“Growing up, I didn’t love big sleepovers, I didn’t go to dances, and I spent a lot of time constantly listing all of the things that I WASN’T. I had black sheep syndrome in every room I walked into. I never thought I had the right thing to contribute in a conversation. I destroyed my self-esteem by believing the loud thought in my head that made me isolate: I didn’t belong.

Being apart of this community has re-written that narrative for me. Summer camp is the sleepover I don’t get homesick at. It’s every club at school that I was too scared to join, but better. The late night giggles and small talk under the stars. The meals shared around circle tables with people that I could talk to for days. It’s the belly laughs that bring tears to my eyes. It’s the freedom and permission to show up exactly as I am with absolutely nothing to hide. It’s a breath of fresh air.

The deep-rooted work I’ve addressed since the first day of my journey here still blows me away. I have learned so much about myself and world around me. I learned how to be Victoria again, no big deal…..It’s just the version of Victoria I’ve been searching for my entire life.”