If you’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting Victoria Picillo, it comes as no surprise to you why she was awarded ‘Miss Congeniality’ in the Mr. & Miss UCF competition this year; she’s so full of life, passion and style! Her bubbly personality and smile can literally light up any room, and Her Campus UCF has had the ultimate joy of having her as our Campus Correspondent and Editor-in-Chief this past year. In her reign of Editor-in-Chief, she’s guided and inspired so many writers to be themselves and write what’s in their heart. Victoria pushed us out of our comfort zones and helped us all find our voice! She’s one of the sweetest, silliest and truly talented women you will ever meet. Watch out world, here’s Victoria Picillo!
Year? Major?
I am a senior, and my major is Radio-Television in the Broadcast Journalism track!
Hometown?
St. Louis, Missouri (Midwest pride, holla!)
When and how did you get involved with Her Campus?
I was actually fairly new to Her Campus UCF when I joined in February 2015! I had read some articles, and I had a friend who was involved, and she recommended I join because she knew I had a passion for writing. After being there a few months, I was voted Editor-in-Chief!
What else have you been involved in while at UCF?
I was a UCF Majorette for three years, I was a contributing writer for the Central Florida Future, and I just finished being a reporter for UCF Knightly News!
Describe yourself in 3 words:
(This is possibly the hardest question in the whole wide world.) Quirky, happy, funny! (Is it weird to call yourself funny? I’m doing it anyway.)
Who is your Netflix hero?
Michael Scott! “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” -Wayne Gretzky -Michael Scott
What Friends character is your alter-ego?
Definitely Chandler. We’re both awkward, and tell jokes to pass the awkwardness away. “GUM WOULD BE PERFECTION.”
If you had to choose being friends with Justin Timberlake or Jimmy Fallon, who would you pick and why?
WHY WOULD YOU DO THIS TO ME?? This is like saying I have to choose between Netflix or pizza. You just can’t have one without the other. They are both comedic gods who look like models. *Call me?*
When you’re not being a big deal, what can we find you doing in your free time?
Haha oh geez, I’m not a big deal. During the entire semester I have spent over 12 hours a day in our newsroom, shooting, writing and editing stories for our show. If I’m not there (which is rare), I’m either napping or beating my boyfriend at cards somewhere!
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I have a few jobs lined up so I can continue being a professional in communications! Her Campus UCF strengthened my writing, and I can’t wait to show it off post-grad life!
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years, I would be the happiest woman on the planet if I was surrounded by the people I love. I want to have a job that I love, and I hope to still be in contact with my best friends that I met while here at UCF. Also, a puppy would be really great too.
Do you have any advice for underclassman collegiates?
Be strong, be confident and support each other. “Girls compete with each other, women empower one another.”
What is your favorite memory from UCF?
AH! Does ANYONE have a favorite memory?? I would say I have a favorite memory for a lot of things: Being on the field in front of thousands of people as a majorette, celebrating little things with my girlfriends, having my first kiss with my boyfriend, and finishing my final show for Knightly News. Everywhere I turn at UCF, there’s a memory. So all of those are my favorite.
What’s your favorite article you’ve written for Her Campus UCF?
Last year, I wrote an article about baton twirling that won an honorable mention by Her Campus, and had thousands of views in only a week! I was so honored by the amount of support I received by the twirling community and Her Campus community, and it was amazing.
Who has been an inspiration to you throughout your college experience (or always)?
As the first woman in my family to ever graduate college, my father has been my inspiration since day one. Not once has he told me that I can’t do it, or that it’s not possible. Every breakdown, every tear, every difficult assignment that I came across, my father was there with advice in hand and a hug to share. Obviously, my whole family and friends were there to help, but he has been my go-to since my freshman year (actually since I was born, but you know what I mean). And for that I am thankful.
What was your favorite part about being Editor-in-Chief of Her Campus UCF?
Being Editor-in-Chief has been the best experience of my entire life. Throughout my year-long reign, I have had writers come up to me and say that through HCUCF, they were able to find a voice, and in reality, that was all I wanted to bring out; a voice for everyone.
Her Campus UCF will miss you, Victoria! Always remember to never lose your beautiful smile and happy spirit as you conquer all of your endeavors.