Sandra Kabagambe 2013
Sandra Kabagambe emigrated from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire) at the beginning of her junior year of high school. Many things were new – the language, teaching methods, grading system, and the nuances of a new culture. Sandra drew on experiences in her homeland where competition among students is encouraged and hard work rewarded. She pushed herself with challenging classes, particularly higher-level math. Persistence and dedication paid off, and Sandra was named to the Honor Roll. This was just a hint of what she would accomplish.
She was active in extracurricular activities at T.C.; particularly with Project Discovery where she served as President her senior year and spent many volunteer hours helping other students achieve their goal of going to college. Sandra was described by teachers as industrious, hardworking, kind and giving – the type of person who would go out of her way to help others. When she graduated in 2002, Sandra was awarded the William D. Euille Project Discovery Scholarship followed by 3 years of General Fund renewals.
These funds helped her through the University of Virginia where she earned a double major in English Literature and Biology. After several years of graduate school and medical research, Sandra earned a medical degree from the University of Louisville. She is currently a Resident Physician in the Department of General Surgery at the University of California Davis Medical Center, pursuing her life-long dream of becoming a surgeon.
Sandra still calls Alexandria home. A large part of the connection to Alexandria comes from a strong relationship with her “adoptive” parents, Lynn Hampton, a former member of the Scholarship Fund’s Board of Directors, and her husband, Dennis Auld, who supported her through all of her studies. Another factor is the support she received from the Scholarship Fund. She says, “I was able to complete my four years at the University of Virginia knowing that I could always count on T.C. Williams as well as kind hearted residents of Alexandria to support me and encourage my dreams.” Thanks in part to SFA, along with lots of hard work, her dreams are coming true.
T.C. Williams Class of 2002
B.A., Biology and English Literature, University of Virginia, 2006
M.D., University of Louisville, 2012
