One of Doris Osei’s favorite college memories was studying abroad in Italy during her junior year. While pursuing an internship in Rome, she explored some of Italy’s most beautiful cities, visited historic sites like the Colosseum, and made a wish at Trevi Fountain. Immersed in the country’s rich culture, she felt a special connection with the Italian lifestyle.
“I loved the locals so much,” she says. “They gather around the table to eat all the time which is so comforting, it brought back a sense of warmth and family for me.”
The warm and welcoming community is among the reasons Doris chose to study at St. Thomas Aquinas College. While working toward her bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts, she made her own contribution to fostering STAC’s warm family environment as a Resident Assistant in the dormitories. Aside from overseeing 50 residents at a time and handling administrative duties, she also developed over 10 programs on topics ranging from diversity to personal development to help resident students make the most of their college experience.
Doris discovered that working with students is a perfect fit for her so she assumed the title and duties of a Student Success and Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) Counselor at STAC. Since 2017, she has been assisting students with completing scholarship applications, setting academic goals, and planning schedules, and introducing them to the many supports and opportunities the college offers. She enjoys her role so much that she continued on after graduating in the full-time position.
“The most rewarding part of my career is that you get to see the fruits of your labor,” Doris says. “You come across many students, and the beauty of it is that you make a huge impact in their life. Serving the students is my joy!”
Working in service of others is a common theme in Doris’ life and the inspiration behind many volunteer activities, including Unique Minds, a nonprofit she launched to help students get scholarships and enroll in college. So far, she’s assisted over 100 students in starting the next chapter of their lives in higher education.
Faith is Doris’ foundation, and was at the heart of her idea for a class assignment that ultimately resulted in her clothing line “Revelation Apparel.” The company spreads positive messages from the Bible on t-shirts, sweatshirts, and hoodies with original graphic designs.
Doris also shares her faith with others and supports her place of worship, TACI Royal Church by managing its Facebook, Instagram, and other social media accounts. She co-hosts WOW REAL TALK, a YouTube channel where she and her sister inspire students with faith-based messages.
“I’ve watched our church go from having no social media presence to now having a huge following,” Doris says. “The church is literally my home base and I would not trade it for anything at all.”