Yovica Valentin: Making the Most of Her Opportunity

by Kurt Gottschalk

Yovica Valentin had a number of accomplishments under her belt before applying to Adelphi University.

She had written and published a children’s book, Vanessa on the Move, and had been a contestant in the Miss New York Teen USA pageant. She had also attended a National Youth Leadership Forum: Medicine program where she discovered that her interest in the field included something a little more hands-on.

“I used to want to be a doctor,” she said.“I went to summer camp and saw how nurses were able to connect with patients more directly.”

Currently a freshman in the General Studies Learning Community, Valentin is preparing for the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) and planning to enter the nursing program next year, with a minor in child development and family studies through the School of Social Work.

Her achievements and goals started to seem out of reach just as she was about to enter. Born in Queens, Valentin was raised by her mother in nearby Elmont, New York. But her mother, who had been working for Allstate Insurance Company, found herself unable to work due to the effects of primary lateral sclerosis, a disabling neurological disease. Suddenly, paying for college became a much bigger problem.

“My mom was on disability for her job and I needed to find out how to get some extra money,” Valentin recalled.

She then attended Accepted Student Day, where she learned about the leaders in the Office of Student Financial Services.

“There’s one person I always go to that helps me out,” Valentin said. “She explains everything to me, what I need to bring in or what I need to have my mom sign, so it’s not too confusing.”

And with their help, Valentin can continue to bring successes to Adelphi.