BRANDON - The last two years of Victoria Harman's high school career were not spent in typical teenager fashion.
The 18-year-old, who will attend the University of South Florida in the fall, ran on pure motivation and endured through her grandfather's death and now, her grandmother's debilitating illness.
Harman's grandfather, John Hamilton, 77, who was a major influence in her life, died at the beginning of her junior year at Brandon High School. Coping with the loss was almost too much to handle. But through his death, Harman found the strength to carry on, earning not only her high school diploma, but an associate's degree at the same time.
"He really motivated me to work hard in school and drilled home that motivation," she said. "Now, I feel like I'm living up to his vision for me for the future."
Harman's future involves caring for the elderly, she said. She plans to pursue a bachelor's degree in biomedical science and business before attending medical school.
The senior has volunteered at area rehabilitation centers for the elderly since her freshman year and that, combined with her unconditional love for her grandparents, allowed her to gravitate toward a career in caring for those who some may have forgotten.
"A lot of times, families stop visiting their loved ones once they place them in a care facility," she said. "I just watched as their faces would light up as people would come to volunteer. I just felt drawn to that."
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At home, Harman already is practicing what she preaches. Her grandmother, Beverly Hamilton, recently moved in with her family after being diagnosed with onset dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Harman never wavered.
On top of having a part-time job, a lengthy list of extracurricular activities and just the everyday challenges that high school brings, she's happy to help in making sure her grandmother is taking her medication, bathing and providing all the love and support needed.
Her enthusiasm and drive haven't gone unnoticed.
"In addition to being an exemplary student, she is active as a DECA club officer and serves the community by giving time to LifePath Hospice and ECHO," said Brandon High School Delta Epsilon Chi adviser Jeanna A. Dauphinee. "I know she will have many great accomplishments as she graduates and continues on her journey."
Harman was accepted into every college she applied to, including the University of Florida and Florida State University, but she said she was drawn to USF's atmosphere and the need to stay close by to continue caring for her grandmother.
Contact Crystal Owens at hillsnews@tampabay.com.
