Valerie Nam

Staff Associate, Advising & New Student Programming

What is your hometown? Lawrence, Massachusetts

What did you study in undergrad? Health Sciences (Boston University) Grad school? Educational Leadership & Policy Studies: Higher Education Administration (Boston University)

What was your favorite experience as an undergrad? The most meaningful experience I had was being a student worker in our Office of Undergraduate Admissions for all four years. I loved engaging with prospective students and playing a role in their journey to finding a school that would be the right fit for them.

What are your interests/hobbies? I am trying to get into baking some more! Sourdough is my goal for the summer.

What is your favorite thing about MIT? I love the community! Both staff and students have been so welcoming and friendly.

What advice do you have for MIT students? Explore your interests! Your college years are a great time to further develop your passions and interests, but it can also serve as an opportunity to try new things. So enroll in a class outside of your major, study abroad in a country you never thought you’d travel to, or take a dance class even if you’d never danced before! When else will you have life-changing opportunities and a community of talented peers right outside your doorstep?

Fun fact? My dad misspelled my middle name when I was born!