Graduation caps fly, cameras click and four young artists squeeze together for photos with a mixture of emotions on their faces. That’s one probable scene from Virginia Peninsula Community College’s 2026 Commencement set for 2 p.m. on May 14.
Racquel Daniels and Sofia Seely eagerly look forward to it. They’re poised to cross the stage during the ceremony at the Hampton Coliseum. With degrees in hand afterward, they’re bound for Richmond to begin a new chapter at Virginia Commonwealth University in the fall.
Daniels and Seely are excited about becoming roommates and, even more so, with two others on board. Their shared apartment will include fellow members of VPCC’s class of 2026, Sarah Fank and Camila Sanchez-Ramos.
Slated to receive Associate of Fine Arts in Visual Arts degrees this month, the VPCC group is trading the familiarity of home for a bigger city and further exploration of their craft in art-related majors. What began as separate decisions to attend community college grew into a tight-knit creative circle.
All four students are grateful for the access VPCC afforded.
Seely, of Grafton, followed her father’s example. She said he attended the College in the early 1990s. Similarly, Daniels, of Hampton, took a cue from her brother. Both saw VPCC as a place to strengthen their portfolios and earn a shot at VCU’s competitive arts programs.
Fank, from Gloucester County, chose VPCC after realizing the college closer to home didn’t offer art classes. For Newport News resident Sanchez-Ramos, VPCC was the smart financial choice.
“It was one of the best decisions I think I’ve made to date,” Fank said, a sentiment the group echoed.
“With tuition and the classes, it was a great option. I don’t regret it,” said Sanchez-Ramos.
Beyond affordability, VPCC allowed each student to find direction. In Hampton Campus classrooms and studios, they sharpened their skills, each one bringing a distinct perspective.
Seeley prefers dramatic contrast, spotlighting her subjects in dark and moody compositions. It’s realism for Daniels, especially landscapes. She uncovered this passion through painting courses that reshaped her artistry.
Through photography and illustration, Fank explores womanhood and identity. She enjoys capturing “the essence of a person.” Sanchez-Ramos blends painting and photography to explore themes including identity, family and memory.
“I’ve gone through a lot of challenges navigating as a first-gen American,” said Sanchez-Ramos. “So, a lot of that stuff plays a part in what I paint and draw. Capturing my identity and my experience, I think, is really important.”
Their differences could easily cause division. Instead, diverse styles fuel their growth. That’s what’s refreshing about their friendship and their story as a group.
Daniels and Seely met in a drawing class and bonded over assignments. Their shared goal of transferring to VCU also sealed their friendship.
“We went up to VCU a couple of times to visit the fine arts museum for a project that we had in that class,” recalled Seely. “That was when we realized, ‘Oh my gosh! We both want to go to VCU.’ So, it would be amazing to continue that journey with each other.”
Meanwhile, Fank and Sanchez-Ramos first connected while in a 2D design class. Although they were on opposite sides of the classroom, they eventually found common ground.
Last semester’s schedule put the four art students together. They had painting
and drawing together and became inseparable. Soon, they realized they were all heading toward the same destination. Becoming roommates was a natural choice.
“I’m really excited to be able to continue our friendship,” said Daniels.
Fank agreed, adding the built-in support and friendship will help ease the transition.
“Bringing that comfort into a new situation,” Fank explains, “that’s huge.”
For these students who’ll study various areas of art, transferring to VCU is not only a change in scenery. It’s validation.
“It’s a huge achievement because they are highly ranked for their visual arts program,” said Seely, with her three soon-to-be roomies on the same accord.
“I’ve wanted to go to VCU for the longest time, ever since high school,” Daniels exclaimed. “It is really an accomplishment.”
Seely will pursue art education. A program that blends studio work with hands-on teaching experience attracted her. Daniels is set on fashion design and is excited about opportunities to finally work directly with fabric.
Meanwhile, Sanchez-Ramos plans to study filmmaking and screenwriting. For Fank, it’s the photography and illustration track. She dreams of creating children’s media in the long term.
Despite their excitement, they’re each realistic about the road ahead and what being on their own may bring.
Sanchez-Ramos welcomes the challenge but admits it’s daunting.
“I’m most excited to live independently and navigate the world on my own,” she said. “I’m grateful to have my friends to live with. I’m scared, but really excited.”
Fank echoed that sentiment, adding: “The more artistic culture is really what we’re also buying into … It’s a bigger city. (There are) a lot more people. But that comes with it.”
Still, they’re eager to begin apartment living as close-knit friends. They’ve already established their dynamic at VPCC. Each noted it’s a culture of honesty and support. At VCU, they expect to deepen the bond.
“I believe living together will positively influence us,” said Seely. “I feel like living with a bunch of different artists and seeing each other’s work and motivating each other will be good for us.”
The group hopes their apartment will be as much a living space as it is an environment for collaboration. That’s particularly important given their diverse disciplines: fashion, education, film and illustration. It’s a recipe for personal and artistic growth.
“I feel like living with a bunch of different artists,” added Seely, “and seeing each other’s work and motivating each other will be good for us.”
Although focusing on this next step, they’re also looking further ahead.
Seely pictures a future teaching art in an urban setting. She’s also considering pursuing a master’s degree down the line. Daniels hopes to take her career global. She plans to reconnect with her roots in Australia, diving into its fashion design scene. Having lived in Virginia since age 2, Daniels enjoys annual visits there to spend time with her mother’s side of the family.
Sanchez-Ramos aims to become a filmmaker, telling stories that resonate and connect with audiences on a personal level. Fank envisions a future in children’s media, blending visual art with storytelling to educate and inspire.
As for time at VPCC, they credit faculty and staff for helping them reach this milestone. Each also gives a nod to advisers who helped chart their courses. Fank even pointed to campus jobs and extracurricular activities. She’s grateful for her role in financial aid and leadership in the ballroom dance club, saying the experiences boosted her confidence.
They all agreed those resources were invaluable.
As graduation day nears, the four artists recognize they’re taking their shared experiences forward into a new arena. They’re proud of their achievement so far and even happier they’ll walk across the stage together May 14.
