Valerija Malashevich moved from Las Vegas, NV to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Cognitive Science and Anthropology with a minor in Philosophy at the University of Michigan. Originally from Belarus, she has spent time studying in the Turks and Caicos Islands, Germany, and Bhutan since the start of her academic career. Val is passionate about all things related to communication, international education and awareness, and the human condition. She has also been dedicating her time to journalism since January of 2022 at The Michigan Daily, where she is now the Associate Editor of The Statement section. In her free time, Val dedicates her time to learning languages — she is currently mastering her fourth one — biking or hiking in nature, and sharpening her art skills through graphic design and painting.