Wilson student works to follow her dream

A Florence high school student is trying to live her dream of becoming a doctor.

Victoria Comissiong, a sophomore at Wilson High School, recently was given the opportunity to be a part of the National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine in Los Angeles, which will begin June 21.

Victoria said she still doesn’t know how she was selected to participate in the program, but she is grateful for the chance to learn.

“(I hope to learn) how to be the best doctor you can (be),” she said.

Since the trip will cost the family roughly $4,000, Victoria is working hard to raise the money to attend the forum. She said attending the forum will allow her to further her interest in the study of medicine, but lack of funding is standing in the way of her dreams.

The field of medicine has special meaning to Victoria because she has a disorder called syncope, which causes her to unexpectedly pass out. She said when she has a fainting spell, she typically is unconscious for anywhere from 15 seconds to two or three minutes.

She said her friends and her parents help her keep up with the workload.

“I could be on Home Bound (a home schooling program), but I chose to go to school because I don’t want to be cooped up,” she said. “I want to be able to be at school with my friends.”

Victoria said her parents have been a driving force in teaching her the value of an education. Her father, Leo, and her mother, Tina, both graduated with advanced degrees, despite humble beginnings, Leo said.

“Her attitude is that of a winner,” he said. “I’m just so proud of her.”

Tina said Victoria has taken the family motto — knowledge is power, power is knowledge — to heart.

“When you know thing(s), your confidence level goes up,” she said. “Not only that, but your compassion level goes up. It definitely has a positive effect on them.”

Tina said each new experience her children undertake brings with it new knowledge.

“Victoria takes her education seriously and she takes her family seriously,” she said. “For that reason alone, we are trying really hard to get this opportunity to come to fruition for her.”

Tina said her daughter’s attitude toward education is rubbing off on her brothers.

“A lot of the kids I go to school with don’t have their parents around, but mine are both here and they help me,” Victoria said.

Victoria said her parents have taught her that anything is possible if only she works hard.

“I tell my children this is the greatest country in the world,” Leo said. “The only person who can stop you is you.”

Victoria said she hopes to go to Loyola College in Maryland when she graduates from high school. She wants to one day specialize in the field of either pediatrics or gastroenterology.

To fund her trip, Victoria is holding a raffle for a donated gift basket filled with goodies by Sweet Serenity Gourmet. Tickets cost $2 each and the drawing will be April 17.

For more details about contributing to Victoria’s trip to the forum, contact the family at (843) 773-3451 or at .