Meet Cristina Childers
Alumni Profile
As an ALCS Auditor for Altria, this Reynolds alum, Cristina Childers, reflects on the hard work and choices that brought her to her present successful corporate role. She is making Altria history as their first full-time deaf employee. The challenge of communicating with people and earning their trust was just one of the hurdles she overcame. The message she wants to pass on is this, “the disabled community has the capacity to learn with every opportunity presented, and with an open mind, eyes, and heart, others can see they are as able-bodied as any individual.” Her determination and perseverance have led her to achieve some of her goals in life, with many more on the horizon.
What made you decide to come to Reynolds?
I selected Reynolds Community College for my higher education goals to develop skills, gain networking opportunities, and it offered a great path that helped me to reach my career goals. It was a great benefit and let me experience many new things.
Looking back, what are your thoughts about attending Reynolds?
Reynolds provided a great education, as well as a place to develop my personal and professional skills. It is cost-effective, offers many majors, and provides academic support, among other things. The most important thing was that it challenged me with an environment that promoted my dreams and goals. It provided me with what I needed to succeed.
How did the school prepare you for where you are now?
The education Reynolds gave me prepared me for my life. I am very disciplined in working toward my future endeavors. It expanded my knowledge, skills, experience, and confidence. The most important aspect — building community collaboration and stronger relationships with students, professors, and colleagues — showcased respect, integrity, and initiative.
What was your major and what did you think of the program?
Because I always loved math when I was a kid, when I graduated from high school my parents suggested accounting or finance as the best options for me. My major was Business Administration at Reynolds, then upon transferring to VCU, majored in accounting.
Did you have a favorite class? Please elaborate.
I loved math and accounting classes. I had such a passionate interest in math because I have strong skills solving complex problems, finding errors, analyzing data, critical and creative thinking skills, and auditing. My strong decision-making skills and my natural enthusiasm for math made business and accounting a natural choice.
Did you have a favorite professor? If so, why?
Professor Baird was my favorite professor. She is an amazing teacher and took a long time in class to make sure we understood the material. She loves her students and makes her students feel very special and supported. Plus, she is also from Romania, like me.
What were the challenges you had going to school and what are the challenges you face today?
I have many experiences overcoming barriers communicating with people and earning their trust. For that reason, I encourage people to change their perspective, and understand the disabled are trustworthy and committed to their employers. The disabled community has the capacity to learn with every opportunity presented, and with an open mind, eyes, and heart, others can see they are as able-bodied as any individual. We bring our different skills to the workplace, then we collaborate, and get the job done.
What advice would you give others who are thinking about attending Reynolds?
Hard work and perseverance will help you achieve greater personal success. Take pleasure in the work you do to succeed. I want the students to take the initiative to start pursuing their education. I want you to believe in yourself, your dream, and your goal. Most importantly, try to learn something new every day. YOU CAN DO IT! Keep up the hard work and never give up because it will be worth it!
What’s been the secret to your success?
I believe in myself. I am very determined with a tenacious spirit. I maintain a resilient mindset, push through to succeed, visualize my future, and connect with others who want the same. I am confident about my abilities and know that every experience becomes learning.
"If you want a goal and if you want to graduate in your future … I've had experience with this before — I've had to fail. I've had to do it again. I've had to keep going. But you know that when you get it and when you get there, you realize you can do it. You can have your dream. I'm proof of somebody being able to have their dream. So, I would tell students to just roll up your sleeves and get to the hard work. Believe in yourself. Believe in your dreams. Believe in your goals. And you can do it! Just keep up your good work. Never give up!"
— Cristina Childers, ALCS Auditor
2014 Reynolds Graduate