When Viktoria first stepped onto the Wayne State University campus for Math Corps in 2022, she expected the experience to be all about math. She quickly discovered, as so many students before her had, that Math Corps is about something much bigger: it’s about kids. Viktoria had grown up hearing her sister Erikah describe how Math Corps had transformed her life. “She always said, ‘If I never went to Math Corps, I wouldn’t be where I am today.’” Erikah, who later attended Howard University and now works as a registered nurse, credits Math Corps with giving her the confidence and skills to succeed.
When Viktoria became a Math Corps student herself, Professor Kahn’s words during her first assembly confirmed what her sister had been saying all along: Math Corps is “built on kindness, love, and family.” From that moment, Viktoria knew she wanted to follow in Erikah’s footsteps—and eventually give back as a Teaching Assistant.
Some moments in Math Corps stay with you, and for Viktoria, one such moment involved a student struggling with fractions. “They finally solved a tough problem on their own. Their face lit up, and they immediately turned to help another student. That moment was inspiring because it showed me how quickly confidence can spread—when one student feels empowered, they pass that energy on to others.” Beyond academics, Math Corps fosters a sense of belonging. “You don’t have to hide who you are,” Viktoria says. “You’re accepted, celebrated, and loved for who you are. It’s not just about math; it’s about growing as a person and knowing you belong.”
Outside of Math Corps, Viktoria channels her curiosity and attention to detail into photography. Her love for capturing moments began in 2022 with her mom’s digital camera, and by December 2023, she had her own. “I take it everywhere—school, football games, even quick trips to the store,” she says. Her focus is street photography, capturing authentic, unguarded moments of everyday life. “Photography makes me notice details I never would have seen before—the light hitting a building, the way people interact, even small expressions on someone’s face.”
Looking ahead, Viktoria plans to attend the U.S. Naval Academy and pursue a career as a Naval officer, while keeping photography as a creative outlet. “Photography will always be a part of my life,” she says. Whether mentoring students or framing life through her camera lens, Viktoria embodies the Math Corps spirit: courage, curiosity, and the quiet power of nurturing growth—frame by frame.
All photos credited to Viktoria.
