The Hard Work of Becoming a Hero

When you ask Victoria Bailey what she’s doing at Blackhawk, she doesn’t hesitate to say, “I am in the criminal justice program. I am going to be a police officer.”

(Pictured: Victoria, a BTC Student Cupboard volunteer, stocks the shelves)

Growing up, Victoria encountered police more than any young woman should. Every spring, her father would relapse into manic episodes due to his Bipolar Disorder. These manic episodes would require police intervention to help protect the family and transport him safely to in-patient treatment until he got stable. The police represented safety to her and her family.

After moving to Wisconsin from Colorado, Victoria found the courage to come forward about the physical and sexual abuse she endured at a religious leader’s hands. The detectives in Wisconsin set a model for how law enforcement officers should work with vulnerable victims. “The police officers in Wisconsin did an amazing job working with the police department in Colorado,” Victoria said. “They believed me and gave me a voice. They kept my family informed about the case, pointed us to some helpful resources, and were professional and kind.”

Victoria wanted to enter law enforcement when she turned 18 but found herself giving into fears and insecurities. So, for five years, she tried different jobs. Nothing fit her the way she thought an officer’s uniform would. “I was scared to try it at first,” she said, “but I realized that I shouldn’t let my fear of failing to be the reason I don’t pursue what I felt called to do. I’ve come to realize that my past experiences have given me compassion and empathy for victims of abuse and trauma.”

While the past is the past, Victoria knows it will always be a part of who she is and give her a special connection with other victims. “I love serving my community, and I can’t wait to be the hero for someone else, the way the police officers growing up were a hero for me.”

When deciding where to pursue her law enforcement degree, Victoria spoke with several police officers in the Rock County area who repeatedly told her that Blackhawk Technical College had one of the state’s best programs. That was all she needed to know. Finally, on the right path for her, Victoria struggled to find her footing as she started at BTC.

“I had to overcome a lot of insecurities and fear of failing during my first semester,” she explained. “I can be a pretty big perfectionist, and I never felt like I was smart enough to succeed. I worked hard at every project, stayed up late, did not go out on the weekends, and asked a million questions during my classes (my poor instructors were so patient).”

Just when she felt like she had a rhythm going in her school work, COVID hit and required her to reorganize everything to stay afloat. The instructors “did an AMAZING job of encouraging us,” she said and has continued to excel.

While working toward her dream, Victoria contributes significantly to the Blackhawk community. She is currently serving as the President of The Association for Future Law Enforcement Women and Vice President of the Student Government Association. She also holds two campus jobs: a student security officer and a peer tutor for speech class.

Speech instructor Kristine Weir-Martell was delighted to be Victoria’s instructor for both English and speech. “Victoria’s life story is filled with almost unimaginable moments,” Kristine said, “but she has persevered and is a very successful student.”

For any other students interested in pursuing their dream at Blackhawk Tech, Victoria has three pieces of advice, “If you put in the work, it will show. You can never ask too many questions. And BTC can be whatever you make it!”

# # #