About Victoria
Victoria lives in South Yorkshire with her mum, brother and two cats. She is an ex Science teacher who currently works part time at a veterinary practice in Sheffield. Interests include: education, science mainly biology, improving children’s aspirations, and working to effect some level of change in the future (or would like to make a difference to at least one person in a good way).
Tell us a bit about yourself and your background
I’m 31, I call myself a Northerner even though I was born down South and I’m very laid back. I’m of Jamaican heritage but have learned most of that heritage myself and via my mum’s friends as my dad was pretty much absent from my life until his death in 2008.
I’m currently recovering from having most of my femur removed due to an ongoing illness that I developed through the negligence of a doctor. I’m walking on crutches now and hoping to be almost back to normal in the next month or two.
I have trained as a Science teacher and am scientifically minded but I’m also passionate about improving education for working class children. I love teaching but hate the constraints put on both teachers and students when it comes to learning and playing to their strengths.
Have you faced any challenges along the way because you are a woman of colour and how did you overcome them?
I missed a year of school (had reconstructive surgery) which led to me being given lower target grades, it made me work harder as a result ever since then. I also think I’ve fallen victim within the education sector as try as I might I cannot get a permanent job or pass my 1st year of teaching.
I’ve tried to overcome these challenges but as the years go on and with me having further operations this year, I’ve decided that education isn’t for me. I’d love to continue working in the sector but I can’t wait for a job forever as I need to be focused on a career of some sorts.
What has been your proudest achievement to date?
Learning to walk again after my first surgery at 12 years old, graduating with a Biology degree and buying my first car outright in cash.
What one thing do you believe has been a major factor in you becoming the woman that you are?
I’m very laid back and do not take what people say to heart. I’ve been this way for as long as I remember and I think it helps me re-evaluate where I am in life without becoming too annoyed or frustrated at my lack of progression.
What book (or books) has inspired you that you would recommend to another woman, and why?
I don’t generally read development books (gulps guiltily), I much prefer to lose myself in fiction and use it as a way to wind down mentally . I do enjoy reading short biographies online though, or interviews.
If you could change one thing to accelerate the pace of change for gender and racial equality, what would it be?
For people to let go of racial bias, stereotypical thoughts and random assumptions based on race and gender. Once this has been removed I think true progress can be made. In the meantime, people of all races should check their mental processes when approaching a situation.
If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self what would it be?
Go with the flow a bit more, don’t be so cautious and to grab each opportunity.
What are you hoping to achieve in the future?
A month ago I still had visions of wanting to make a positive change in the education sector. However, what with the pandemic I would just like to get a job where there is some sort of progression available or completely change my career as I’m losing my mind through lack of mental stimulation.
Once I have an ok wage coming in then I would like to buy a house, travel the world and help out with animal conservation and educational opportunities both in the UK and abroad.