Virginia Verona, South Miami Senior High School’s valedictorian, can’t wait to start college at FIU. The 18-year-old Verona says the opportunity to “make an impact” on the South Florida community through her education is something she dreams about.

“I’d like to unite an abundance of people,” said the Costa Rican native.

This self-described “down-to-earth girl” is keeping busy her last summer before college helping her mother clean houses. “I’m just so glad that I can help my mom out because she and my father have been there for me every step of the way,” Verona said. “I was so busy with my school work and activities in high school that I didn’t have time for anything else.

” FIU is so proud to welcome this ambitious young woman to the Golden Panther family that we’re featuring her in an ad campaign to run in The Miami Herald. Recently, we met with Verona and asked her a few questions about herself and her future plans. Here is an excerpt of the interview:

What it took to be the best in my class:
Passion. Determination. Perseverance.

On starting college at FIU:
I’m ready for the opportunity to break away from the crowd and make my own way.

Where I see myself in five years:
Using my degree to impact our community in a positive way. When I told my parents that I was going to be valedictorian, they gave me “the talk”. They told me that anything is possible and that I should use all that I’ve been given to help people. I believe in that.

My dream:
I would like to unite people, create a domino effect. I help people and those people help others to create a change. I’d like to touch people’s hearts.

Here is a video of the interview:

To view the ad, which ran in the July 9th issue of The Miami Herald, please click here to download a PDF file.

You may download Adobe Acrobat Reader from here if needed to view the file.