Student Profile

She's Like Water Moving Around Rocks

Left to Right (facing): Marcus Dansou, Dr. Pando, 

and Margaret Aquino, at Dr. Pando's 

January 8th visit with ECA students at DTC. 

Contributed by:
Kristin Hott, 
M.Ed., VCCC
ECA Career Coach/
Adjunct Instructor
Early College Academy - DTC

Margaret Aquino is a full-time Reynolds Early College Academy student in her 2nd semester of the AS in Social Sciences degree. But that's not all, Margaret is also a Richmond Public School junior, a volleyball player, an older sibling and a mentor to friends, AND a part-time cashier at Cook Out. 

Whew that's a full plate! Margaret is a go-getter, to say the least. When she learned her high school would be closing on Friday, March 13th and that all Reynolds classes were moving to the virtual space the following week, Margaret knew she had a challenge ahead of her. 

Not only would she need to continue to head out to work, while others were sheltering at home, she quickly realized how hard things would now be not having internet access in her home. 

Her parents tackled the logistics of getting things set up with a local carrier, but Margaret had assignments due...but she found a way to make it all work. Since then, she has been going in early or staying late after a shift at work, using the free wifi at her job to complete online quizzes, post to a discussion board or upload a paper completed offline. Her supervisors were and are supportive and make sure she puts her school work first. 

COVID-19 may have placed some barriers in her path, but Margaret's indomitable spirit and focus on her future has triumphed. Like water moving around rocks in a stream, she has discovered new ways to accomplish work and stay motivated. She can see beyond this health crisis to the next phase of her life and she knows the effort she makes now will pay off in the future. Since learning of her connectivity challenges, her school system and Reynolds ECA coaches have been updating her with new information and potential solutions, including the "hot spots" at Reynolds' downtown campus and our laptop loaner program. 

While many things may still be uncertain during this time, what is for sure is that solution-minded students like Margaret give us hope for a brighter future.