Scholar of the Week

Victoria Buskey of Richmond Community High School

By Janeal Downs

When she was in the ninth grade, seek buy Victoria Buskey was diagnosed with a neurological disease and an autoimmune disease. “I know what it feels like to be sick, to feel helpless, but most of all I know how it feels to feel as if there’s no point of even trying anymore,” Victoria said. “I don’t want to see any child battling an illness to have to go through the same thing as I did emotionally and physically.” During her time in the hospital, Victoria spent a lot of time with other children, some of whom were fighting against cancer. Seeing their relationships with their caretakers, and also her own experience in the hospital, influenced her to pursue a career as a pediatric oncologist.

Victoria’s main goal “is to save as many lives as I can. That, (and) also to find a cure.” Her passion for working with children and interest in science is what will help her become a great pediatric oncologist. While she knows there will be a lot of hard work ahead of her going to college and medical school, Victoria said it will all be worth it if she can use what she will learn to save a child’s life. “My education and career is not only for myself, it is for those I can help on the way and make a positive impact on their lives,” Victoria said. She is positive a cure is coming, and would love to be a part of helping to find it.

After graduating high school, Victoria will go to Seton Hill University in Greensburg, Pennsylvania where she was accepted into a fast track program. This program will allow her to finish the medical program in seven years rather than eight. She will major in biology and minor in French and sociology. To prepare for her life in the medical field working with children, Victoria volunteers with the Richmond Children’s Museum. With Anna Julia Cooper Episcopal School, she tutors an eighth grade boy. She also volunteers at the doorway hospitality house, Richmond Public Libraries, works with her church and through activities as a member of her school’s Future Business Leaders of America. Her work with FBLA is one of her favorite activities to do. In her spare time, she likes to spend time with her cousins in Maryland and play sports such as basketball, tennis and soccer.

After getting sick in high school, along with the physical struggle, Victoria struggled emotionally, which initially reflected in her school work. However, she states that “I’ve come a long way so I’m proud of that.” A lesson Victoria will take with her from high school is that “whatever life throws at you, you can always find a way to get through it. Throughout life Victoria’s mom, aunt and favorite teacher are some of the people who have inspired her the most. “They’ve always believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself,” Victoria said. “They’ve always been pushing me along and I just kept fighting.” As an aspiring pediatric oncologist, one day she may be able to also encourage children to believe in themselves and to keep fighting.