Class of 2026: Victoria Walker

Reserved and guarded. I could barely grasp an idea of what I wanted for myself. Nothing felt concrete.

Unapologetic and self-assured. I know who I am, what I want to be, and what I am capable of.

I studied abroad in South Korea last semester, and it was the most significant experience in my personal growth as an individual and by far my favorite thing I’ve done … ever.

I learned that I was a part of something bigger, where if you want to get something done you don’t always need to do it alone. This was an important moment for me, because I started to lean on friends and professors for support rather than harboring all of my hardships on my own.

I want people to remember how I helped them, from peer mentoring to tutoring. I really pride myself on being the most helpful for them to continue growing, and I hope that shows. I also want my passion and enthusiasm for my craft to be known as well. Writing has been very important to me since my freshman year — it’s why I joined Contrast Literary Magazine!

Dr. Alexander Champoux-Crowley has never once made me feel like my dreams were impossible, and he is forever generously sharing his knowledge of academia and life, which I will always be grateful for! He was always rooting for me when I brought up some new idea of what I wanted to do and reassured me that I could do it. He was the best advisor I could ever ask for.

I was surprised at how easygoing people are. I had a lot of trouble making and keeping friends in high school, but my fears from then were alleviated in college. People are kind and easy to talk to, so I gradually was able to find my group of people I couldn’t be happier to be friends with.

Caseys’ Corner is my favorite spot. It’s the perfect amount of cozy, where I can get comfortable while being productive. It’s also convenient to grab a fun little drink and pastry as a reward for all my hard work.

I learned that without spontaneity, you’ll be without love, passion, and fun. The most fun I had was in spur-of-the-moment opportunities, like going to South Korea or joining Uncinema Club for a bad movie. I needed the mix of surprises amid a strict academic structure.

“The Self”

My capstone is essentially a portfolio of my most recent and best works as a writer.

I want to travel! First, I’ll probably go back to Seoul to teach English for a few years, then explore the rest of Asia before going to South America, Africa, Europe, and Australia. I want to go everywhere, honestly. At some point, though, I do intend to settle down to become an editor for a magazine.

I’m leaving behind not just friends but also professors and activities that mean a lot to me still, so it’s important for me to visit McDaniel on those special days like induction days for my honor societies, Shakespeare in the Square, and game days.

Financial aid has been crucial in my experience, and simply my goal of higher education. The aid I received was a great help in supporting my family and I get through these four years without any hiccups.

This experience has been worth every bit of pride I get from my parents, who didn’t get the same opportunities that I did. It’s meaningful to me, because it’s so meaningful to them. Now, I get to share this experience with them. Without their support and their drive to get me through, I could not have made it all the way to graduation.