Hi! I'm Valeria, and I love meeting new people and hearing their stories. As a first-generation college student, I remember what it felt like trying to picture myself on campus before I got here. I had so many questions that weren't answered by the website or a brochure, and I wished I could have heard from someone who was just honest about it all. As your tour guide, that's the experience I'd want to give you. Of course I'll tell you about the beautiful views, the academics, and the opportunities here, but I'll also tell you what it's actually like to be a student. Maybe that means talking about late-night coffee runs before an exam, exploring campus events with my roommate, finding my favorite study spots, or figuring out the fastest route to class after oversleeping. Those everyday moments are what have made UCSD feel like home. I want people to leave my tour feeling like they got to know a student, not just a campus. I hope visitors feel comfortable asking me anything, and leave with an honest picture of what life here can really look like—the exciting parts, the challenging parts, and everything in between.

Hometown

Elk Grove

Major(s)

International Studies - International Business, Mechanical Engineering

Clubs, organizations & involvement

I joined Salsa Society and go to dance socials with the people I've met there, and found a Christian community with Intervarsity.

Describe your college experience

I am a first generation college student and so moving away from my family wasn't easy at first, but making friends and going to campus events helped me feel less afraid of being away from home. I learned that there were so many different places to study both on and off campus and developed a sense of pride for being apart of UCSD.

Tip for future students

Learn how to balance a social life and acedemics, going to UCSD can be difficult with the quarter system at times and midterms arrive sooner than expected and seem to never end once they start. Maintaing a healthy balance between the acedemic stress and going to club events, parties, and other social activities is super important.

Favorite class

Physics 2A has been my favorite class so far because my professor would bring physics demonstrations to help us learn during lecture, she made herself super accessible outside of class, and she took in and acted on feedback she'd recieve.

Career goals

At the moment I am still exploring my options career wise, but ideally I hope to be able to have an entry level position with a coporation that UCSD connects me with.

Ideal way to spend a free night

I personally enjoy a night in with my friends. We like to get together and bake, watch movies, and practice our dance moves with each other.

High school or secondary school

Cosumnes Oaks High School

Favorite spot on campus

I love going to the Sitxh rooftop study area, I enjoy studying outdoors and this is a perfect place to see the sun set over the ocean while I am studying. It is also perfect location-wise because it is next the the market which is convienet for snacks and near the dinning hall and other on campus food spots.