UMatter

Valeria Gudino

UMatter Intern

Hey everyone, I’m Val, I’m a first gen student who is currently majoring in animal science with a minor in biology. I am on the pre vet track so after college I’m hoping to move out of state and go to vet school. My life is mainly revolved around school, but I’m also someone who absolutely loves to do nothing. Majority of my time you’ll either find me stressing over chemistry, viciously obsessing over Harry and One Direction, or binge watching any movie or show (most likely Star Wars and Greys Anatomy). For as long as I can remember, I always told myself “I’m going to be a vet”, but as life plays out, mental health became one of my biggest passions. Umatter has allowed me to purse my working dream of becoming a vet, but still giving me time to bring voice and light to mental health and the horrible stigmas that surround it. Umatter allowed me to not only find my voice but has given me the rewarding feeling of advocating for students and their struggles that can't be seen but most definitely felt. Mental health is easily overlooked and ignored but being in Umatter has taught me how to recognize the signs of someone struggling and how to help them when they need that extra support. Overall, Umatter helped me find the hope I had lost when it came to mental health being seen, heard, and understood, and I couldn't’t be more thankful.

UMatter Intern

Portrait of Valeria Gudino