‘What’s Wrong With Being Quiet?’: Manor College Graduate Finds Her Voice

Daniella Duran (Philadelphia, Esperanza Academy Charter High School) graduates from Manor College with her degree in Human Services.

Daniella Duran repeated one question to herself more than any other in her childhood – “What’s wrong with being quiet?”

Duran, who is autistic, heard the comments throughout high school. Other students questioned why she was so quiet or just wouldn’t talk to her. She’s not the type of person to go up and speak to others, but if you come to her, she’s an open book.

When a postcard came in the mail from Manor College with the words “You Belong Here” across the top, Duran took it as a sign.

“I like places where it’s more accepting,” Duran said. “I came here for an Open House, and seeing the smaller spaces and small classes, I liked it a lot.”

Duran said the biggest distinguishing feature was the outreach from everyone on campus, not just students, but professors, who made it a point to say hello on a daily basis.

“I thought I would come to Manor and not speak to any of the professors, and that just wasn’t the case,” Duran said.

She made close friends with her advisor, Manor College Director of Psychology and Human Services Jennifer Buechel, who Duran said simply noticed her.

“She understood me and understood my shyness without even asking,” Duran said. “Professor Buechel helped me to be more open.”

Duran still remembers the best advice she received from Buechel: Always be yourself.

“I was never really open about being autistic out of a fear that people would think I’m lying,” Duran said. “She taught me to be myself. A professor can play a big role in someone’s life. If I didn’t have Jenny as a professor, I don’t think I’d be as open as I am now.”

Buchel saw Duran’s growth, both personally and academically.

“By the end of her two years, Daniella’s growth was amazing,” Buechel said. “She moved to the front of the classroom, actively participated in discussions and demonstrated a much stronger sense of confidence.”

Duran graduates from Manor College with her Associate’s Degree in Human Services in May. When she talks about her preferred career path in social work, Duran beams with pride. Duran’s interest in social work comes from reading about child abuse cases, including Adrian Jones in Kansas and the Trials of Gabriel Fernandez in California.

“Daniella has such empathy and compassion for children and knows that many will not or cannot speak up or advocate for themselves,” Buechel said.

With her degree, she wants to speak up and be the voice and safe place for children.

“I don’t think a child should ever go through things like that,” Duran said. “I want to work with kids and make sure someone listens to them.”