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University of Pennsylvania

Second-Year Student at Wharton

Valeria H
Valeria HNew

Hello! I’m a second-year student at the Wharton School, studying accounting and finance. I’m a first-generation college student from Arizona, and I’m exploring different career paths in business. In my free time, I enjoy playing badminton, reading, and exploring new places. I’m excited to connect with guests and share my experiences at Penn.

University of Pennsylvania
University of Pennsylvania

About me

  • GenderFemale
  • Current academic yearSophomore
  • Age19
  • Admission typeAdmitted as a freshman
  • Academic focusBusiness/Finance
  • Personality typeSomewhat extroverted
  • College experience ratingGood

Tour type

  • Campus tour
  • Video chat

Hometown

Buckeye, Arizona

Major(s)

Accounting, Finance, Management

Minor(s)

Sociology

Extracurriculars activities

  • Greek life
  • Club/Organization
  • Job/Internship
  • ROTC
  • NCAA varsity sport
  • Recreational sport
  • Student government
  • Community service
  • Religious/Cultural group
  • Art/Music/Performance
  • Study abroad
  • Other

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Maritime@Penn - Vice President of Administration Wharton Women - Catalyst Captain Wharton STEP Wharton Latino Penn Traditions UPenn Badminton Wharton Management Club Wharton Undergraduate Finance Club FBLA Collegiate

Housing experience

  • Dorm
  • Off-campus house or apartment
  • Fraternity or sorority house
  • Home (Commuter)
  • Other

Describe your college experience

My transition to college has been an exciting journey of growth and discovery. As a first-generation student, I’ve learned to navigate the academic and social environment at Penn while finding support from peers, mentors, and student communities. Over my first year, I’ve built meaningful friendships and gotten more involved on campus, particularly through clubs like Wharton Women and Wharton STEP. I’m continuing to explore my interests in accounting and finance, and I’ve enjoyed gaining a clearer sense of my goals while connecting with students from diverse backgrounds.

Tip for future students

One tip I’d give to future students is to take advantage of all the resources and communities on campus early on. It can feel overwhelming at first, but getting involved in clubs, talking to upperclassmen, and seeking advice from professors or mentors makes the transition much smoother. I also wish I had known to pace myself and prioritize balance, between academics, social life, and self-care, because building good habits early makes a big difference over time.

Favorite class

My favorite class so far has been a sociology course about family with Dr. Paula Fomby. Although it’s not a business fundamental at Wharton, the subject matter is incredibly interesting, and I’ve learned so much from it. The class challenges me to expand my thinking and explore topics beyond my usual scope. I also appreciate how Wharton’s structured yet well-rounded curriculum allows me to pursue interests outside of business.

Career goals

I’m still exploring my career path, but I’m particularly interested in opportunities in accounting, finance, and consulting. Over the next few years, I want to gain diverse experiences through classes, internships, and student organizations at Wharton to help clarify my goals. Ultimately, I hope to find a career that aligns with my skills, interests, and values, and allows me to continue learning and growing professionally.

Ideal way to spend a free night

My ideal way to spend a free night would be attending a campus event or going on an adventure with the close friends I've made through the programs and communities here at Penn. I enjoy creating fun memories together, whether we're exploring the city, trying out new restaurants, or just hanging out. These moments allow us to relax and strengthen our friendships while making the most of our college experience.

High school or secondary school

Youngker High School, Buckeye, Arizona

Meeting point

Split Button Sculpture on the University of Pennsylvania campus

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