Valentina Valencia

“The faculty make this program what it is. They truly care about their students and the projects their students produce.”

Academic Areas of Interest
Interiors, philosophy, history

Hobbies or interests outside of academia
Climbing, ceramics, hiking

Why did you choose Taubman College as the right program for you?
The faculty make this program what it is. They truly care about their students and the projects their students produce. They teach both the theoretical and the literal. They all come with different backgrounds and methods of approaching projects. These methods are passed on to students, leaving them with a diverse array of possible approaches to future work. It’s an immersive, demanding education. It requires initiative and willingness to do the work. Taubman demands but also rewards.

What is special or excites you about the Taubman community?
The community at Taubman is an intimate one. It allows for a more personalized learning experience. The feedback received is tailored to the individual, and it gives students a chance to understand their weaknesses and how to balance them with their strengths. You can always demand from it what it demands from you.

If applicable, tell us about studio culture – what is inspiring or innovative or unique?
The first two introductory studios offer designated desk spaces that maintain cohort unity. This allows us to maintain a connection with each other and to expose ourselves to not only our studios’ projects but also the rest of our peers. This open layout allows inspiration to hit you from any angle, creating many possibilities and directions a project can go.

Describe your experience with faculty and professional staff during your time at Taubman?
Faculty at taubman are extremely accomplished, and in conjunction, they are incredibly supportive. They push you, yet they take the time to give personalized feedback and oftentimes support outside of lecture. They are experienced and always willing to share their knowledge.

How has Taubman’s career and professional development support prepared you for a successful career in your chosen field?
The professional development team assures we are connected to alumni by inviting them to events, hosting networking opportunities, and fostering open connections. In a professional environment where it is essential to grow our network, Taubman opens the possibilities for all who will take advantage.

What benefits have you experienced being part of the University of Michigan?
The University of Michigan offers a large community of support. Taubman offers a tailored education. These combine to create a unique experience in which you can minor in a different program that bridges your interests and helps you find your niche.

What do you like most about being part of the Ann Arbor community?
It’s a beautiful college town, extremely walkable and alive with students at all times. You feel immersed in the college experience where you’re working hard, but you feel the support from everyone around you.

What advice would you give prospective students as they consider Taubman College?
Taubman is teaching so much more than the technical. They are creating thinkers. Every professor will have a different lens, so it is essential to have an open mind and always be willing to learn and take opportunities.

What are your plans after graduation?
Post graduation, I plan on spending some time in the professional world before deciding on a path of continued education.