Student Snapshot: Destiny McFalls ‘25
Photo by Dan Loh.
During her first year on campus, Destiny McFalls ’25 declared a major in Africana studies and worked with the department, and with staff in Dickinson's Archives & Special Collections, to research Civil Rights-era Black students' identity and advocacy at Dickinson. She also participated in a mock trial presentation at the Cumberland County courthouse with fellow students and a judge. In early May, this high-achieving first-year student delivered a presentation about her findings to the campus community. In her Q&A, Destiny discusses these experiences, her interest in law, policy and advocacy, why she chose to attend Dickinson and more.
Hometown:
Carlisle, Pa.
Major:
Clubs/organizations:
Cheer squad and social-media coordinator for Red Devil Cheerleading.
Scholarships/honors/awards:
MLK Jr. Commemoration Scholarship.
Favorite movie:
The Blind Side.
Best thing about my Dickinson experience so far:
The best thing about Dickinson has definitely been the people I’ve met. I’ve made so many friends from so many diverse backgrounds and cultures that I may not have otherwise come in contact with. I’ve also gotten to work with amazing professors and learn from their overwhelming wealth of knowledge.
On choosing Dickinson:
I chose Dickinson because, growing up in Carlisle, I’ve always admired the small, intimate atmosphere of both the college and the town. I also felt Dickinson would give me the best opportunities to explore my interests, both inside and outside of the classroom.
Favorite spot on campus:
The library’s archives.
Favorite off-campus spot:
Deli Q.
Favorite class so far:
Negotiation and Advocacy, because it’s introduced me to elements of being a lawyer. It also allowed me to participate in a mock trial at the Cumberland County Courthouse with Judge Edward Guido ’72, adjunct professor in policy studies.
Favorite professor so far:
Associate Professor of History Jeremy Ball.
As a kid, I wanted to be …
… a lawyer.
Post-Dickinson plans:
I plan to attend law school, hopefully to study criminal law.
About my internship research:
I was the Africana studies/Archives & Special Collections intern for Dickinson. I explored materials in the archives to formulate a cumulative research project. My research was centered around Black student identity and advocacy at Dickinson during the 1960s, but also more generally in America during the time period. I focused on individuals and groups who worked toward changing the discriminatory culture of the school during the time.
If I could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, it would be…
…Betty White.
Most important thing I’ve learned so far:
There is always more work to be done. No matter how progressive Dickinson or the broader world becomes, there is always room for improvement. We should be constantly working toward bettering our world.
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Published May 4, 2022