Students Reflect: Actor Daniel Velez

Monday, Jul 01, 2024
Juilliard Journal
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Reflecting on a Thrilling Year

Just after spring break, we asked students—some graduating, some staying on—to reflect about what they’d been doing lately, their hobbies, and some highlights of their time at Juilliard. In addition, some shared how scholarship support has helped them and what they’re doing this summer.

Selfie of Daniel in an elevator at Juilliard. He is wearing a black polo shirt.
Daniel Velez is one of more than 100 student ushers

Daniel Velez, Drama 

Hobbies

  • I love to go to the movies and would go everyday if I had the time. I recently watched all the Oscar-nominated short documentaries—they were incredibly powerful, and my eyes were so puffy afterward. I ended up so inspired, with so much gratitude and eagerness to go out and live life.
     
  • I also love going on runs—they help me clear my head.

Top takeaway
Life gets tricky, but just try to be the best person you can be—the rest is just more.

Highlights

  • Meeting my classmates for the first time was super special. We met outside of school one night and walked around with our masks on.
     
  • Falling in love with New York City. It took a while but I found my place here and now I can’t see myself leaving soon.
     
  • Bringing my mom to New York for the first time this May for graduation!

Fourth-year actor Daniel Velez is from Los Angeles

These pieces are adapted from a special feature that originally appeared in the Summer 2024 issue of the Juilliard Journal