What is your preferred name?
Valerie Lamb
What is your major and minor?
Political Science with a minor in Acting
What are some of the jobs you held while at McDaniel?
I work at the Front Desk in the Gill Center for most of my time here, and I interned with the United States Mint over the summer which was an amazing experience.
What organizations were you a part of at McDaniel? What positions did you hold?
I was a part of the Women’s Softball Team and on their leadership team, I was Sisterhood Development Chair and Community Service Chair for Phi Mu Women’s Fraternity, Alpha Psi Omega Theater Honor Society, Phi Beta Kappa, and Green Terror Programs.
Did you enjoy your time at McDaniel? How?
I definitely enjoyed my time here at McDaniel. I got to meet some of my closest friends here, and I’ll never forget some of the memories we had, like living on the first floor of Blanche as sophomores, winning a Centennial Conference Championship, and being a part of two awesome theater productions here.
Who do you think is/was your best mentor(s)?
It’s so hard to choose! I’ve had amazing experiences with a lot of professors at McDaniel. Some of my favorites include Dr. Dundes, Dr. Leahy and Gené Fouche. They’ve all helped me in different ways and represent the different paths I took while here.
What is your best memory at McDaniel?
My best memory at McDaniel was probably getting into both Streetcar and Carrie the Musical my Senior year. I had always wanted to be in a show, but I didn’t know if I’d have the time or if I’d be able to do get in if I auditioned. I got into both and enjoyed every second of it!
What were some of the challenges you encountered and how did you overcome them?
Some of my challenges include managing my time as a student-athlete and making new friends while being so far away from home (Miami, FL), but I overcame them by branching out my sophomore year and joining organizations and planning out my schedule in advance.
What are your plans for after graduation?
Currently, I am in the process of applying for internships in the D.C. area and recent graduate programs. I am hoping to work there for a year, and then apply for law schools in the area.
What advice can you give to those not graduating?
Do what you really love and don’t let anyone stop you. College gives you four years to do things you can’t do when you’re a full adult with a job and bills to pay, you might as well use it to do the things you’ve always wanted to do.
Is there anything else you want to share with the McDaniel community?
Use your resources! The best thing you can do to benefit your future is go to your professors and people around you for advice. Also, don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone!
