Today we’d like to introduce you to Virginia De Flaviis
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born and raised in Italy, where my journey toward a life shaped by ambition and resilience began. At around eight or nine years old, I stumbled upon a YouTube video featuring a scene from Dance Moms. As a dancer since the age of four, I was captivated by the show, even though it wasn’t aired in Italy. At the time, my English was limited despite being introduced to the language in kindergarten, where teaching quality often fell short. Nevertheless, this was a turning point in my fascination with English and American culture.
Inspired by Dance Moms, I asked my aunt, who travels a lot around the world, to take me to Pittsburgh to visit the studio. Financial constraints made this impossible, but my dream persisted. A few years later, during middle school, I discovered the movie “New Year’s Eve,” set in New York City. My love for New York blossomed, further fueled by movies like High School Musical and Camp Rock, which solidified my passion for American culture. By the time I was 12 or 13, I came across another YouTube video by Ginevra Iorio, an Italian exchange student in the U.S. Watching her journey inspired me and gave me clarity on how to pursue my dream of living in the U.S. However, finances were tight, and the dream seemed out of reach until I discovered a national scholarship program for children of state employees. My mother, a public school worker, qualified me for eligibility. At age 14, I created a PowerPoint presentation to convince my parents to let me apply, detailing every aspect of the program. They said yes.
In my third year of high school, I finally applied. As a high-achieving, low-income student, I had a strong chance of selection. However, COVID-19 disrupted plans, and the program was delayed. In July, I learned I was selected but could only stay for one semester instead of a full year. In January 2021, I arrived in Florida to attend Lake Minneola High School for six months. During this time, I became the dance captain for the school’s musical production, “Once Upon a Mattress,” and received multiple awards in choir and theater, as well as Summa Cum Laude honors.
Returning to Italy after this experience was challenging. I faced post-exchange depression and an unwavering desire to return. After visiting the U.S. again during Christmas, including a magical trip to New York, I graduated from high school in Italy and focused on making my dream a reality. Determined, I worked tirelessly to fund my education independently, as my parents couldn’t afford the entirety of it. In 2023, I began my college journey at Lake-Sumter State College, pursuing an Associate of Arts in General Studies. I graduated in May of 2024 with Magma Cum Laude, and even my parents, Gianni and Fausta, my cousin Mario, and my two best friends, Claudia and Aurora, flew all the way from Italy to celebrate my achievements.
During my time as an AA student, I became Director of Activities for the Student Government Association (SGA) in my first semester, joined Phi Theta Kappa, and excelled academically, earning spots on the Dean’s and President’s lists. Additionally, I started working part-time as a Student Life worker to earn my own money to afford my dream, in addition to receiving help from scholarships I received. I was later elected SGA President for the 2023-2024 academic year and appointed as the Florida College System Student Government Association Executive Vice President (FCSSGA). I earned awards such as the Lakehawk Leader of Excellence, the Order of the Lakehawk, which is the President’s Award, and recognition as a Phi Theta Kappa All-Florida Academic Team member and recognition as the Florida College System Activities Association All-Academic Team member.
My leadership journey shaped me profoundly, giving me opportunities to advocate for students in Tallahassee and meet with senators and representatives of Florida, host leadership workshops, and develop skills in ethical leadership, communication, and event organization. I was also able to participate in and plan the FCSSGA leadership conferences in which I earned my Florida Leadership Training certification. These experiences were transformative, but they were not without challenges. During my first semester, I faced difficulties living with a host family. Eventually, I made the brave decision to leave, moving in with a supportive new host family who recently had learned about my ongoing challenges with the family. My current host mom, Heather Bigard, became a mentor who inspires and guides me personally and professionally. She played – and still plays- a vital role in shaping me as a leader.
Today, I am pursuing a Bachelor of Applied Science in Strategic Leadership with a concentration in Organizational Management. I work part-time as an Enrollment and Student Affairs student worker while continuing to navigate challenges with resilience. Ultimately, my dream is to build my own family here and hopefully become a citizen since I love this culture so much. My journey is far from over, and while obstacles remain, I am committed to building the life I envisioned as a child. The support of my family, friends, and mentors fuels my determination to achieve my dreams, proving that no dream is too big if you want it hard enough. At the end of the day, I always say, “Nothing worth having comes easy,” and I stand by that.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My journey has not been without significant struggles, many of which have tested my resilience and determination. Financial challenges have been a constant hurdle. As an international student, I pay out-of-state tuition, which is considerably higher than in-state tuition, even in Community Colleges. While I have been fortunate to receive scholarships, they only partially alleviate the financial burden. Expenses for tuition and day-to-day living often feel overwhelming, and there are times when the weight of these responsibilities is almost too much to bear.
