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Communications Grad Daniel Andersen on Telling His Story

Daniel Andersen will graduate in April 2022 with a BA in communications

Daniel Andersen will graduate in April 2022 with a BA in communications

Daniel Andersen

Why do you create/participate in communications?

I decided to pursue a career as a communications professional because I realized that I wanted to help people like me feel heard. Stories about the disability community—my stories, our stories—were uncommon when I was in high school. They still are. And when I came to BYU I wanted to tell my story and help others in my community tell theirs. That's why I became a journalist.

What inspires you?

Stories and the people who tell them. It's how we connect, learn, and grow. But I'm also inspired by the stories people don't tell. The encounters I've had with the best of humanity are small, beautiful moments. And I'm inspired by the potential for people to build a world that's just a little better than it was before. It's what I hope to do and what I see people do every day.

How have you found belonging during your time at BYU?

My journey of belonging was a long and sometimes lonely one. For years I hid behind other people's stories and felt disconnected from the BYU community. As I'm sure plenty of BYU students have felt, anxiety got in the way of me connecting with my community, which made me feel like an outsider looking in. It wasn't until I started to step out of my comfort zone that I truly started connecting with people. By telling my story, and not just the stories of other people, I finally felt seen. And all of that growth happened when I found the School of Communications.

What’s your go-to study snack?

Bacon & Cheddar Cheez-Its and fruit snacks.

What was your favorite project you worked on as a student?

I produced a documentary about performers with disabilities. This was a huge labor of love for me. I love the performing arts and I love telling stories of the disability community. It premiered this past February and has sparked a desire for me to study more of these stories from the disability community and tell them in more films.

Who is your favorite artist and why?

Currently it's probably Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. As the composers of “The Greatest Showman” and “Dear Evan Hansen,” their music has a level of emotion and vulnerability that I don't see that often.

What are your aspirations/goals for the future?

I would like to teach as a communications professor someday, researching how we communicate about disability and how we can change stereotypes for the better. I also hope to become a professional public speaker, sharing my story to help people become more inclusive, accessible and understanding of others and themselves.

Answers have been edited for length and clarity.