The Vanguard series highlights cadets of Virginia Military Institute who exemplify promise, perseverance, and the true spirit of leadership. While they may not be the top-ranking students or those in prestigious positions, these individuals' dedication, resilience, and growth embody the essence of being a VMI cadet. By sharing their stories, including the challenges they've faced and overcome, we shine a spotlight on the diverse paths to success at the Institute, proving that leadership and excellence come in many forms.  

LEXINGTON, Va. April 6, 2026 — Sofia Fleming ’28 describes her older sister as a trailblazer. It just so happens a big part of that is because she graduated from Virginia Military Institute. Although it was before Fleming was born, she grew up idolizing her. 

“She was very goal-oriented, very driven,” she said. “I have looked up to her my entire life, so it really inspired me to follow her path here.” 

Fleming wasn’t sure what her plans would be after high school — if she would attend community college or a four-year institution. She was faced with a big decision.  

"I wanted to get the most out of school. I looked into some other four-year colleges, and I wanted a school that would define me or be a defining experience in my life that set me up for a future career,” she explained. “I saw that in VMI. I saw it could give me more than any other school that I looked into could. And it really has ... I've seen the changes it's made.” 

She compromised though. Before coming to the Institute, she did a year at community college. This served as a good transition from high school — she was homeschooled — and allowed her to overcome any difficulties.  

"Going into classes and having to sit and listen to professors was one thing I wasn't accustomed to,” she admitted. "I have met some really amazing professors here. I've enjoyed the experience of getting to know different professors, getting to have the experience of different teachers, which is something that I never had in high school. It's shaped me and how I do academically.” 

The English major said the past year at VMI has made her more resilient.  

"It's definitely pushed me beyond my limits. I feel like I have come so far and such a long way from when I first came here on Matriculation Day,” she said. “It's given me better time management skills, self-discipline, and it's testing me academically in so many ways.” 

She said that VMI’s most challenging part is academics. 

"Even though it's something that I excel in, it's also something I struggled to adjust to, but something I've been able to overcome as time has gone on at VMI,” she explained.

Despite VMI's rigorous academic program, Fleming was able to achieve a 4.0 GPA as a 4th Class cadet. She credits her professors in pushing her academically and helping her improve her writing skills. She also began working at VMI’s Writing Center as a peer writing consultant.  

As a disciplined student, Fleming likes to get her work done ahead of time, opting to get started on her work right away.  

"I'm very methodical about my work. I like to write it, let it sit for a while, come back to it, and then work on it again,” she stated. “In high school I'd always do it last minute. Here, I learned that it doesn't work like that, especially since I want to get good grades. I have changed my style of how I write and how I work as a student.” 

Col. Steven Knepper, professor in the Department of English, Rhetoric, and Humanistic Studies, agreed on her dedication as a student. 

“Sofia is a diligent, high-achieving cadet who excels in the classroom and beyond. She is an excellent writer and an incisive thinker,” he said.  

Fleming does lean on her professors for extra help if she gets overwhelmed. To get over the first struggles and nervousness she faced while on the Rat Line, she wrote a poem and attached illustrations to it. It started out with lines like “this rat wants a protein shake,” with an illustration of a cartoon rat drinking a shake. She sent it to her parents and they suggested making a children’s book around it. 

“VMI's funny title for freshman inspired me to write a children's book on the VMI Rat Line called ‘This Rat ... A Military College Story.’ I created each drawing as an actual rodent, completing different activities to add levity to the challenging VMI Rat Line,” Fleming explained. “Each drawing was based on a memory that I have about the Rat Line. It feels nostalgic since I broke out just a year ago. Every time I see one of my drawings, it makes me smile because it reminds me of all the funny moments and good times that I had during that challenge.” 

She’s self-publishing the book and is in talks with the VMI Museum for them to carry it.  

“Cadets lead busy lives, but Sofia found the time to write and illustrate a children's book,” Knepper commented. “I expect it will be a hit. It's very well done. Sofia continues to write fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction beyond her coursework and Corps responsibilities. She has rare talent and skill, but she also consistently puts in the work.” 

Despite the difficulties she has faced and will continue to face at VMI, she likes the structure of her day-to-day.  

"There's certain times for me to work out and rest. I've really found that helps me a lot in getting things done,” she said. "I was really amazed that the schedule and the structure that VMI has made such an impact on me, and that's increased my productivity in so many ways.” 

She says she wouldn’t have been able to experience such a wide array of opportunities anywhere else. Last year, she was a member of the pistol team, where she competed in a national college level competition. She’s active in VMI’s Newman’s Society, the aviation club, and became a Matriculation Week corporal to train the next class of rats. 

Col. Mary “Polly” Stewart Atwell, associate professor in the Department of English, Rhetoric, and Humanistic Studies, described Fleming as extremely engaged, thoughtful, and conscientious. 

“She always goes the extra mile with her assignments on top of what is required. She's willing to take constructive criticism and wants to learn and improve,” Atwell said. “Although Sofia is a 3rd Class cadet, she always holds her own in class discussions when she is one of the younger students in the class. I think she shows great promise as a writer and a scholar.” 

Laura Peters Shapiro
Communications & Marketing
VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE