Valentina B. decided to attend the University of Minnesota because of her love for the state of Minnesota, as well as its reputation as an academically rigorous university. She admired the U’s commitment to diversity, as well as the opportunity to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. When she toured campus, she appreciated the resources available to students, along with the wide array of activities available on campus.

Originally from Colombia, Valentina and her family moved to the United States when she was 9. Out of all the places she has lived, she considers Minnesota her home and it holds a special place in her heart.

Valentina started at the U of M as a student in the pre-vet program in the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences. After taking an introduction to elementary education course during her first year, she realized that teaching was the right path for her. She realized she could make a positive impact on kids’ lives and wanted to help students learn and make them believe in themselves and in their abilities.

In spring 2022, Valentina had the opportunity to study abroad in Montpellier, France. She’s grateful for the scholarships that helped make that experience possible. During this experience, she developed and learned cross-cultural skills by co-teaching English to French students.

Valentina is thankful for the financial assistance she has received as a student at CEHD. She shares, “Scholarships have allowed me to focus on learning rather than figuring out how to pay my tuition. I’m grateful to the donors who support and believe in me to accomplish my goals.”

Valentina plans to graduate from the U of M this December. She’s currently applying for jobs in her field and has not decided if she’ll go back to school for her master’s of education next fall or wait a few years and gain valuable experience working.

As a future teacher, she hopes to create a classroom environment where students feel safe and valued so that meaningful learning can occur.