Summer Phenix
Summer Phenix
Often, recognition can feel more impactful than an award itself. Recognition affirms what someone has accomplished as well as who they are becoming.
For Dana Thompson, a sophomore Music major and Political Science minor on the pre-law track at Spelman College, receiving the Spotlight Award was exactly that kind of moment.
When she initially found out that she had been selected, her emotions quickly followed as immense joy and hard work realized. For her, the Spotlight Award is a tangible reminder that the ways in which she so graciously pours into Spelman, through her talents and leadership abilities, have not gone unnoticed in any capacity.
This affirmation presents a sense of grounding for Thompson, shaping how she moves through a space as dynamic and demanding as Spelman. On Spelman’s campus, excellence is expected which can easily foster competition and comparison.
This is precisely why Thompson is intentional about resisting the pressures of measuring her own success against others. Instead, she prioritizes personal growth with a mindset that she must only do and be better than her past self.
“It’s not even necessarily me versus me. It’s focusing on how to better myself and keep my priorities straight,” she said.
For Thompson, each achievement is not a final destination but rather a point of expansion to continue improving upon her passions. In the midst of a frequently chaotic campus, that mindset keeps her steady when expectations arise.
Before arriving at Spelman, Thompson had not trained under someone who reflected her voice, identity, or artistic potential. When she began studying under a Black female soprano, however, this completely changed. This experience has not only altered her technique, but her sense of belonging within the craft of music.
However, years prior to beginning her matriculation at Spelman, music had always been present in Thompson’s life. She was raised in a musical family, where she consistently performed, sang and created, often through impromptu shows in her living room alongside her older sister.
While music was concretely her passion, it was not always her plan. Thompson has a strong affinity for law and advocacy, which is why she initially envisioned her future as one much less centered around performance. During her first semester at Spelman, this goal shifted as the emotional turbulence of the 2024 presidential election ensued. At this time, music remained her safe space, and this was where she found clarity in her calling: performance presents an opportunity for advocacy.
Thompson has followed this vocation through her involvement and leadership in the Spelman College Glee Club. Having recently concluded their national tour spanning 12 cities, Thompson witnessed how music penetrated audiences across generations.
“I find that music is healing. To be able to perform and make an impact on communities is something I’m so grateful for.”
Music has the power to connect, uplift, and heal people. It is a true gift to be able to create and then give it to them.
Among the plethora of Thompson’s performances, one stands apart as a transformative moment: a duet with Kristin Chenoweth at Atlanta Symphony Hall during her first year. This moment extended far beyond the stage itself, building and strengthening a wider network of former teachers, mentors, and new professional connections, opening unimaginable doors.
Most importantly, it shifted how Thompson views herself.
“It made me feel like being an artist was something that I am, not just something that I do,” she said.
Despite her growing confidence, success and lively stage presence, Thompson is candid about the insecurities she still faces. While she remains poised and lively in her stage presence, internally, she is quietly vulnerable in her anxiety.
Each performance has its own expectations, and still, Thompson tackles the pressure with determination, relying on a “fake it till you make it” attitude for self-encouragement.
Yet, when she does command a stage, something shifts. Her anxiety pauses, and is replaced by a sense of release. Performing becomes an experience that Thompson describes as “sacred” and “a blessing,” deeply connecting her to something greater than herself. Her purpose and passion become aligned when melodies flow from her lips.
In the future, Thompson’s vision extends beyond personal success. She is also interested in entrepreneurship and entertainment law, and she hopes to build a multimedia company dedicated to empowering Black artists.
Her goals reflect her commitment to both creation and advocacy, a desire heavily influenced by those before her. Thompson draws musical inspiration from legends like Whitney Houston and Dionne Warwick, studying their vocal precision and artistry, and even the talented Kendrick Lamar, admiring his ability to liberate Black people through his lyrics.
However, Thompson’s biggest inspiration of all is her mother: the woman who “built something tangible, something long-lasting, and a legacy” through her immigration journey. It motivates Thompson to want to create something bigger than herself.
In many ways, she is already doing the same through her unwavering commitment as a musician and leader.
