Whether she is headed to class, dinner with the girls, or simply brightening up someone’s day, Cindy Valasquez is definitely a star. Cindy is majoring in Management and Society and minoring in Public Relations. As a Junior at UNC, she has already made significant steps towards leaving her heel print for future Tar Heels to follow. During her junior year of highschool, Cindy founded “Monarchs” a mentoring program designed to inspire middle school girls. Keeping with this tradition of serving others, Cindy is currently an Honor Court Member, Vice President of the Minority Business Student Alliance, and a part of RISE Leadership Academy. She also has been involved with the Tar Heel Outreach program, Communiversity, and CHispA (Carolina Hispanic Association). On top of all of these achievements, Cindy always manages to stay fashion forward. What is there not to love about this weeks’ Campus Celeb?
HC: What made you choose to attend UNC Chapel Hill?
CV: Well, as a first-generation college student I just knew I had to go somewhere close to home, and that was UMD College Park. I had heard of UNC, but it had never sparked my interest since I was so intent on going to College Park, but one day my brother had a soccer tournament in North Carolina, so I decided to come check out some colleges here. My friend from high school had already applied and he encouraged me to stop by UNC, so I did. I loved the campus, loved the people and the environment. I ended up applying early action, got in and received a full ride. I definitely couldn’t turn that down. So now I’m here!
HC: What are you most passionate about?
CV: Fashion! I love fashion, I love clothes, I love shoes, and I love reading fashion blogs. I can spend all day sorting through outfits, picking outfits, and helping others choose what best fits them. It’s more than just clothes to me. Fashion is a way to empower others that have low self-esteem. I think that every girl is beautiful and that fashion just accentuates that. You just have to find the right apparel, accessories, and shoes to match your personality. Dressing up and looking great can lift anyone’s spirit. So my advice is when you’re feeling down just dress up, put on something nice and be confident. You’ll feel like you run the world instantly.
HC: Tell us about the girl’s club you organized back home!
CV: So junior year of high school, my guidance counselor came up to me and two others friends. She expressed her concern about at-risk girls at the local middle school. They were getting in to trouble, failing classes, and overall they were making bad decisions. So with the help of my guidance counselor and a guidance counselor at the middle school, we started a mentoring program by the name of Monarchs. We would go to the middle and lead sessions on leadership development, self-esteem, conflict resolution, education, and higher education. The mentors were high school girls who excelled and were leaders. We were matched with “baby monarchs” and we served as their big sister. The program still continues today and I always go back to meet the new girls and lead sessions. We’ve won some awards and now the mentoring program has expanded to another middle school and high school.
HC: How do you plan to leave your Heel Print at UNC?
CV: At a university with so many people, you sometimes feel like you won’t make a difference, but that’s not true. I’ve gotten involved with organizations where I can make a small difference and leave my Heel Print, especially in organizations that lack diversity. Not being afraid to speak out and bring to light new perspectives is always a great way to leave your mark at UNC.
HC: Favorite Quote?
CV: “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will take care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6: 33-34
Fun Facts:
Favorite place to eat: Paul’s Homewood Cafe
Can’t leave home without: My phone! I like to be aware of what’s going on!
Interesting fact: I interned at Under Armour last summer and my family is from El Salvador!