Melanie Zavala
Victoria College graduate Melanie Zavala encouraged her fellow graduates to step outside of their comfort zone during the college’s Spring 2026 Commencement Ceremonies on May 16.
Zavala earned an Associate of Applied Science in Business Management and plans to continue her education while pursuing opportunities in the business field. A first-generation college student, she spoke about losing her father at a young age and watching her mother raise her family through difficult circumstances.
“Earning this degree means so much more to me than finishing school,” she said. “It represents sacrifice, perseverance, and the opportunities my friends and family worked so hard to give me.”
Zavala shared how college challenged her to step outside her comfort zone and grow in confidence.
“When I first started my journey at VC, I honestly did not have everything figured out,” she said. “Like many of us, I came into college with goals and dreams, but also a lot of uncertainty about what my future would look like.”
She said encouragement from professors and classmates helped her find her voice.
“One of the greatest lessons college taught me is that growth happens when we step outside our comfort zones,” she said.
Zavala also recognized the challenges graduates overcame to reach graduation day.
“Every graduate sitting here today has faced obstacles,” she said. “Yet despite every challenge, every late night, every stressful exam, every setback, every moment of doubt — we made it.”
She concluded by encouraging the Class of 2026 to remain proud of their accomplishments and optimistic about the future.
“What matters most is that we keep moving forward, continue believing in ourselves, and trust that every challenge we face is helping shape us into who we are meant to become,” Zavala said. “Congratulations, Class of 2026. We did it.”