For Angelina Valente, stepping outside her comfort zone has always been the key to personal and professional growth. Now, as she enters the final semester of her undergraduate studies, she reflects on the experiences that have shaped her college career. Pursuing a triple major in Management, Marketing, and International Studies, Angelina has actively sought opportunities that challenged her both academically and professionally. From her beginnings in the Honors College at IU Indianapolis to immersing herself in a prestigious program at University College Dublin, she has embraced every challenge with determination and enthusiasm.
During her time at IU Indianapolis, Angelina thrived as both a student and a leader. She participated in the Honors Peer Mentor Program, guiding three freshmen through their transition to college life. Nonetheless, her leadership extended beyond mentorship. As the Media and Communications Chair of the IU Indianapolis Hiking and Climbing Club, she played a key role in promoting outdoor activities and connecting students with nature.
Angelina’s desire to gain a global perspective on business led her to study abroad during the Fall of 2023 at University College Dublin in Ireland, where she immersed herself in a prestigious business program. Leaving behind the familiarity of her university to study in Ireland was not easy, as she was the only IU Indianapolis student in the program. Despite that, this leap of faith turned out to be one of the most transformative experiences of her life.
Immersed in a diverse academic environment, she had the opportunity to collaborate with several international students. “I have friends from all over the world now,” she recalls. “Australia, England, Ireland, all over the States. It was incredible to work with so many people from different backgrounds.” Working in globally diverse teams within such a multicultural academic environment broadened her perspective on business and enhanced her cross-cultural communication skills.
Beyond friendships and academic excellence, her semester abroad ignited a passion for international business and tourism. Traveling to five different countries—Ireland, Scotland, Belgium, Northern Ireland, and England—opened her eyes to the tourism industry’s impact and inspired her to pursue a career that helps others explore the world.
From walking the Cobblestone streets of Bruges, Belgium, to renting a houseboat in Galway, Ireland, every trip added a new layer to her love for travel. One of her most unforgettable moments was seeing Phantom of the Opera in London at the very theater where Andrew Lloyd Webber designed it to be performed. “That was a dream come true,” she recalls. “I have always been a fan, and I never thought I would get to see it live in that setting.”
Eager to apply her newfound interest in tourism and hospitality, Angelina landed a hospitality internship at Yellowstone National Park. Over 12 weeks, she rotated through different roles, gaining firsthand experience in hospitality management, leadership, and customer service.
The job was demanding—long hours and very physically intensive work—but the rewards were unmatched. “Yellowstone is a bucket list item for so many people,” she says. “It was amazing to experience it from the inside, meeting people from all over the world.”
Working at the park also strengthened her problem-solving and communication skills. Navigating language barriers, assisting families with young children, and ensuring a positive guest experience pushed her to adapt and grow.
Outside of work, she fully embraced the magic of Yellowstone. Hiking through remote trails, spotting bears and bison in the wild, and standing in awe of breathtaking waterfalls became part of her everyday routine.
But the most surreal moment she experienced was watching the northern lights dance across the sky—a sight few visitors get to experience. “I never expected to see the northern lights in Yellowstone,” she says. “That was one of those moments where you just stop and think, ‘Wow, I am really here.’”
As graduation approaches, Angelina is focused on integrating her love for marketing with the tourism and hospitality industries. Through internships at Raybourn Group International, she has gained experience in corporate event planning, marketing research, and designing marketing materials—skills that will be invaluable as she works toward a career that combines business with travel.
Additionally, she had the unique opportunity to work with the IU Office of the President as a Public Relations Intern, where she helped coordinate events and outreach efforts to connect with students, faculty, and staff across IU Indianapolis and Bloomington.
Looking back, Angelina credits her success to one simple mindset: Just do it scared. It is a motto that has carried her through every challenge, from boarding a plane to Ireland alone to navigating the unpredictability of the hospitality industry.
“Every time I have jumped off the deep end outside my comfort zone, I have grown in ways I never expected. Each experience has helped me become more confident and adaptable, and it has made my comfort zone so much wider.”
As she looks toward the future, one thing is certain—her next adventure is just around the corner, wherever in the world that may be.