Another major challenge arose during my first semester in 2023 when I lived with a previous host family. While I won’t go into too much detail, I can say that the environment lacked kindness and respect, leaving me feeling unsupported and undervalued. Navigating these circumstances while adjusting to a new country, culture, and academic system was emotionally exhausting. Ultimately, I made the brave decision to leave that household, seeking a healthier and more nurturing environment. Thankfully, my current host family welcomed me with open arms, offering the stability and encouragement I needed during such a pivotal time in my life.
Despite my efforts and determination, the challenges I face often weigh heavily on me. There are moments, even now, when I contemplate giving up and returning to Italy. The thought of reuniting with my family and friends, whom I miss deeply, can be incredibly tempting. Their absence is a constant ache, and there are days when homesickness feels almost unbearable. Yet, I know that returning would mean abandoning the dreams I’ve fought so hard to achieve. During challenging times, I remind myself of the immense effort, sacrifices, and resilience that have brought me this far. While the path I’m on is far from easy, I know that every challenge I overcome brings me one step closer to the future I’ve always dreamed of. This determination fuels me to keep going, no matter how difficult the journey becomes.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a dedicated student and part-time employee currently working in the Enrollment & Student Affairs department at Lake-Sumter State College while pursuing a Bachelor of Applied Science in Strategic Leadership with an Organizational Management concentration. I specialize in leadership, organizational management, and student engagement, focusing on creating meaningful experiences for others. My purpose is to enhance the lives of students and make them the leaders of the future. I love building leaders and leaving a legacy that will inspire and motivate others.
I’m most proud of my journey and accomplishments as an international student. From receiving awards to overcoming financial challenges to adapting to a new culture and excelling academically and professionally, I’ve fought tirelessly to pursue my dreams. Being elected as SGA President, serving as the FCSSGA Statewide Executive Vice President, and receiving numerous awards, such as the Order of the Lakehawk, are milestones that remind me of the resilience and hard work I’ve poured into this path.
What sets me apart is my unwavering determination (or stubbornness) and resourcefulness. No matter the challenge, I find a way to navigate through obstacles and achieve what I set my mind to. Whether it’s advocating for my education, creating opportunities where none seem to exist, or stepping into leadership roles that shape my future, I take pride in my ability to overcome adversity.
I am a person who doesn’t take “impossible” for an answer. From convincing my parents to support my dream of studying abroad at 14 to thriving in an environment that tested my emotional and financial strength, I’ve proven time and again that persistence and a clear vision can make any goal achievable.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was an incredibly happy, bubbly, and extroverted child. I was very responsible, had a big heart, and never got into trouble. I was not a rebel child. My personality was vibrant, and I thrived on connecting with others and bringing energy into every room I entered. I loved to dance, act, and sing. Performing arts was my passion and an integral part of my life.
At just 12 years old, my passion for dance and leadership merged when I co-founded a non-profit dance company with a friend, initially named Body Joy and later Dance on the Road. What started as a small neighborhood project, with the children in my area as my “students,” quickly grew into something extraordinary. We would spend countless winter and summer days rehearsing in our neighborhood courtyard, choreographing routines, and putting together a summer show that became a highlight for our community.
Over the next two years, the company expanded beyond our neighborhood. Children from the town center would have their parents drive them to join our “classes.” The overwhelming response inspired us to think bigger. We reached out to the mayor and successfully convinced him to let us use the town theater for our performances. This marked a turning point: we were able to host three official shows, one of which I scripted, directed, danced in, and acted in.
As our company continued to grow, practicing in the courtyard during the cold winter months became unsustainable. Once again, we approached the mayor and secured a dedicated practice space, which allowed us to accommodate around 35 to 40 children aged 9 to 17. We also got invited to perform for our town festival for a couple of years in a row.
In addition to my non-profit work, I was deeply involved in the performing arts in other ways. I attended an acting academy for a year before COVID-19 disrupted everything, and spent three years in an acting company. Although I had to leave much of my performing arts journey behind when I moved to the U.S., the experiences I gained during those formative years continue to shape who I am. My only opportunity to reconnect with the performing arts here in the U.S. came when I had the honor of being invited to sing at my college’s President’s Inauguration ceremony. Performing arts will always be a part of my identity, and while I am still searching for ways to rekindle that passion here, I carry the same love for the stage that defined my youth.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/virginiadeflaviis/?locale=gb&hl=am-et
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/virginia.deflaviis
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@virginiaintheus?lang=en
