What do you think of when you think of Latino excellence? We think of Valeria Berrum. Involved in numerous organizations and taking steps every day to be a leader of social change, Valeria has made it her goal to make a difference in her community.
Name: Valeria Berrum
Age: 20
Year in school: Sophomore
Major: Intended Social Work (Undeclared)
Hometown: Niles, IL
Fun fact: Traveled to Alabama and Guatemala for service trips during Winter Break!
Favorite TV show: How I Met Your Mother
Her Campus ISU: What organizations are you a part of at Illinois State?
Valeria Berrum: I hold the cultural programming position on the executive board of Association of Latin American Students. I am a part of International Business Club, BRCAn’t Stop Me, Alternative Breaks, Leaders of Social Change, and ISULeads.
HC ISU: What type of events are you looking forward to this semester?
VB: I am looking forward to the Move: Focus Conference at ISU hosted by To Write Love on Her Arms, the Hunger Banquet hosted by The University Program Board, Latinos At ISU and the Latino Identity hosted by Association of Latin American Students. I am most excited about attending the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute conference where I will further my knowledge of various social and political issues.
HC ISU: What advice would you give to students who are looking to get involved in the ISU community?
VB: My advice would be to check out any organizations that spark the slightest interest and eliminate any organizations that don’t work out for you. You don’t ever want to put more than you can handle on your plate. While being involved opens up great opportunities, at the end of the day we are here for academics.
HC ISU: What is your favorite memory since coming to Illinois State?
VB: I do not have a specific favorite memory at ISU, but meeting all of the wonderful people that I have met has been a wonderful experience in itself.
HC ISU: What influenced you to become so involved on our campus?
VB: In high school, I was a part of Italian club and captain of the varsity soccer team. Being involved in leadership roles gave me the confidence to try out new things in college.
HC ISU: What would be your ideal career and what do you think you need to do to begin that career?
VB: Ideally, I see myself working with at risk youth and helping them get the resources that their schools do not provide for them, such as after school programs and tutoring. To work my way to this career, would be working with agencies that work within the communities and being more aware of the issues and hardships that these at risk youth face.
HC ISU: What advice would you give 15-year-old Valeria?
VB: I would tell 15-year-old me to be more confident and to be brave enough to go outside of my comfort zone and most importantly, appreciate the time that I have with my family.
HC ISU: What is your biggest accomplishment at Illinois State thus far?
VB: My biggest accomplish thus far, has been becoming somewhat of a resource for students of color by becoming involved in Leadershape, United States Hispanic Leadership Institute (USHLI) and the Diversity Advocacy. I try my best to take my learning experience at these events and make it a learning experience for other students on campus.