Valeria Gonzalez
Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI
Major: Nursing
Why Ferris?
I chose Ferris because once I stepped foot on campus it felt like home. It was also far from home where I could stay on campus, but close enough to where I could go home when I needed or wanted to. Everyone was and is very welcoming on campus. The campus is also small enough to where my professors know who I am and the classroom sizes aren’t so big. There are many opportunities and student organizations on campus that students can get involved in.
What does being First-Gen mean to you?
I wasn’t expected to go to college, but I chose to attend college because I wouldn’t want to pass up on an opportunity that my parents didn’t have. As a first generation college student, I knew I would have to step out of my comfort zone, navigate college with no prior direction and most importantly utilize the resources and opportunities that are available to me. I have faced obstacles and at times even struggled, but my family continues to support me every step of the way. My goal is to receive a college degree and make my parents proud knowing that all their struggles were worth it in the end.
Something Interesting/Quote
I love traveling, shopping and spending time with family and friends. One of my favorite quotes is, “Education is the one thing that no one can take from you.” -B. B. King.