Hi! I’m Valerie, a senior studying political science on the way to becoming a lawyer. I have been a SoCal resident my whole life, but my San Diego journey started freshman year. Having gone from living in the desert to 5 minutes from the beach was the best transition of my life! You can usually find me reading a book on the snake path bench or getting boba with friends at Tapioca. I love walking around and discovering new study spots, and exploring San Diego. I’d be happy to give you a tour and show you all the best study spots, places to eat, and where to find all the resources you need! I would love to answer any and all questions you have, so come prepared!

Hometown

Palmdale, California

Major(s)

Political science

Minor(s)

Human Rights and Migrant Law

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Seventh Orientation, Society of Hispanics in Law, Triton Democrats, and The Law Social @ UCSD.

Describe your college experience

My first year, I had a hard time transitioning. I was away from all my family and friends and was experiencing some burnout from high school. After I got used to the pace of classes and made good friends, I was a lot better. Sophomore year was calm. I got more involved and signed up to be an orientation leader with Seventh College at UCSD. I made lots of friends there and started to get really familiar with the university's resources. Junior year, I used those resources and they were super helpful. I joined more clubs and made amazing friends. I got to explore more of San Diego with friends and signed up for another orientation year. I am now finishing up my last few weeks of study abroad in Cambridge, UK, through the UCEAP program (which has been amazing). I look forward to my last year of college and, hopefully, helping others in deciding if UCSD is the right place and experience for them.

Tip for future students

Ask for help!!! There are so many wonderful people at UCSD who want to help. Sometimes, tech issues and busy days can cause experiences that are not the best, but I would always give it a second try since that experience is usually an exception and not the rule. Something I wish I knew before starting college was to join clubs as soon as possible to build long-term friendships as soon as possible.

Favorite class

Race and Law, because it was so interesting and the teacher was incredibly knowledgeable. It wasn't just studying the history of events, and looking at obvious consequences. It was looking at the minor consequences, a drop in the bucket, that rippled and still continues to grow nowadays. We studied of how one line in a court decisions years ago turning into laws we have now. The teacher was funny and the class was engaging.

Career goals

I plan to be an immigration lawyer. I plan to do an internship in New York City for one year, then go to law school right after. The hope is to one day own my own law firm.

Ideal way to spend a free night

Getting food and gelato in Little Italy, and, if possible, seeing the bioluminescence at Scripps.

High school or secondary school

Highland High School

Favorite spot on campus

MoMs and Gliderport. MoMs is a great cafe! It has a calm atmosphere, great coffee, and is the only place I can get work done sometimes. Gliderport is the hangout place at UCSD. The sunsets look amazing from there, and it is a great spot to have a picnic with friends while watching the paragliders.