Cool Cat: Mariah Valles
Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat. Mariah Valles is a Digital Journalism major with a specialization in broadcasting who graduated Central Washington University in the Spring of 2020. As a former Editor-in-Chief for CWU Observer, she dealt with serious journalistic issues while attending school. Now as a Senior Producer for KHQ News, she continues to make groundbreaking news with the skills she learned from the teachers here at CWU.
Favorite childhood memory?
This is hard because I have so many! I would have to say spending a lot of time at Lake Wilderness in western Washington fishing with my dad, spending holidays there with my family or just hanging out with friends. If not that, it’s all the family vacations we want on to Disneyland, Silverwood and other fun places!
What are your hobbies?
Recently, I’ve been finding my love for graphic design again! I also enjoy aquariums and taking care of my houseplants!
Personal Goals?
My goal in life it to live in the moment and embrace the unexpected. After losing my dad unexpectedly in August 2020, my new life mantra is to not waste any days! I’d love to get married, buy a house and start a family, too!
Career Goals?
I’ve wanted to work in the Seattle news market since I was in elementary school. My goal is to work at a Seattle television station in the nearer future.
Three fun facts?
I have two parrots (one who’s 28 years old and the other who’s four years old). I have 16 pairs of Crocs. I graduated both high school and college a year early.
Quote to live by.
“Keep Going.” Shortly after my dad died, I re-found a graduation card he gave me. That’s what he wrote inside my card. It has a whole different meaning to me now than it did when I originally read it.
Why should you know this person?
In my time at CWU, I spent all but one quarter on student media. I promised myself to always give back to the program that gave me so much. You need me? I’ll be there, even if I don’t know you personally!
Where can you find this person hanging out?
Either at my apartment with a group of friends or at a cider house!
What made you choose Central Washington University?
I graduated from high school a year early, CWU was one of the two state university’s that would accept my high GPA for admissions (since I wouldn’t take the SAT until about a month before graduating). On top of that, I loved Ellensburg, the program available and how it wasn’t too far from home.
What is one of you favorite moments during your time attending CWU?
Definitely covering the CWU active shooter false alarm through-and-through. It wasn’t a happy time, of course, but it taught me a lot about being a journalist. Learning how to talk to people after scary situations, request records and ask tough questions gave me a lot of first-hand experience that I continue to take with me into my professional career. On top of that, days in The Observer newsroom are days I miss the most. We were such a close group of staffers.
How did your education at CWU help you pursue a career after college?
The journalism program at CWU is small, but that’s exactly what helped me the most. Terri Reddout said you better buckle up because you’re going to learn how to do a little bit of everything! She wasn’t kidding, either! However, learning a little bit of everything helped me jump into news professionally with a wide range of skills.
What is one thing you would advise current students to do while they are still at CWU?
NETWORK. Connect with people in the field. Speaking from my experience, people in this field want to make sure the next generation feels welcomed and prepared. We want to connect with you. This field is much smaller than you may think. Post on LinkedIn and get a group of genuine mentors who you can have tough discussions with.
If you could go back and do anything different during your time at CWU, what would it be?
The only regret I have is not walking out of a meeting, that looking back, I know my peers and I weren’t being treated fairly at.
Valles says she wants to be a resource for students to help make connections. Students can reach out to @MariahValles to make that connection and networking she mentioned.