Out of Options, One Manor College Grad Fought Back and Found Purpose

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Yorlenny Vaca Lazo (Swenson Arts and Technology High School, Philadelphia) Graduates from Manor College with her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice.

Content Warning: This story contains descriptions of emotional, physical and psychological abuse. 

Tears rolled down Yorlenny Vaca Lazo’s cheeks as her fingers, trembling with emotion, shakily typed out the email. She had had enough. Years of abuse, harassment and frustration led to that morning. 

“At first, I hesitated to send the email,” Vaca Lazo said. “I didn’t want to bring my drama to Professor Mary Sims, but I was out of options. I didn’t know anyone with experience like she had.” 

***

Vaca Lazo was 16 when she entered the relationship that would shape her life. They’d met in high school, but after a year, the relationship eroded. From the minute Vaca Lazo ended the relationship, her ex became relentless. 

At first, the messages were pleas to get back together. But as time went on, they grew more hostile. The ex went so far as to create a new Instagram account, posing as one of Vaca Lazo’s high school friends. He copied everything from pictures to biography information. 

One day, Vaca Lazo and a new boyfriend were at the mall. Her ex saw Vaca Lazo’s post, went to the mall and began searching. He caught up with them outside of the mall, hitting both of them before running off. 

“That, to me, was when I knew I needed a PFA,” Vaca Lazo said. 

A PFA is a Protection From Abuse order. It’s a court order designed to protect victims of domestic violence. It can inhibit contact, prevent the abuser from being in certain locations and more. 

But getting a PFA wasn’t easy. Her parents weren’t sure how to do it. Vaca Lazo began obtaining screenshots and proof, but she felt like receiving a PFA wasn’t moving fast enough. She kept receiving messages from her ex from new phone numbers or Instagram accounts. 

A few weeks after she enrolled at Manor in 2023, Vaca Lazo woke up to find her car’s wheels covered in Saran Wrap. A neighbor confirmed it was her ex. That’s when she reached out to Sims, desperate for help. 

“She is an incredibly strong woman that took charge of her life and made the right decisions regarding what she was going through,” Sims said. 

Sims served as Vaca Lazo’s academic advisor and the program director for Criminal Justice at Manor. Within a few hours, Sims sent a full list of resources.

“It had everything – phone numbers, websites, centers,” Vaca Lazo said. “I didn’t want to bring my drama over to Mary, but I was out of options. I remember crying and telling her, ‘You have no idea what you did for me.’” 

***

Vaca Lazo graduates from Manor College in May with her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. She’ll serve as the Commencement Speaker for students earning a Bachelor’s Degree. 

“I never expected this kind of recognition and, honestly, it means the world to me,” Vaca Lazo said. “My journey hasn’t been the easiest or the most traditional, but it’s been mine – and I’m proud of it.” 

At Manor, Vaca Lazo found a true support system. Even beyond Sims’ help with a PFA, Vaca Lazo said the little, caring moments often meant the most. 

She recalled how Professor Doruntina Ukella-Rukiqi sent a weekly check-in email, making sure that they weren’t only academically proficient but emotionally solid. During the holiday shopping season last year, Vaca Lazo, who works in retail, was “up to her neck” in work. Vaca Lazo responded to Ukella-Rukiqi’s email, asking for an extension on a final project to balance her full-time job and her academic workload. The professor’s response was short, sweet and understanding. 

“She definitely advocated for me when I needed it,” Vaca Lazo said. 

With her degree in hand, Vaca Lazo has already hit the ground running. On March 17, she became a paralegal at Powers Kirn LLC, a firm that focuses on real estate and mortgage banking based Trevose. It’s a step towards her ultimate goal of working with victims of domestic violence. 

When she faced her ex recently during a court appearance, Vaca Lazo remembered the words of her mother and grandmother. “Never let any man know you’re afraid,” they said. “As soon as you do, you’re relinquishing control.” Vaca Lazo stood her ground in the courtroom, but knew she couldn’t do it without the backing from two strong women. Now, Vaca Lazo wants to be that for others. 

“It’s a lot to get a PFA, having to speak in front of the judge and see the person who has been harming you,” Vaca Lazo said. “I want to be that support for others.” 

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