Valencia’s journey through college has been marked by personal struggles, family challenges, and unwavering perseverance. Despite facing adversities that could have derailed her path to success, she remained steadfast in her pursuit of higher education at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee.
Raised by her aunt after the loss of her mother at a young age, Valencia lacked parental support throughout her upbringing. Tragically, her aunt passed away while she was completing her associate degree, leaving Valencia to navigate her academic journey alone. However, motivated by her aunt’s dying wish to see her graduate, Valencia found the strength to persevere, even in the face of personal tragedy.
Valencia’s resilience and determination have been instrumental in her academic achievements. Despite enduring a traumatic domestic violence situation, she obtained her associate degree in business management in 2022 and continued to pursue her bachelor’s degree in Information Science and Technology.
Throughout her college experience, Valencia found solace and support in the College Possible program and her coach, Megan. Reflecting on her experiences, Valencia credits Megan for helping her navigate the ups and downs of life in college, financial aid, and for helping her reach her academic milestones.
Looking ahead, Valencia plans to pursue a master’s degree in Information Science and Technology. With aspirations of becoming a cyber security analyst or project manager, Valencia hopes to establish her own businesses. Beyond her career goals, Valencia is committed to giving back to her community and ensuring the success of all children through involvement in non-profit organizations.
As she prepares to embark on the next chapter of her journey, Valencia offers valuable advice to incoming College Possible students: follow your passions, take your time to explore your interests, and never lose sight of your dreams.