Often, recognition can feel more impactful than an award itself. Recognition affirms what someone has accomplished as well as who they are becoming.
For Dana Thompson, a sophomore Music major and Political Science minor on the pre-law track at Spelman College, receiving the Spotlight Award was exactly that kind of moment.
When she initially found out that she had been selected, her emotions quickly followed as immense joy and hard work realized. For her, the Spotlight Award is a tangible reminder that the ways in which she so graciously pours into Spelman, through her talents and leadership abilities, have not gone unnoticed in any capacity.
This affirmation presents a sense of grounding for Thompson, shaping how she moves through a space as dynamic and demanding as Spelman. On Spelman’s campus, excellence is expected which can easily foster competition and comparison.
This is precisely why Thompson is intentional about resisting the pressures of measuring her own success against others. Instead, she prioritizes personal growth with a mindset that she must only do and be better than her past self.
“It’s not even necessarily me versus me. It’s focusing on how to better myself and keep my priorities straight,” she said.
For Thompson, each achievement is not a final destination but rather a point of expansion to continue improving upon her passions. In the midst of a frequently chaotic campus, that mindset keeps her steady when expectations arise.
Before arriving at Spelman, Thompson had not trained under someone who reflected her voice, identity, or artistic potential. When she began studying under a Black female soprano, however, this completely changed. This experience has not only altered her technique, but her sense of belonging within the craft of music.
However, years prior to beginning her matriculation at Spelman, music had always been present in Thompson’s life. She was raised in a musical family, where she consistently performed, sang and created, often through impromptu shows in her living room alongside her older sister.
While music was concretely her passion, it was not always her plan. Thompson has a strong affinity for law and advocacy, which is why she initially envisioned her future as one much less centered around performance. During her first semester at Spelman, this goal shifted as the emotional turbulence of the 2024 presidential election ensued. At this time, music remained her safe space, and this was where she found clarity in her calling: performance presents an opportunity for advocacy.
Thompson has followed this vocation through her involvement and leadership in the Spelman College Glee Club. Having recently concluded their national tour spanning 12 cities, Thompson witnessed how music penetrated audiences across generations.
“I find that music is healing. To be able to perform and make an impact on communities is something I’m so grateful for.”
Music has the power to connect, uplift, and heal people. It is a true gift to be able to create and then give it to them.
Among the plethora of Thompson’s performances, one stands apart as a transformative moment: a duet with Kristin Chenoweth at Atlanta Symphony Hall during her first year. This moment extended far beyond the stage itself, building and strengthening a wider network of former teachers, mentors, and new professional connections, opening unimaginable doors.
Most importantly, it shifted how Thompson views herself.
“It made me feel like being an artist was something that I am, not just something that I do,” she said.
Despite her growing confidence, success and lively stage presence, Thompson is candid about the insecurities she still faces. While she remains poised and lively in her stage presence, internally, she is quietly vulnerable in her anxiety.
Each performance has its own expectations, and still, Thompson tackles the pressure with determination, relying on a “fake it till you make it” attitude for self-encouragement.
Yet, when she does command a stage, something shifts. Her anxiety pauses, and is replaced by a sense of release. Performing becomes an experience that Thompson describes as “sacred” and “a blessing,” deeply connecting her to something greater than herself. Her purpose and passion become aligned when melodies flow from her lips.
In the future, Thompson’s vision extends beyond personal success. She is also interested in entrepreneurship and entertainment law, and she hopes to build a multimedia company dedicated to empowering Black artists.
Her goals reflect her commitment to both creation and advocacy, a desire heavily influenced by those before her. Thompson draws musical inspiration from legends like Whitney Houston and Dionne Warwick, studying their vocal precision and artistry, and even the talented Kendrick Lamar, admiring his ability to liberate Black people through his lyrics.
However, Thompson’s biggest inspiration of all is her mother: the woman who “built something tangible, something long-lasting, and a legacy” through her immigration journey. It motivates Thompson to want to create something bigger than herself.
In many ways, she is already doing the same through her unwavering commitment as a musician and leader.