Victoria Millington, a biomedical sciences major, recently received one of UCF's most prestigious honors, the Order of Pegasus. She says that achieving this honor has shown her how far hard work and dedication can take students, and encourages others to pursue every opportunity without fear of failure. Upon graduation, Victoria would like to attend medical school and further study cancer research.

What does receiving the Order of Pegasus mean to you?

Being selected to receive the Order of Pegasus award is one of the greatest accomplishments in my life so far. I am honored to have been selected for this award during my time at UCF, as it has allowed me to reflect on how much it means to be part of the ever-growing Knight Nation family, the endless diversity I have been exposed to, and the experiences I have had at UCF that will last a lifetime.

How did you achieve this honor?

Throughout my time at UCF, I have been presented with many unique opportunities that have helped me get to where I am today and achieve this honor. I have been part of the LEAD Scholars Academy, the Knights of Distinction program, and the Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences clinical internship program. I am also part of the Honors Undergraduate Thesis program, where my research focuses on the role of dSLC128A in polyamine transport, which could one day be used to generate new ways to treat cancer. My leadership roles included being on the Honors Congress executive board for two years and serving on the Relay for Life and Pegasus Palooza executive boards. I am also a teaching assistant for the Human Physiology Laboratory and the Quantitative Biological Methods Laboratory and give back to the community by serving as a volunteer at Shepherd’s Hope and Camp Boggy Creek.

What is your long-term goal, and how will the Order of Pegasus help you get there?

Following my graduation from UCF, I plan to either attend medical school and specialize in oncology or pursue a Ph.D. in cancer biology. My goal is to conduct research in the field of cancer biology, which could then be used to help those affected by cancer and lead to a world with more birthdays. Receiving the Order of Pegasus award will help me achieve these goals because it has taught me how far hard work and dedication can take you. It has reinforced my ideology to never give up and always strive for excellence.

What advice do you have for others who may want to achieve the Order of Pegasus?

My advice for anyone else who wants to achieve the Order of Pegasus is the shoot for the stars and never give up. Find something you are passionate about and give it your all. Take every opportunity that comes your way and never be afraid of failure. Finally, never forget you will always have the endless love and support from Knight Nation to help you accomplish whatever you choose to pursue.

What is your favorite book?

My favorite book is Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom. The book tells a story about a man and his old professor, Morrie, who is diagnosed with ALS. Every week the professor shares a story with the man about a lesson he has learned over the course of his life. I have read this book multiple times, and the lessons it contains can be applied to every chapter of your life.