Building community with media and music: Daniela Alejandra Guevara Sotomayor

Daniela Alejandra Guevara Sotomayor is an international student from Quito, Ecuador, graduating this June with a Bachelor of Digital Media Studies. Her time at VIU has been filled with music, culture and making connections with people all over the world. Daniela’s classmates will remember her as someone who was always active and involved in campus life.

As part of our series highlighting VIU’s 2025 valedictorians leading up to convocation on June 9 and 10, we caught up with Daniela to learn why she decided to attend VIU and what she loved about her experience.

Why did you choose VIU?

When I was 16, I spent six weeks in Victoria as a part of an exchange program. I really enjoyed my time on Vancouver Island and found the culture very inviting. When I applied to a few universities on the Island, and VIU had a much smoother process, I naturally gravitated towards it. 

Can you share a highlight from your time at VIU?

My favourite part about VIU is the multi-culturalism and meeting people from around the world and exchanging cultures with each other. I had a chance to do this using another one of my favourite things – music. A friend from India and I participated at VIU’s Got Talent this year and I played the violin and sang in three different languages, including Spanish. Winning Fan Favourite Award at this concert was definitely a big highlight for me. 

What are you most proud of achieving since you began your studies?

I’m most proud of using my skills in media and music to build community. As much as people say I am extroverted, I do find it difficult to talk to people sometimes. I love music because it is such a universal way to connect with people, and I am proud of the connections I have made through that. Performing at events has been a natural way to get to know people around campus. Similarly, my work on campus with the Brand and Marketing team has allowed me to meet people I wouldn’t have met normally. It was also a perfect opportunity for me to incorporate everything I learned over the last four years in my program. 

What is one thing your fellow students may remember about you after graduation? 

Everyone I meet tells me I am too busy or doing too much, so I’d say they will remember me always being active and involved in the university community. I am easily excited by any project, small or big, so it is difficult for me to say no. 

What advice would you give students following a similar trajectory as yourself? 

Volunteer as much as you can. Go to all the events. Be present everywhere. By doing this, I went from not knowing anyone and having no friends, to meeting people I now call family. You never know what can happen or who you can meet. It also helps you realize your own potential, abilities and hidden talents. 

Also, as generic as it sounds, trust the process. As someone who started off as a Computer Science major and then moved to Digital Media Studies, I understand the fear that comes with the uncertainty of not knowing what you’re doing in life. But it’s okay to not know what you want to do. As long as you are passionate and give your best in everything you do, you will eventually find your destiny.

Can you give us three random facts about yourself?

• I love High School Musical and that is what made me love singing.
• I have a snow globe collection.
• I once hosted a live radio show.

What’s next for you?

There are different directions I am headed next. I’ll be continuing my work at the university doing content creation over the summer and hopefully do similar kind of work at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church. I know that whatever I do, I want to keep creating and growing.