Senior Gabriella Di Domizio, who is a chemistry major, visual arts minor and captain of the women’s lacrosse team, has been chosen as the valedictorian for the class of 2018.

Di Domizio, or “La-la” as her family calls her, said in an email interview that she remembers her favorite thing about school in second grade was the homework. Yet, when she found out she would be the valedictorian of her graduating class, she said she could not believe it.

“I thought to myself ‘Is this real?’” Di Domizio recalled in the email. “After four years of hard work in the classroom and on the field as a student-athlete, I realized how it was all worth it to be able to achieve something of this magnitude. I have always set high expectations for myself to see how far my potential can reach, and in a single moment, I became so immensely proud of myself, and thrilled to have been given the opportunity to represent Iona academics and athletics, and of course, my family.”

While Di Domizio initially came to Iona to study biology on a pre-med track, she says she found herself quickly developing a better understanding of chemistry instead.

“Something just seemed to click,” she said.

Di Domizio said that the chemistry department itself was a major influence in drawing her to the subject.

“I found that the chemistry department fostered a very friendly atmosphere; one that was willing to help bring the best out in others,” she said.

Di Domizio is a member of the Gamma Sigma Epsilon chemistry honor society and performs scientific research under Dr. Sunghee Lee, the chair of the Chemistry Department. Her most recent work has been published in the American Chemical Society journal “Langmuir.”

As a visual arts minor, Di Domizio studied art conservation in a museum in Naples, Italy. When she is not busy studying or working on her research, Di Domizio said she can be found doing yoga, painting or sculpting, going for hikes or spending time with her friends.

Di Domizio said that some of those that inspire her to work hard are Lee and Dr. Kathleen Kristian of the Chemistry Department; her lacrosse coach, Michelle Mason; her parents and brother Hunter and friend Scotty Loper.

After graduation, Di Domizio will be returning to her home state of Pennsylvania to pursue her doctorate in chemistry at Penn State University.

Di Domizio also offered some advice for other Gaels.

“Always follow your heart and gut instinct on what path to choose in life,” she said. “The world is full of so many opportunities, and sometimes the hardest part is taking that first step in a new direction. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes—trust me, I make mistakes all of the time—because they can be great learning opportunities. However, life is too short to make all of the mistakes on our own, so it is important to ask for help when needed, and be open to constructive criticism. In doing so, you will grow to uncover hidden potential that is just waiting to be found.”