Meet Darren Valenta

Class: 2011

Major: Communication Arts and Business

Hometown: Klamath Falls, Ore.

Questions about your Linfield experience
How did you first learn about Linfield College?
There were a couple of guys ahead of me in high school who came here. I kept in contact with one about his experience here then came and visited.

Why did you choose to come to Linfield?
I came to Linfield for the competitive scholarship day and did a tour. When I walked on campus I felt like it was home. It wasn’t like Oregon State or Oregon where I felt overwhelmed walking around. It was welcoming and I felt like I should be here.

What kinds of activities have you been involved with at Linfield?
I have been involved in forensics. We go to a couple tournaments a month and have practice every Wednesday where we find pieces we want to perform and work on them. I’ve also been involved with the radio, KSLC is pretty fun. I am a resident advisor.

How would you describe Linfield College?
It’s a very intimate environment. If you get involved early on you can walk around campus and see a handful of people you know. It’s really welcoming. The campus is gorgeous.

How would you describe Linfield students?
It’s an extraordinary breed of students. Everyone is really friendly. They’re very open and easy to get along with.

Linfield doesn't have a log of obvious diversity - Do you think that our students are diverse in any way? Is Linfield an accepting place?
I think it is. I think of diversity as more than skin color or ethnicity. Linfield has so people from so many different backgrounds. Two people that may look same on the outside may come from two totally different upbringings. I came from a small town and haven’t seen the big city lights of Portland or Las Vegas but there are people I have met here that come from that environment.

Do you have any advice to help future student with the transition to college?
It’s definitely tough to come to college. You are stepping out of an environment that you were comfortable with and you’re leaving your friend group. I would say just to relax and realize there is going to be big changes coming in your life but to embrace those and know that it’s okay. Also, to put yourself out there and seek out new things to do and new types of people.