The Limelight Called, And I Answered: My College Journey As I Prepare to Take On Post-Grad Life
A 21-year-old theatre student and writer shares how she's building her path to success through passion, perseverance, and saying yes to every opportunity.
People often ask me how I've managed to accomplish so much during my college years.
To tell you the truth, I don't know how I did it-or how I am doing it. I still have a year and a half left to finish school and, after that, prepare myself for my career after graduation.
But what is my career going to be? You may be asking. And perhaps you're also wondering, Who is this girl, and why is a college student being featured as an Influential Woman?
Well, allow me to introduce myself and clear a few things up.
My name is Victoria Suarez. I am a Libra sun, Sagittarius rising, and Pisces moon. I am 21 years old, born in Naples, Florida, and I attend the University of Central Florida, where I am pursuing a double major in Theatre (Applied Performance) and Entertainment Management at the Rosen College of Hospitality Management, along with a music minor.
How Did I Know What I Wanted to Study?
Good question.
I was born to two artistically inclined parents: my father, an architect who immigrated from Argentina, and my mother, an English and dance teacher who pursued more of her passions later in life.
Suffice it to say, they had my brother and me later in life and divorced when we were two and four years old, respectively. My mom raised us the best a single parent could, eventually moving us from our home in Naples to the growing community of Ave Maria, Florida.
As a four- or five-year-old who was struggling to process my parents' divorce and my father's absence, my development slowed, and I found it difficult to socialize and make friends. I started school late and became the target of constant bullying from my peers.
To her credit, my mom did everything she could to help me find something I cared about besides sitting in my room reading books all day. I tried horseback riding, swimming, piano, violin, and dance, which stayed with me the longest.
But nothing gave me that spark of "I want to do this forever" until I auditioned for my first play.
That's when I knew.
The theatre was my calling.
Ironically, my father's neglect also inspired the second half of my dream: film.
I loved acting. I loved theatre. But I loved movies even more. As I grew older, I started asking myself:
What if I became a film actress?
That dream drove me for years as I continued training and trying new things-from earning my blue belt in taekwondo to winning first place in a breaststroke relay as a competitive swimmer.
Seven Years-and Endless Bullying-Later
When it came time to choose a high school, I knew I wanted something different.
My mom hoped I would continue the classical education my parents had originally chosen for my brother and me, but I wanted a school where I could study the arts more deeply than my charter school allowed.
I found one near where my father and his wife were living. After I was accepted, I transferred and began building a new life.
Then COVID-19 happened.
My freshman year ended abruptly, and my high school experience changed forever.
I didn't land any major roles, although I participated in musicals and returned to dance after years away from it. Earlier in life, my father had forced me to choose between continuing dance and accepting the lead role in a sixth-grade production-a decision that kept me away from dance for years.
I also joined cheerleading, something I never expected to do.
Cheer made high school more enjoyable. I wasn't the most popular person on the squad, nor did I want to be, but I loved performing, stunting, practicing, and the friendships I built. My cheer coach became one of my biggest supporters.
Thank you, Kenzie.
My drama teacher also played a significant role in helping me develop my talents. Toward the end of my junior year, she suggested I begin vocal lessons.
That advice paid off.
I became one of only four soloists selected to compete for my school. While I wasn't the highest-ranked performer, it was still an accomplishment I remain proud of.
Choosing College
Choosing a college wasn't easy.
I knew I needed to stay in Florida, but I struggled to decide between Florida State University and the University of Central Florida.
Looking back, choosing UCF was one of the best decisions I've ever made.
I declared a double major early because I realized that theatre alone might not provide the financial stability I wanted unless I pursued teaching-something I knew wasn't the right fit for me.
I initially declared a Communications major before switching to Entertainment Management during my sophomore year. That decision has shaped many of my biggest accomplishments.
I also went through sorority recruitment twice before withdrawing both times. I knew where I wanted to belong, but with a lower GPA and a résumé that didn't stand out at the time, I wasn't being given the opportunity I hoped for.
So I decided to build my own network instead.
I Picked Up Dance Again
I joined Knights Damsels Dance Company as a general member.
Although I'm not as technically skilled as many of the other dancers, I continue auditioning, learning, and improving. Along the way, I've built meaningful friendships-including my dance "family."
Before I graduate next spring, I hope to present one of my own choreographed pieces.
Then I joined Her Campus, and everything changed.
People had always told me I should write, but I dismissed the idea because writing seemed like such a difficult career. What if I got writer's block?
Still, when I joined Her Campus in the spring of 2025, I discovered how much I enjoyed storytelling.
I also began asking bigger questions.
How could I help Her Campus reach more students?
The answer was through Panhellenic organizations and the friends I had made within them.
I began covering sorority philanthropy events, several of which received national recognition. I also expanded into concert and live music coverage, earning press credentials for Orlando's inaugural Rolling Loud Festival and The Runaround's Minivan Tour at the House of Blues.
Since starting college, I've attended twenty-three concerts-and counting.
Another organization close to my heart is Knight-Thon, UCF's annual Dance Marathon fundraiser. I've been involved since my sophomore year, and I hope to take on an even larger leadership role this year.
The Highlight of My College Career
Without question, the highlight of my college experience has been interning at the Cannes Film Festival in France.
I worked for six months to earn enough money for the trip, and every sacrifice was worth it.
For two unforgettable weeks, I experienced one of the world's most prestigious film festivals while gaining invaluable insight into the entertainment industry.
That experience also changed my long-term plans.
For years, I assumed I would move to the West Coast after graduation. Instead, Cannes made me realize I may want to begin my career in Europe.
It also reminded me that acting is still where my heart belongs.
Even though I haven't had as much time to perform recently, I know the sacrifices I'm making now are laying the foundation for a future built on independence, creativity, and opportunity.
Looking Ahead
As I head into my senior year, everything I've experienced continues to motivate me.
This year, I'll be writing not only for Her Campus but also for Strike Magazine, expanding my work to a national audience.
Two lessons have shaped me more than anything else:
- Work hard, and people will notice the good you do.
- Try the things. Try all the things.
I still have time left to make my mark at UCF.
But when I graduate, I can confidently say this:
The world isn't ready.
I have a lot left to accomplish.
And I have a lot left to say.
