Danny Vitale, a third-year broadcast journalism major and a double minor in digital media trends analytics and entrepreneurship and innovation, has learned how to become authentically himself through.
Ever since he was a child, Vitale has been drawn to entertainment. He found a creative outlet through producing content online, playing the drums and performing in shows.
“I’ve always been involved in entertaining people. I love entertaining,” Vitale says.
What was once a fun activity had turned into a career path for Vitale, as he began to take content creation more seriously by the time he started college. Posting on TikTok and making music sparked Vitale’s drive to turn his hobby into something more.
Vitale’s perception of himself has expanded from just another “college content creator.” Now, his videos reflect his true character, but in documentary style.
“I think now more than ever, people are appreciating just normal people,” says Vitale.
Danny Vitale
Struggles with Health
In September 2021, Vitale was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. The diagnosis took a toll on Vitale’s physical and mental health. His new normal became hospital visits and trying new medications.
“… It was just a huge shock for me, like losing a lot of weight, feeling sick and tired all the time. And it’s just like, a scary feeling when you can’t even trust your own body.”
Life was trial and error for Vitale, as some treatments weren’t as effective until he started transfusions. Vitale saw himself improve incredibly since his first hospital visit. He continues to get treatments every two months, getting to a point now where he feels healthy again.
“There’s not one thing that I’m not grateful for or take for granted. I feel like I was given a second chance on life,” Vitale says.
His drive for his creative passions became deeper, working harder than ever before.
“I know what it’s like to have everything taken away from you.”
Danny Vitale
In the future, Vitale wants to involve himself in Crohn’s focused charities in organizations, as he feels empathetic towards health struggles and wants to share his story for inspiration to keep pushing.
When The Kid Laroi came to Penn State, Vitale opened up a contest for fans to enter in hopes of becoming his opening act at the BJC.
“I went crazy. I posted three videos a day on three different platforms every single day…I dropped a song every single day for 10 days straight to build up my audience,” Vitale says.
Vitale worked as hard as he could to open for one of his favorite artists, so he printed flyers with QR codes so other students could vote for him — which resulted in a win.
“…it was just the most wild thing. I called my friends all around campus and called everyone I knew,” Vitale says.
As he walked off stage after his performance, his first moments were spent with his brother, who hugged him tight and told him how proud he was of him.
He was able to get to this moment because Vitale actively chooses to be himself through every situation. Unapologetically himself, Vitale understands that his online presence may be interpreted differently by some viewers, but it does not bother him.
“If you’re not close enough to me that you know the real me and know that I’m a good person who cares about everybody, then it’s not really meant to be either way.”
Danny Vitale
Vitale embodies the ideals of authenticity and continues to carry that with him throughout college. With an unknown and exciting future, Vitale wants to keep following his faith, where it will guide him to where he is meant to be.
“My main focus is following whatever plan God has for me, because I know His plan is perfect and He’s not gonna start making mistakes with me,” Vitale says.
