My name is Valerie. Im currently in my third year at City Tech. After high school I attended St. Francis college in Brooklyn for a year before leaving to work full time. I met my husband shortly after and we opened a brick oven pizzeria, “Lucali” in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. It has been open since 2006 and is a popular restaurant and has received an number of accolades and praise among the press and foodies alike. We also have a 8 year old, Kalista, who is the apple of my eye. Though I love the restaurant business, I felt that I wanted to have my degree in what I have always had a passion for; History. I am currently matriculated in the CUNY Baccalaureate program. The discipline that I have chosen is “The History of Medicine, Women, and Ancient Civilizations”. Assuming this endeavor later on in life has most certainly been a challenge, but definitely a rewarding one. When I was a kid I aspired to become a doctor, but I always loved learning about the history of ancient civilizations, but I put that interest aside as mainly a hobby. When I decided to go back to school, I originally intended to pursue nursing. I took a Western Civilization class and realized that I truly loved History and that I wanted to pursue that road rather than nursing. With the CUNY BA Program I was able to combine both my love of medicine and history. As far as extracurricular activities are concerned I don’t have much time to pursue any between the restaurant, school and my daughter. When I do get a moment to unwind, its definitely watching good movie, listening to music, or going out to eat. I am a huge junk food gal! I am a self professed homebody, and relish the fact whenever I get a chance just to sit and hang out.
