Valerie J. Amaral
Major: BA, Political Science
"One of the great things about attending a large university is that you have options, and you have the opportunity to try new things."
What has been your greatest challenge?
I think that my greatest challenge has definitely been juggling all of the activities I have been involved in! Going to school full-time, working part-time, being Miss Massachusetts and preparing for Miss America, and doing all of the community work and fundraising that I have been involved with.
Learning how to manage my time well was a great life lesson that I walk away with.
What is your message to future students?
Do what interests you! I thought I wanted to be a music major when I was applying to college, and I had all of these great plans--and then I realized that there were other things I was interested in. One of the great things about attending a large university is that you have options, and you have the opportunity to try new things.
My decision to completely change course and become a political science major was a tough one to make, but I am so glad that I did. I encourage everyone else to find something they are excited to learn about every day.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to attend law school starting in the fall of 2009!
Who would you like to thank?
I would really like to thank the entire University for being so supportive of my year as Miss Massachusetts! Chancellor MacCormack and the Chancellor's office have been so supportive and helpful, not to mention the Torch, my professors, and the student body!
Thanks for an awesome senior year!
