Victoria (Vicki) Gillespie, a senior from Irving, Texas, is a creative person with creative career goals in mind. She is majoring in visual communication design with a minor in computing and digital technologies. She chose Notre Dame after being admitted through the QuestBridge program, which connects high-achieving, low-income students with top colleges and universities. 

Gillespie researched Notre Dame, along with the other schools she chose to rank highly through QuestBridge's National College Match process.

“I just heard a lot about how many resources there were for low-income students [at Notre Dame]," says Gillespie. In her search, she learned about campus units like the Office of Student Enrichment, which offers programming and funding opportunities for first-generation and low-income students. "I knew that if I came here and something went wrong at home, I would be in good hands,” says Gillespie. 

Financial aid played a critical role in Gillespie's ability to attend college. “Without QuestBridge or a full ride, it was really looking like I would not have been able to go to college at all,” she explains.

Not only did her scholarship cover tuition, but it also provided additional support for expenses like art supplies, travel, and even winter clothes. “Last semester, I took a painting class where my supplies totaled up to $400 and my financial aid covered all of it,” says Gillespie.

Throughout her time at Notre Dame, Gillespie has been involved in two key organizations: the Transformational Leaders Program (TLP) and Beyond the Dome.

TLP, a community of students from non-traditional backgrounds, has given Gillespie an invaluable sense of community. “They provide support in a way that almost feels familial,” she says, citing how TLP staff helped her navigate concepts like the importance of networking. 

As the career community leader for Arts, Media, and Entertainment with Beyond the Dome, Gillespie has taken on a leadership role advocating for greater support of students pursuing creative careers. 

Reflecting on what makes Notre Dame special, Gillespie says, “Everyone’s trying to do something great...It’s very invigorating to be around people like that and to be encouraged so strongly.” 

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