Matthew Valencia
Hi, I'm Matthew, and I am currently studying Computer Science and Philosophy: Ethics. As a first-generation Mexican American student, a lot of what I do is centered around helping other students feel like they belong in higher education and showing them that they can overcome imposter syndrome. Right now, I am working in a research lab where I am helping build an inventory management system, and this fall I will be an Engineering Design Coach, teaching first-year engineering students in a makerspace. My goal is to help them build confidence and leave feeling excited about pursuing engineering or computer science. During my time at UW, I have also worked for UW-IT, traveled to Sweden through a leadership institute to learn about sustainability from a global perspective, and worked at a tech startup where I helped develop AI features for a wearable device designed to help prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). In the future, I hope to work in cybersecurity research and contribute to new ideas and innovations that can make technology safer and more ethical. I also hope to become a professor one day, where I can mentor students from backgrounds like my own and help them realize that they belong and are capable of achieving the same opportunities as anyone else.
Goals
My long-term goal is to become a professor and contribute to cybersecurity research while helping students discover and reach their full potential. In the near term, I hope to become a teaching assistant so I can start building my teaching and mentoring skills while continuing to grow as a student myself.
Tips
Try to be specific about the story you want to tell, even if life doesn't work out exactly as planned. The experiences you've had at UW all help build that story and show the kind of person you hope to become, even if your path eventually takes you somewhere different.
