By Marlena Chertock

(Black PR Wire) Victoria Campbell, a rising senior at Howard University and a proud first-generation college student, dreams of increasing diversity and representation in healthcare. She is majoring in biology and received the Slater-Millner Scholars Fund from UNCF.

In partnership with UNCF, Dr. Nancy Slater and Dr. Alan Millner developed the scholarship to provide financial assistance to sophomores who are on a pre-med track with a demonstrated interest in serving underserved communities. The program, administered by UNCF, also offers mentorship and advising services through the Ascension Medical Educators – Aspiring Physicians Program. The Aspiring Physicians Program offers recipients monthly webinars focused on topics like professional identity, Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) prep and one-on-one academic advising.

“Thank you to UNCF for investing in the future of so many other students just like me who envision a future where the sky is the limit,” Campbell said. “Receiving this scholarship through UNCF eased the financial cost of pursuing a college education. This scholarship has helped my family finance my education, while providing me with valuable skills as I navigate my journey to medical school.”

From Meniscus Tear to Pre-Med

Campbell became interested in the medical field when she became injured while running cross country in high school. “I remember one day my knee began to lock up and become stiff, which negatively impacted my performance,” she said. “After meeting with a physician, I found out that I had sustained a meniscus tear and would need surgery just a month before my first race of the season.”

“When my surgeon gave me images from my surgery, I was fascinated by his ability to repair my injury using minimally invasive technologies,” she continued. “This moment fueled my interest in researching the musculoskeletal system to gain a better understanding of the injury I experienced.”

A few months after the surgery, Campbell was able to return to the sport she loved. “In that [cross country] season, I learned that I was so much more than just a student athlete; I am a young woman with a greater purpose and trust in God’s plan for my future,” she shared.

While she no longer competes competitively in track and field, Campbell maintains a deep appreciation for sports and the impact they have on people’s lives. She hopes to become an orthopedic sports medicine physician for professional sports teams. “I want to uplift the next generation of athletes and remind them that injuries aren’t a setback, but an opportunity to bounce back physically and mentally stronger than before,” she said.

Finding a School that Felt like Home: Journey to Howard University

Campbell attended Winslow Township High School, a predominantly Black and diverse school in South Jersey. “This school was more than just a place of learning, but a one-of-a-kind community that built the foundation for who I am today,” she said. “As I approached my senior year, it was time to start thinking about my next step—selecting a college. I knew that I wanted to go to a school that made me feel like home.”

While Campbell was in her senior year of high school, her brother was attending Howard. She visited him for one of the first football games of the season.

“The atmosphere on campus was filled with Black culture, evident through the ‘Showtime’ Marching Band, Ooh-La-La Danceline and the strong student and alumni network,” Campbell said. “That’s when it clicked. At that moment, I knew that Howard University was the place where I wanted to take my next big step towards my future.”

Now, she is grateful to be able to call herself a Howard Bison and participate in various opportunities. Last March, Campbell volunteered with Howard University’s Alternative Spring Break (HUASB), a student-led program that sends over 1,000 students to cities across the United States for a week in order to give back to communities through tailored initiatives.

“I was excited when I was notified that Trenton, New Jersey was my site for the HUASB trip,” she said. “As a New Jersey native, this opportunity was like a full circle moment because I was able to come back to the state where I was raised and inspire the next generation of ambitious students.”

For her HUASB project, Campbell designed informational posters for various high schools in Trenton, providing tips for drafting a resume, college readiness and more. She also mentored youth at the Boys and Girls Club, educating them on the value of pursuing a college education.

Advice to Other Students

“I would like to thank all of my family, friends, coaches and mentors that have supported me through every step of the way,” Campbell shared. “This journey hasn’t always been easy and I’m truly blessed to have such a strong support system.”

While navigating the college application process was tricky at first, it taught Campbell how to stay organized. “I made sure to keep track of all of my progress with different essays, deadlines and other information,” she said. “I continue to practice these skills in other areas of my life such as scholarship applications, schoolwork and more.”

Campbell’s advice for her peers is to “never forget where you come from,” she said. “Achieving your goals may come with many sacrifices, but staying grounded has kept me through this entire journey.”

UNCF is proud of our students and alumni who have received scholarships that help them continue their education and graduate. These scholarships are invaluable to students, and UNCF is accepting donations to support students like Victoria Campbell in their academic endeavors.