Blog Post by Dr. Marcela Moyano

Dania Beach, FL- During the COVID 19 Pandemic, Valerie Seguin transferred to United International College from Talk International in the Summer of 2020. She enrolled in the Communications and Mass Media program coming from a 15+ Finance career in France. Valerie adds that she joined this program because communications was a field so foreign to her that it was worth exploring for a bachelor’s degree. Valerie is originally from Bordeaux, France. 

In the Spring of 2021, Valerie took a course on Podcasting and produced Wellness Whispers, a Podcast on the Mediterranean Diet. In the third episode of her podcast, she interviewed, Dr. Michel de Logeril, a published cardiologist and nutritionist at the French National Centre for Scientific Research and the School of Medicine at Grenoble University, France. This episode has had several views and provides important information on the Mediterranean Diet. 

During the same semester, she took Photography and exhibited her work at the J. Alberto Moyano Gallery at UIC. She developed her passion for photography and purchased the latest Sony photography technology to continue capturing what her eyes were seeing with her camera lens. On one of her trips to Sicily Island, she took breathtaking pictures of the Ancient theatre of Taormina. She sent these pictures to Dr. Guido, her Photography professor to curate the best picture for a second exhibition. Valerie exhibited once again her photography, this time based on her passion for photography that she developed as a result of the course. 

In Animation I and II courses, Valerie worked for a year developing illustrations and animating her illustrations for her Short Film Zen Zone (2023) with a running time of 2:52 minutes. The short film depicts the common reality of a working mother who struggles with balancing her household responsibilities and work demands. When she cannot find a balance and her stress is unsustainable, she collapses and needs a solution to continue her life. This film resonates with every working mom who sees herself identified in this animated story. 

Valerie also exhibited her drawings as a result of her Drawing course. One of her drawings illustrates a typical French dinner of cheese, grapes, bread, and wine. A much-longed meal for Valerie and her husband while living in the United States. 

As an advocate for women’s empowerment and to emphasize the importance of the role of women in society, Valerie represented the character of Super Woman in the Theater and Performing Arts final performance. Her script illustrated women’s strength, resilience, and determination in the face of life’s challenges.  

Valerie concludes her academic coursework with the Documentary course at United International College where she, and her classmate, Renata Diniz, produced and directed, United in Diversity: Voices of UIC International Students (2024) with a running time of 32:03 minutes. Their documentary depicts UIC international students and their process of arriving and adapting to live in the multiversity of South Florida as international students. The film was submitted to a few of the South Florida film festivals. 

Communication students are required to complete a 3-credit 145-hour internship before graduation. Valerie chose to intern in the Communications Office of UIC. Valerie assisted the Communications Director of UIC with all the internal and external communication efforts of the college. She put her camera to use during all the Media Day of the UIC Eagle Rays teams. She also updated the multiple websites of UIC using WordPress. She also developed a monthly newsletter with the latest information about the college. She extended her work in the internship as part of her Optional Practical Training (OPT) and continued working for UIC. 

As highlighted in this short article, Valerie put all her best efforts into every assignment in every course. This article just highlights a few of her courses. Her other professors could cite the relevancy and singularity of her work. She earned an A in every course and she accumulated a GPA of 3.9. and graduated Manga Cum Laude in the Summer of 2024. 

After 10 years of living in the United States, Valerie and her husband Jean-Bernard, returned to France. They plan to live in Sicily. Valerie acquired several communication skills and developed a talent that she can apply anywhere in the world. Your UIC Family will always be here for you. Amusez-vous et profitez bien de votre voyage!