In Their Words: Valeria Paredes

Name: Valeria Paredes

Department: Social Sciences

What scholarship or award did you receive? Terence Freitas Scholarship

What year are you (1st year, 3rd year)? 2nd year

College: Oakes

Where do you call home? Bellflower, California

What is your field of focus? Environmental Studies and Economics

With all of the choices for college, what made UC Santa Cruz stand out? Selecting a university to attend was a difficult process for me. I mostly enjoyed that UC Santa Cruz was immersed in a redwood forest and near the coast. I really like trees. I imagined myself studying both ecological systems as an environmental studies major. However, I also sought out for an emphasis on the social and cultural elements that are tied to environmentalism, which I learned UCSC focused heavily on.

What do you hope to do once you graduate from UC Santa Cruz? Societal-environmental interactions are a focus of mine. However, I'm still exploring the various aspects of my major such as alternative energy, resource management, and sustainable/equitable food systems. I want to give back to communities I grew up in and around. Many times they lack adequate resources, are underserved by the government, and are underrepresented in environmental and sustainable movements.

What is one memorable moment that stands out for you as a student here? I'd have to say my most memorable moment here is becoming a part of the People of Color Sustainability Collective and American Indian Resource Center and meeting my coworkers, they are a brilliant and passionate team! I hope to create many more, though.

What does this scholarship/award mean to you? This award means I can continue studying how people interact with the natural environment from ancestral connections of indigenous people and people of color, to the economic and political measures taken today. I still have a long ways to go in my academic endeavors, but I am truly grateful to be acknowledged at this step of the way.