Having been a basketball athlete since middle school, Vania Valencia has enjoyed the euphoric atmosphere of various basketball competitions, both regional and national. However, she then discovered that her talents are not confined to being an athlete in the basketball court. Since she was a student in high school, she has been involved in the entertainment world. Now, being a Communication Science major of the 2018 batch, she still never ceases to actively pursue her career as a model and talent of various soap operas and films. On October 6, 2018, she managed to secure second place for Putra Putri Batik Nusantara 2018 (a prestigious national Batik modeling competition held in 2018).

“Honestly, I didn’t expect to get into the top 3. I thought the best I can get if I’m lucky, is the audience award. I only did my best, and I thank God that I can get second place,” Vania chirps.

This victory is possible only after going through a grueling quarantine period for a week in Jakarta, with 27 other finalists. All 28 finalists then competed in the competition held by the Ministry of Tourism.

Her Putra Putri Batik Nusantara 2018 win adds to her astounding list of accomplishments – Cici Jogja Photogenic 2017, Miss Global DIY 2017, and Miss Social Media 2018. Also, along with the rest of UPH’s female Eagles basketball team, Vania won second place in LIMA Basketball Nationals.

Despite all this, Vania still claims that her main focus at the moment is her studies. She regards academic studies as something crucial in supporting her career in the future. This is why Vania chose UPH Communication Science as her place of study. She really believes UPH has everything she needs – UPH is a place where she can enjoy academia while also being an active basketball athlete and entertainer.

“UPH’s female basketball team is one of the best out there. In addition, I can also enjoy superb facilities, like a gym and a TV and radio laboratory, where I can put all my experience in entertainment into practice. Also, UPH is close to Jakarta, and this helps me to stay in touch with my production house. However, I did cut back on a lot of radio broadcasts and soap opera shoots, because I really want to focus on studying for now,” she explained.

Vania is also grateful for the people she met in UPH and a culture that is centered on Christian values. She made a point to interact more with those who can encourage her to go to church regularly.

“This is why my parents are okay with me studying here. In UPH, I attend regular student chapels and am also supplemented with courses on the Christian faith, which makes my faith grow deeper. I get used to reading my Bible every day,” Vania admits, smiling widely.

Vania is currently competing in the Pekan Mahasiswa Daerah (Pomda) – the Regional Student Championship VII Banten on November 26-30, 2018, along with her female basketball team. She hopes to be able to continue playing basketball professionally and have a career in entertainment, while also putting her studies first until she has a degree to add to her extensive list in her portfolio. (it)