Valeria Brenes will be graduating this fall with a Bachelor of Arts degree, having majored in dance and psychology while at the University of New Mexico.
Brenes is a freelance photographer for The Daily Lobo, and said that it was one of her favorite jobs she had while in college. Some of the other jobs she held while working towards her degree were as a lifeguard and as a Spanish-language interpreter, though she said she did not feel like either of those jobs made an “impact,” and she hopes to go into a job in which she can help vulnerable communities.
Brenes also said she wants to continue her studies related to art and therapy, perhaps by applying to a master’s program in the future, though she hasn’t applied to any just yet.
“I discovered, with a lot of patience and trust in myself, that what I needed to do and what I needed to fulfill (in) my life was this search for how I can help others. I felt that I was studying something, but I was not directing my energy or my attention into how that can really help or impact others,” Brenes said.
One of the most important things to Brenes is art, whether that be photography or dance and the study of movements and cultures. Originally from Costa Rica, Brenes moved to Albuquerque around eight years ago and didn’t necessarily feel aware of where she fit in at first, but chose to pursue dance because it was something that she had been into since she was very little, she said.
Her focus on dance has more to do with the culture behind the movements and what dance can teach someone about themselves and their body, rather than the technical and competitive aspects of the art.
“(Dance shows) what ways I can explore or also let go, in the holistic or therapeutic way; for me, it gives me the chance to explore myself and help others, and understand how others move. And I just love seeing behaviors. That’s why I am also studying psychology, because I think they both are so related,” Brenes said.
In terms of photography, Brenes said she focuses on digital photography, especially the preparation and process that goes into taking a photo. Recently, she said she has been taking more photos in a gothic, mystical and blurry style. Brenes also loves walks with her chihuahua and photographing nature.
Diet and exercise are also a big part of Brenes’ life. She said she finds them as a way to push herself, and gives her the opportunity to be very selective with the environment she’s in.
“Seeing the process and the changes and how the body can modify into whatever you are pushing yourself in — like the body is like a piece of art,” Brenes said.
Brenes has also recently changed her diet, becoming raw vegan in September.
“I call that freedom because it gives you different feelings and different ways of seeing life and seeing your body — how it reacts — and also the connection with nature and the living things, and the appreciation of stopping eating animals and being more connected,” Brenes said. “Seeing people doing the same thing inspired me a lot, because this is not an easy journey.”
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
During her time at UNM, Brenes also studied abroad in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.
“It’s a place full of nature and the contrast it’s in everywhere, politically, socially, religiously, the contrast — it’s everywhere — and I love contrast so much,” Brenes said.
Jaden McKelvey-Francis is the editor-in-chief of the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at editorinchief@dailylobo.com or on X @jadenmckelvey
