June Durkee

June, a 20-year-old student at Mercyhurst University in Erie, Pennsylvania is in her third year of studies as a Hospitality Management major with a concentration in Events.

Born in Hunan,China, June was adopted by a family living in Silver Springs, Maryland and currently lives in Takoma Park, Maryland. Her elementary and secondary education was unique in that she attended The Lab School of Washington, a private school that centers on helping students with learning difference. June enjoys sports and competed in volleyball, basketball, and tennis.

As a result of much research, June’s parents are actually the ones that suggested she attend Mercyhurst University. They felt that the AIM (Autism Initiative at Mercyhurst) Program for students with learning differences would be worth investigating. After visiting the campus and meeting with Brad McGarry, the director of the program, June applied for the 3-week CREATE Program to gain some campus experience and determine if she was ready for college experience. June is convinced that if they did not discover the AIM program she seriously doubts as to whether she would become successful at other colleges that do not have the extensive academic and social support that Mercyhurst offers.

After some prodding, June shared some interesting information about herself that she usually keeps to herself. Her spirit animal is the dolphin and she had gotten to experience swimming with them a few years back in Key West, Florida. She is obsessed with actor and singer, Hugh Jackman, whom she loved in the “The Greatest Showman” and “Les Miserables”. June also revealed that one of her hidden talents is that she is a dancer. She primarily enjoys contra or square dancing. She and her family attended a folk dance camp called Terpsichore and they would celebrate and they would ring in the New Year with dance.

I have known June for almost three years and I did not realize what an interesting person she is. I find it refreshing to know someone with these many talents and such a positive view on life.