Victoria Yurkins is a former foster youth who spent 17 years in the foster care system,
enduring multiple placements until reaching a breaking point at age 14. Hindered by
the frequent disruptions to her education, Victoria eventually dropped out of school
during 9 grade. The lack of guidance regarding the importance of education, healthy
boundaries, relationships, and love further compounded her challenges. Despite the
traumatic nature of her foster care experience, it significantly shaped her character.
Separated from her biological sister, who entered care alongside her, Victoria found herself growing up in isolation, devoid of reliable support or trust from others. Aging out of the system left her to navigate the world alone, hindered by the scarcity of equitable resources. Despite her repeated attempts to reenter the educational system as an adult, Victoria was consistently denied the opportunity to complete her education.
However, at age 30, Victoria seized an opportunity to enroll in Norco College. This marked a turning point in her life as she discovered improved resources and newfound motivation to persevere. Throughout her educational journey, she faced homelessness while raising her two children and became pregnant with her third child. Undeterred by these adversities, Victoria remained resolute in pursuing her dreams.
With unwavering determination, she continued her academic endeavors, applying for transfers and ultimately graduating from UCR in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts in Education, Society, and Human Development. This achievement propelled her to pursue a Master's in Social Work, which she completed in 2023 at California Baptist University. Juggling the responsibilities of parenthood and academic pursuits, Victoria worked 2-3 jobs to support her family.
Today, Victoria holds the esteemed position of TAY Program Coordinator at the Alliance for Children's Rights. In this role, she provides invaluable assistance to current and former foster and probation youth and their families who have been affected by the system.
Before her transfer, Victoria also served as a peer mentor and held a short-term position in the Phoenix Scholars office. She made significant contributions to the development of the Phoenix Scholars program from its inception, solidifying her status as a valued team member.
Norco College takes immense pride in Victoria's accomplishments and deeply appreciates the privilege of partnering with her on her life journey. The saying "Once a Mustang, always a Mustang!" rings true, symbolizing the enduring connection and support Victoria received from her alma mater.
Separated from her biological sister, who entered care alongside her, Victoria found herself growing up in isolation, devoid of reliable support or trust from others. Aging out of the system left her to navigate the world alone, hindered by the scarcity of equitable resources. Despite her repeated attempts to reenter the educational system as an adult, Victoria was consistently denied the opportunity to complete her education.
However, at age 30, Victoria seized an opportunity to enroll in Norco College. This marked a turning point in her life as she discovered improved resources and newfound motivation to persevere. Throughout her educational journey, she faced homelessness while raising her two children and became pregnant with her third child. Undeterred by these adversities, Victoria remained resolute in pursuing her dreams.
With unwavering determination, she continued her academic endeavors, applying for transfers and ultimately graduating from UCR in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts in Education, Society, and Human Development. This achievement propelled her to pursue a Master's in Social Work, which she completed in 2023 at California Baptist University. Juggling the responsibilities of parenthood and academic pursuits, Victoria worked 2-3 jobs to support her family.
Today, Victoria holds the esteemed position of TAY Program Coordinator at the Alliance for Children's Rights. In this role, she provides invaluable assistance to current and former foster and probation youth and their families who have been affected by the system.
Before her transfer, Victoria also served as a peer mentor and held a short-term position in the Phoenix Scholars office. She made significant contributions to the development of the Phoenix Scholars program from its inception, solidifying her status as a valued team member.
Norco College takes immense pride in Victoria's accomplishments and deeply appreciates the privilege of partnering with her on her life journey. The saying "Once a Mustang, always a Mustang!" rings true, symbolizing the enduring connection and support Victoria received from her alma mater.