Sophia Kameitjo didnƵt have to look far to find the right place to start her higher education journey. Victoria College was right in her backyard.
ƵI lived blocks from Victoria College my whole life,Ƶ said Kameitjo. ƵI think the familiarity and exposure to the campus ingrained VC in my blood before I even had to think about college.Ƶ
Kameitjo completed transfer coursework in English at VC while co-enrolled at the University of HoustonƵVictoria between 2005 and 2007. She went on to earn her bachelorƵs degree in English from Rice University in 2009 and later served in the Peace Corps before pursuing a masterƵs degree.
ƵStarting hereƵin what you might call my comfort zoneƵbuilt my confidence to transfer to a university, join the Peace Corps after graduation and eventually get a masterƵs degree,Ƶ said Kameitjo. ƵI knew I could succeed in challenging environments because IƵd been able to perform well at VC.Ƶ
She credits VC not only with preparing her academically, but with making college financially attainable.
ƵAt my high school graduation, I was surprised to receive several scholarships from VC,Ƶ Kameitjo shared. ƵI already knew IƵd be staying local to reduce the financial burden on my family, but the extra assistance from the VC Foundation and its donors totally reinforced that I was starting in the right place.Ƶ
In 2015, Kameitjo returned to Victoria CollegeƵthis time as an employee. Now serving as Director of Grants Administration, she has played a key role in securing millions of dollars in funding for VC programs and support services that benefit both students and the broader community. By helping others access the same support that once shaped her own journey, Kameitjo has truly come full circleƵpaying it forward in the most meaningful way.
ƵIt was like coming home to family, and itƵs hard to imagine working anywhere else,Ƶ said Kameitjo. ƵVC gave me the chance to start college without drowning financially. The instructors here were really encouraging and understanding, despite how shy I was. It was like they could sense my determination.Ƶ
Today, Kameitjo works alongside some of the very instructors who helped guide her as a student.
ƵI feel privileged to work with people like Dr. Ed Byerly and Jackie Robinson,Ƶ said Kameitjo. ƵProfessor Robinson is the person who gave me extra confidence that IƵd chosen the right path as an English major. IƵll never forget her.Ƶ
VC wants to hear from former and current Pirates. Visit to submit a success story in honor of VCƵs 100th anniversary.
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