Sha'Dasia Wilcox
You can’t change your life without taking the first step. For Sha’Dasia Wilcox, that meant enrolling at Victoria College.
Wilcox, a Bay City native, spent some time working at Formosa Plastics performing a range of physically demanding jobs from cleaning, to painting and pressure washing. During that time, she began to take notice of the plant workers around her.
“They were building stable, well-paying careers,” said Wilcox. “That’s when I realized I wanted something more for myself.”
Motivated to change her path, she enrolled in Victoria College’s Process Technology Program. There, she gained hands-on experience and developed the technical skills needed to succeed in the field.
With encouragement from Associate Professor Lawrence Wick, Wilcox applied and was accepted into the Dow Apprenticeship Program. Through the program, Dow is paying for her education while providing paid, on-the-job training. She will step into a full-time position with the company after graduating with her Associate of Applied Science in Process Technology in May.
“Choosing the right college was an important step in my journey, and Victoria College stood out to me because of its strong technical programs and clear pathways into the workforce,” she said. “The hands-on learning, knowledgeable instructors and strong partnerships with industry made all the difference.”
As she prepares to graduate, Wilcox said she is leaving Victoria College with more than technical knowledge.
“I’ve gained confidence, real-world experience and a clear direction for my future,” said Wilcox. “Looking back, choosing Victoria College was one of the best decisions I could have made.”
April is Community College Month, a nationwide campaign that celebrates the essential role community colleges play in communities. Wilcox’s journey reflects the transformative role community colleges play in helping students achieve their goals and meet workforce needs.
Students, employees, alumni and community members who have been impacted by Victoria College are encouraged to share their stories at VictoriaCollege.edu/ShareYourStory.