SXU Alumna Uses Broad Skill Set to Excel
Saint Xavier University (SXU) alumna Angelica Valentin '07 takes the SXU core value of learning for life seriously. Armed with a broad skill set and excellent education in the sciences, Valentin has worked in a variety of positions, from a children's counselor to a cardiac sonographer to a real estate broker!
Valentin earned a bachelor's degree in clinical psychology with minors in biology and chemistry from SXU in 2007. After graduating, she completed a master's degree in social science from the University of Chicago in 2008. She began to work as a crisis counselor for children before becoming an office manager for two cardiologists on the South Side of Chicago. Despite having no medical background, Valentin excelled in the position and began seeking new challenges, so she enrolled in an 18-month program to become a cardiac sonographer and perform ultrasounds of the heart.
She began working full-time at Palos Community Hospital and gained an immense amount of experience working with a diverse group of patients, sonographers and physicians. She expanded into different hospital systems before leaving Palos to work full-time at Illinois Masonic Medical Center, where she learned how to perform pediatric cardiac ultrasounds and currently serves as their lead cardiac sonographer.
A proponent of learning for life, Valentin soon sought another challenge after purchasing her condo in downtown Chicago. She enjoyed the process so much that she studied to become a licensed real estate broker.
While at SXU, Valentin was a member of the Student Activities Board (SAB), a student ambassador, and worked in the Biology and Chemistry Departments in addition to working at Jewel-Osco, all while maintaining a high GPA and excelling through intensive coursework and labs. Despite her busy schedule, Valentin was able to grow and develop as a student and professional.
"At SXU, I was able to perfect my time management skills, prioritize daily assignments and goals, and network with a variety of professors and students," said Valentin.
Valentin enjoyed the small class sizes at SXU and the ability to develop relationships with professors and collaborate with other students.
"To this day, Dr. Van Lenen, my organic chemistry professor, far exceeds any other professor I have come across. I still recall an evening just before my class started when I was working and studying in the Chemistry Department. I was struggling with a synthesis problem and I went to Dr. Van Lenen's office. He was putting his coat on to leave, but he took his coat off, sat down, and worked with me for 40 minutes to help me understand the problem. After that night, I started to better understand organic chemistry and even got an A on the final. He was so proud that he told other professors about me!" recalled Valentin.
She also continues to use her psychology education from SXU in her daily life.
"I originally wanted to become a sex therapist, but after graduate school, I realized clinical psychology was not what I was interested in. I enjoyed social psychology. Psychology provides a better understanding of human behavior and mental health and wellness, and I use my knowledge to be able to better communicate with everyone, from ornery patients to egotistical physicians. It's a very handy tool for me," said Valentin.
In the future, Valentin plans to transition into real estate full-time and continue working at the hospital part-time. She enjoys each field very much.
"Working in cardiology satisfies my love of science while working in real estate fulfills my desire to essentially be my own boss while helping others achieve their goals of becoming homeowners," said Valentin.