​Valerie Menendez is currently participating in her second year of theater, and first year of Journalism. When Menendez isn't in her academic forum, she likes to crochet gifts for family and friends. Menendez enjoys watching movies that are usually filled with psychological thrillers, romance, indie classics, and coming of age genres. Menendez strives to prepare for a future somewhere in the film industry when she is older. She looks forward to sharing her insights with The Shield this year.