Hi! My name is Valeria Lara, but you can call me Val. I’m a sophomore at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, majoring in Political Science with a minor in Criminology, Law, and Society. I’m currently on the pre-law track because I plan to attend law school and become an immigration attorney. I’ve always been interested in the way our legal and political systems shape people’s lives, and I’m passionate about making a real difference for those who are often overlooked or underserved.
My inspiration to go into immigration law comes from my own family. My parents immigrated to the United States from Mexico without speaking English, and I’ve seen firsthand the challenges immigrant families face. With everything going on in the world especially stories of families being separated at the border. I’ve felt even more motivated to use my education to stand up for immigrant rights. I believe that everyone deserves a fair chance, and I want to be someone who helps make that possible through the legal system.
Outside of academics, I enjoy being active and spending time with my friends. I love playing volleyball, staying on the move, and finding fun ways to stay healthy. I also really enjoy going back home to see my family—they’re my biggest support system and a huge part of who I am. I’m excited to be part of this group and to get to know everyone better
