, he schedules bands for coffeehouse nights, inflatable structures for gym events, films for campus movie nights, and student performers for talent shows — and ensures JSC students always can find something fun to do in the middle of winter. And as part of the Break Away alternative spring break program, he worked at homeless shelters and food banks in Chicago and learned about urban poverty. He also has helped JSC Admissions, serving on panels to inform prospective students and parents.

“This place is becoming my home,” he explains. “I’ve gained so much from this school, so it’s my job to give back.”