Meet Vincent Iandoli, a sophomore business major from Grandview, Texas, whose favorite class is entrepreneurship. On the surface, Vincent’s story may seem ordinary, but speaking with him reveals a life woven with resilience and gratitude.
Beyond his studies at the University of Dallas, Iandoli works full-time in facilities, covering the night shift as a custodian. Despite the strenuous work, he treasures this job because of the extraordinary people he has met. While many students might overlook the individuals who care for our beloved campus, Iandoli sees them as a source of inspiration.
Iandoli shared the story of a coworker at UD who works two full-time jobs while raising four children. Witnessing his coworkers’ perseverance has inspired him to tackle his hardships. “It inspires me to improve because I know what I’m doing is difficult, but there are people who have it a lot harder,” Iandoli remarked.
Hard work is deeply rooted in his upbringing. His mother, a custodian, and his father, a rebar ironworker, have given him the best possible examples of a resilient nature. He said his parents are his greatest gift and throughout his life, he has witnessed their daily sacrifices. Particularly during times when his mother, sometimes raising him alone, never stopped persevering to provide for her son.
He said that in the toughest moments when he wants to give up, he remembers his mom’s hard work and it motivates him to push through. Her great sacrifices for him have allowed him to attend this university and for that, he will always be grateful.
Despite his demanding schedule, Iandoli prioritizes attending Mass every Sunday and as often as possible on weekdays. Mass serves as a tangible reminder for him of why he is here in the first place. In his rare free time, he enjoys reading, particularly nonfiction, and has a keen interest in theology.
Iandoli is an excellent example for students regarding the balance between work and school. Many UD students also have work-study or other part-time jobs in addition to their schoolwork and it can be difficult to juggle both roles. However, by properly balancing work and school, UD student’s lives can be greatly enriched, as Iandoli shows in his reflection on experience.
Iandoli has lived in various parts of the country from South Carolina to New York, Florida and Texas. His happiest years were in Houston where he attended St. Thomas Catholic, which grounded him deeply in community and his faith life.
Yet he feels his real home is Grandview, a small working-class town outside Houston, that is especially dear to him. In this safe community, people come together for meals and it is always a place he is “excited to go back to.”
Iandoli has found a home away from home at UD. He especially finds joy in the deeply Catholic community and challenging core curriculum. He looks forward to attending the summer Rome program, a highlight for many students.
Iandoli has a knack for seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary. His story reminds us that behind every familiar face on campus is a remarkable life, and we should always take the opportunity to say hello.