Today we’d like to introduce you to Valeria Urdaneta.
Valeria, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My teenage years were kind of rough, I was very shy and when I did try to go “out there” and be part of something, I got shut down every time, and I let it happen too whether it was from students or even teachers. To tell you more about it, my sophomore year of high school, I tried to be part of the “Entrepreneurship Club” I walked up during the meeting times and the teacher in charge told me” I don’t think you’re going to like it, maybe look into other clubs that you might like better” I just said “Oh, ok!” and left the room, it wasn’t until years later when I realized “Well, that’s f*cked up!”. Junior year, I felt more confident and I told myself “ok, let’s try out for the cheer squad!” I signed myself for tumbling classes, went to the first meetings, and trained for the big audition day, that was before I found out one of the girls from the squad just scratched my name, just because she didn’t know who I was, and of course, I let it happen too.
It wasn’t until I got to college when I realized letting people run over me could potentially ruin my life, and close so many doors just because I never kept trying and I was too shy to “fight back”. So, I put my big girl’s pants and just got. out. there. It wasn’t easy, it wasn’t immediate either, it was all trial and error until I met a better version of myself. I started with the little things like: participating in class, and then I transitioned to becoming part of the student council in my major. Big changes that put meaning in my life, I became more confident and happy with myself, and even though I haven’t found my purpose yet, it feels like I’m on a good track, and that’s what matters.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I don’t think there is such a thing as a “smooth” road, if you happen to be in one, go the other way. Nothing worth your time will be easy. This might be a cliche but the important thing is to never give up and really believe in yourself. I would also recommend having someone to support you in any journey you may have, sometimes it gets too hard to hold yourself up by yourself, and it’s nice to have someone who also has your back as well. Don’t be a stubborn babe, and let people who care about you help.
What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
I am a Digital Media student at the College of Technology at the University of Houston. I changed my major around four times before finding the right fit for me, and that is ok. I am so proud I found something I am passionate about, even though I didn’t know about it at first! I absolutely love my major because they teach me how to be a media strategist, how to get the best out of any medium. I can proudly say I can do photography, videography, websites, I can create beautiful graphics and flyers using Adobe Illustrator and Adobe InDesign, I can create personalized campaigns using Xmpie and I know how to navigate myself through databases.
In my free time, I love doing modeling gigs, or just take pictures for fun to post on my Instagram. I pride myself on my fashion sense and love to show my creative side through my clothes. I also love going to music festivals because I feel they are the place I can express the most, and I plan my outfits months in advance!
What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
The most important advice would be to keep track of your mental health, there is nothing wrong with seeking counsel, we all need it sometime. You’ll be amazed at all the things you can achieve when you have a clear and happy mind.
Contact Info:
- Email: valeurdg@gmail.com
- Instagram: @valeurdg
Image Credit:
ricebox pictures (orange tubetop): @jguzzmann
gray sweater: @francismajorpain
blue blazer: @ahosein88
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