Victoria Arlen Inspires Us All

When I was told that an inspirational speaker was coming today, I was expecting the normal “you can do it!” and “believe in yourself!” speech that we all know too well. Instead, I was presented with Victoria Arlen. The 22 year old model, athlete, actor, and motivational speaker told us about how she entered a state of vegetation at age 11 and defied her doctors’ diagnosis that she would not recover. Now, Victoria can speak, eat, move, and walk, despite her paralysis for 10 years. As a 17 year old, I can say that my attention span is very limited. However, she kept me and the women from the WIN group engaged the entire time she was speaking. At the end of her presentation, I told her that I, too, dream of working in the sports marketing and management industry and asked for her advice. She told me that working as a woman in sports is like being on an island by yourself and that I need to go after what I want. Hearing Victoria’s story and rise to success makes me excited for what my future holds. I hope one day I will be beside Victoria on ESPN talking about who we think will win the Super Bowl, or who the Jets will draft. Her courage, strength and attitude has helped me to realize that I can accomplish anything.  
Aimee Champagne

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