Student Spotlight:
Anita Valdez
What makes Washington State University’s Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture stand out from the crowd for those looking to get a degree?
We ask chemical engineering major Anita Valdez for her thoughts on what makes WSU such a special place.
- Major: chemical engineering
- Expected Date of Graduation: May 2028
- High School: Pasco High School
- Home Town: Pasco, WA
- Scholarships:
- National Merit Scholarship
- National Elk Foundation “Most Valuable Student” Scholarship
- Harry Stern Memorial Scholarship
- TMP Research Scholarship
- Washington State Opportunity Scholarship
Why would you recommend attending Washington State University?
Community is one of the main reasons I love WSU. Most everyone on campus is friendly and up for conversation. In a time where we grow ever more isolated because of social media and online activity, it is a great thing to be guaranteed a friendly face in each of my classes. Upperclassmen in my program were happy to guide me and answer my questions about chemical engineering that I might not have realized on my own until much later. WSU fosters a great community, emphasizing that Cougs help Cougs.
What advice do you have for fellow or prospective students?
I recommend making friends early on, especially friends with similar pathways to yours. It is a good idea to create a study group and to have people to walk with outside of class. I also think it is good to have a diverse group of friends – go out of your way to meet people that don’t always have the same interests. Participate in different groups that allow you to express the different faces that build up your personality. I have friends that are chemical engineers that I can talk about school and research with, friends who are other STEM majors so that I can learn more about different fields, and friends who are non-STEM majors (especially musicians) who I can relax and goof off with. Each type is important for me to keep a variety.
What clubs are you involved in on campus?
I am the Secretary officer of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) branch at WSU. As a first-year, AIChE was an amazing opportunity for me to befriend upperclassmen chemical engineers who could give me tips and tricks on how to make the most of my time at WSU. It is because of those seniors that I feel confident enough to be a resource to other underclassmen this year and pass on some of the knowledge that they gave me. Big thanks to Theresa, Veronica, Mikayla, Jared, and Brandon (who I look forward to working with again this year!).