Class of 2023 Spotlight: Valentina Maza

Name: Valentina Maza 

Hometown: born and raised in Venezuela and currently living in New Castle, Delaware 

Major: International Studies and Peace and Conflict Studies 

Activities: Senior Admissions Fellows, admissions tour guide, The Weiss Summer Research Program, Community-Based Learning Intern Program, Research Associates Program, College Honors Program, The Washington Semester Program

What is a turning point or significant memory from your time at Holy Cross? 

Through Holy Cross, I confirmed that love at first sight does exist. During my junior year, I spent a semester in the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. As I looked outside my window, I had a movie-like experience and automatically knew it was my place. Besides the city’s enchantment, D.C. allowed me to achieve one of my long-life dreams: working alongside the Venezuelan opposition. I realized how far Holy Cross can go to shape our future, even outside The Hill. 

What are two or three lessons from Holy Cross that you’ll take with you after leaving Mount St. James? 

Embrace your power! Following my freshman year, I understood that I am here for a reason and deserved the chair I sat on as much as anyone else. I also learned to ask consistent questions and bring curiosity to every space I walk into. Lastly, a key lesson is never to stop fighting, regardless of how difficult it gets. 

What are you doing after you graduate? 

Following graduation, I'll return to Washington, D.C., to join Teach for America as an English Language Arts teacher.