Tonya Watson

I am a second-year RN student at Germanna Community College. As an adult student, I had no idea that visiting our state legislature would have quite the effect on me that it had.  I was not prepared for the sense of overwhelming pride that I experienced while sitting in the Virginia General Assembly, watching bills become law.  It was truly a humbling experience to witness our democracy in action.

I was asked to attend this legislative visit to help our senators and delegates remember that when they are out on that floor, casting their votes, WE are the constituents that they represent. Our faces need to be in their minds, especially when they begin to consider where to appropriate funds for our next fiscal budget, and start making budget cuts which could affect our access to higher education.

I wanted to remind our legislators that there are so many of us out there who would not have been able to further our education if it were not for the Virginia Community College System. I wanted them to know MY story, and understand that I represent the thousands of working parents who are returning to school to make a better life for our families.

We are out there, trying to make it on a reduced income, balancing school with the demands of raising a family, and we deserve and need their consideration.

Tonya M. Watson
GCC student