EOC Education Specialist, Victoria Washington's Education Journey

Victoria Washington has been an EOC Education Specialist since 2005. Because of her education journey, she can relate to adults wanting to improve their opportunity for success. This is her story...

I feel that I am successful in reaching our participants because I’ve been in their seats.  

I was a recipient of Adult High School Diploma/GED.  I am a Filipina from the Philippines and came to the United States in 1975.  My former husband was in the Air Force and we had two children. 

The education that I obtained from my country was not accepted in the U.S. school system.  As much as it hurt me and my pride, I did not have a choice but to start all over again. I worked on the GED preparation program for three months and obtained my Adult High School Diploma and was able to pursue my college education. 

Victoria Washington, EOC Counselor

I graduated with honors in 1985 from Fayetteville Technical Institute, North Carolina.  It took me a while to realize that I needed to further my education and get a college degree to obtain a good job. In 1991, I obtained my Associate’s Degree in Applied Science from Central Texas College, Killeen Texas.  I had transferred my college credit hours from Trident Technical College to Central Texas College, since I had already begun taking classes there. In 2003, I graduated with my Bachelor of Science Degree in Workforce Education and Development with Southern Illinois University at the Charleston Air Force Base (CAFB).

In 2004 I received my Master of Science Degree in Community Counseling/Psychology from the Springfield College extension here in Charleston. After a lot of hard work, I earned my high school diploma and an associate’s degree and a bachelor’s degree. 

As I obtained my credentials, I knew that I could make a difference in the lives of others.  Even if I can only reach one person at a time, I know that I have done my part to the very best of my abilities.

As an Education Specialist with the Educational Opportunity Center, I know that I am able to relate to each and every participant that I come into contact with on a daily basis.  My life and school experiences signify that anyone can achieve success if you put your mind to it. I have earned my stamp of approval through the trials and tribulations that I endured through all the years of my schooling. My life and experiences have prepared me to serve anyone who has a desire to go further and to do more.

I always tell my EOC participants to dream big, but also be realistic.  After all, we are humans with real lives, real families and real situations.  I never thought in my wildest dream that I would be able to make a difference in someone’s life.  It gives me pleasure to assist anyone to further their education.  The Educational Opportunity Center is here to provide services to ensure the success of all of our participants.