Class of 2020 alumna Victoria Russell embodies a spirit that refuses to be boxed in. A conversation with her not only tells a story of insatiable curiosity and unstoppable ambition, but also covers a diverse range of topics – including her love for equestrian sport and figure skating, journey through the multifaceted world of academics, and current commitment to scientific research. As a long-time Laurel Springs Lion, Victoria’s path is the ultimate illustration of how a flexible and supportive learning environment can enrich an ambitious learner’s desire to color outside of the lines and define academic success for themselves.

“I needed a challenge.”

Victoria first enrolled at Laurel Springs School in 3rd grade, but her thirst for knowledge was evident long before. Homeschooled since kindergarten because she outpaced the system, Victoria was always in search of a challenge that matched her intellect.

“When I was 5, I remember being in the car with my dad, who was studying for the MCAT at the time, and retaining information that he was listening to on tape,” recalls Victoria. “My dad would ask me, ‘How do you know that?’ To this day, I just hear something once and remember it. Learning comes so easily to me.”

Laurel Springs became her academic haven. “My mom liked that I would be able to take on as many challenging classes as I wanted to,” shares Victoria. “I could work at my own pace, set up my curriculum in a way that supported my lifestyle, and could interact with teachers more easily.” Her family also gravitated toward Laurel Springs’ accreditation and comprehensive counseling support.

Academics and Beyond at Laurel Springs

Each new year embodied a completely different set of experiences and achievements for Victoria. From acing a rigorous curriculum as a freshman to tackling 6 Honors courses as a sophomore, and then diving further into APs and community college credits later on – she was unstoppable! Organic Chemistry at Mercer County Community College while still in high school at Laurel Springs? Just a regular day for Victoria.

Laurel Springs not only gave Victoria the flexibility and rigor that she craved, it also allowed her to compete as an equestrian and figure skater, master languages like Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, French, and Latin, participate in National Honor Society, and explore leadership opportunities via Model United Nations.

“The closing and opening ceremonies for Model United Nations in New York at the General Assembly Hall were some of my top experiences at Laurel Springs,” emphasizes Victoria. “I met students from all over the world, and it was always a special weekend because it usually fell around Mother’s Day, so my parents and I would go to brunch the day after the conference and have fun in the city.”

Overall, Victoria recalls her experience at Laurel Springs as a great one. “I experienced so much at Laurel Springs that I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to experience at in-person school. I wouldn’t have had it any other way.”

College Transition to Quinnipiac University

2020 was a year of upheaval for many, but for Victoria, it felt like a new opportunity to rise to the challenge. Transitioning from online to in-person school at Quinnipiac University in Connecticut tested her time management skills and adaptability. However, since all classes went virtual due to the pandemic, she thought, “I know exactly how to do this!” and thrived while many other students struggled to find their flow.

As a Microbiology/Immunology student at Quinnipiac, Victoria discovered a passion for surgery in an anatomy course, where her natural aptitude in the lab was obvious. This experience, combined with her interest in clinical surgical studies, steered her towards a future in medicine.

Victoria has also been deeply involved in Lyme disease research, and is currently involved in an internship with a trauma surgeon, exploring antibiotic resistance in organ transplant and blood transfusion patients. Eager to integrate her microbiology background with practical surgery, Victoria hopes to specialize in reconstructive plastic surgery for burn victims, aiming to advance skin graft technology. Her time at Quinnipiac is shaping up to be a blend of academic rigor and groundbreaking medical exploration.

Life Outside of the Classroom

Although she is brilliant, Victoria isn’t only about academics and research. She still honors her love for figure skating by serving as a US certified judge for the sport, and horseback riding will always be something she loves to do to relieve stress and spark joy.

As a founding member of the Laurel Springs Alumni Board and a two-time guest speaker at the Scrubs Club, Victoria exemplifies mentorship and serves as an inspiration to younger students who demonstrate ambition like her own. Her message to them? “Stick to your guns and push for what you believe in. You might be told that you can’t do something, or that you aren’t cut out to be a professional in a certain field, but you have to look deep down in yourself and believe that you can, and then you will.”

Connect with Laurel Springs Alumni

Victoria Russell’s story is an incredibly fun one to follow. As a self-proclaimed “40-year-old in a 20-year-old’s body,” she’s constantly focused on the goal in front of her, would rather be at home in her pajamas than attend a college party, and isn’t afraid to stand up for herself in a world where talent is varied and competition is high.

As we celebrate Victoria and look forward to her future endeavors, let’s take a leaf out of her book. Be curious, passionate, and unafraid to pursue your dreams, no matter how they evolve. It’s the Victoria way, after all! To stay updated on her journey and connect with her, check out LSS Alumni Connect or follow her on Instagram.

About Laurel Springs

Laurel Springs is a fully-accredited, private online school for K-12 students. With a rigorous college-prep curriculum including AP and Honors courses, an ever-expanding schedule of in-person and virtual events, and a global student community, we’re ranked as one of the top private schools in the nation. Join us for a virtual open house to learn more.

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