Heather Dopke

Wanting to have an impact on the world around her has inspired Heather to double major in Political Science/Public Law and Sociocultural Anthropology at Seventh College.  The combination of her two majors encompasses her passion for giving back to society, her interest in the legal field, and her desire to study the differences and similarities of cultures within and outside of society.  “These majors will give me the skill set needed to have a meaningful career in law and public service.”

Today, Heather juggles several jobs in order to afford school while maintaining a 3.96 GPA.  She has received Provost Honors every quarter and was invited to Seventh College’s Honors Seminar.  She has worked at Seventh Market, first as a student worker and later as student lead.  Simultaneously, Heather was one of seven people hired as a Triton Community Programming Leader through Parent & Family Programs and also hired to represent UC San Diego as a Seventh College Orientation Leader.

Heather has overcome several hurdles while growing up.  Her family was homeless twice, once when she was seven and again when she was ten. Her biggest role model, her brother Nicky, was killed at age nineteen in an automobile accident when she was twelve.  “I admired him for his ability to connect with others, his generosity, and how his magnetic disposition appealed to everyone who met him.  My brother shaped me into the individual I am today and made me a more compassionate person.”  She uses the memory of her brother to fuel her tenacity and “never give up” mindset.  Her brother told her “in the end your actions will reflect your character, and your character will be the words to the book of your existence.”  “I intend for my book to be the sequel that builds upon his legacy and as such have dedicated myself to making my community a better place.”