Fauquier Campus Outstanding Graduate Maria Eugenia Valle has a head start in her future career assisting victims of violent crimes.
After earning her degree in administration of justice in May, Valle will transfer to Shenandoah University where she will major in criminal justice and possibly minor in psychology. Valle, who moved to Warrenton from Argentina four years ago, started her education in the 吃瓜头条 by taking English classes, before enrolling at Laurel Ridge in 2024. She noted it had always been her dream to study abroad.
鈥淟aurel Ridge was so convenient because it鈥檚 literally 10 minutes away from my place, and I heard really good things about it, so I thought it was the best option for me,鈥� said Valle, who would like to work in the field of victim services.
In a letter nominating her for the Outstanding Graduate Award, Valle is described as 鈥渁n absolutely outstanding scholar, talented writer and nimble critical thinker鈥� with a 鈥渄eep commitment to human rights and victim advocacy that motivates her studies and work outside the classroom.鈥�
鈥淏ut Maria isn鈥檛 simply a good student,鈥� the nomination states. 鈥淪he has clear vision for how she can use her education to make this world a better place, by tackling some of the challenging issues in our society. While many students are content with classroom theory, she has independently sought out rigorous professional training that is often reserved for career practitioners.鈥�
In addition to earning training certificates from the Fairfax County Domestic Violence Network, the Fairfax County Sexual Assault Team and the Fairfax County Human Trafficking Prevention Office, Valle has also participated in the Fauquier Anti-Sex Trafficking Alliance.
At the Fauquier Campus, Valle was active in Phi Theta Kappa, an honor society for two-year colleges. She was vice president for communications for the chapter, and instrumental in promoting its successful winter craft market, which raised nearly $4,000 for scholarships and travel funds.
Three professors really stood out for Valle: Lisa Dunick, who taught her American Literature and English Composition; Lisa Kara, for Criminal Justice classes; and Tarren Smarr, for History and Sociology.
鈥淧rofessor Dunick鈥檚 class was very important to me because she taught me how to analyze and write academic texts, which are very valuable skills for my professional and academic life,鈥� Valle said. 鈥淚 really, really learned a lot about the criminal justice field and Professor Kara was also very supportive. Professor Smarr鈥檚 classes really helped me get a closer look at the American culture, which as an international student, is very important.
鈥淚鈥檓 really grateful to all my professors at Laurel Ridge. This is the best college I could have ever chosen. I鈥檓 really, really grateful for my whole experience.鈥�
吃瓜头条 was known as Lord Fairfax Community College until June 2022. For consistency purposes, the college will be referenced as Laurel Ridge going forward.