Meet Sebastian Portillo
When Sebastian Portillo crossed the stage at Reynolds Community College’s Spring 2025 Commencement, he wasn’t just receiving a diploma—he was closing one chapter of an extraordinary journey and opening another. Selected as the commencement speaker, Sebastian delivered a message of hope, resilience, and community to his fellow graduates. His story is one of quiet determination, leadership, and personal transformation.
Finding Strength Through Adversity
Raised in Norfolk, Virginia, Sebastian grew up in a home anchored by a strong and devoted mother, a firefighter and EMT. But after a workplace injury forced her early retirement, she faced a series of devastating mental health challenges.
“It was hard to watch the deterioration of my mom’s mind,” Sebastian reflects. “She was our rock growing up, and then things just changed.”
As her condition worsened, Sebastian became her primary caregiver—balancing high school with the responsibilities of managing a household in crisis. After an eviction and eventual estrangement, he found himself at a crossroads, unsure of what came next.
He enrolled at Tidewater Community College but struggled to stay focused. A fresh start came when he moved to Richmond to be closer to his partner, who was attending Virginia Commonwealth University. That’s when he discovered Reynolds.
“My goal was to find somewhere I could feel comfortable and regain focus on my academics,” he says. “Reynolds has been a wild success—I couldn’t be more pleased.”
Building a New Path at Reynolds
Once at Reynolds, Sebastian didn’t just attend classes—he immersed himself in the life of the college. He served as Vice-President of Engagement for the Student Governing Association, President of Active Minds (a student-led mental health advocacy group), and worked part-time as a Student Engagement Specialist. All the while, he balanced coursework with a job in food service to support himself financially.
“Mental health is something I’m deeply passionate about because of what I’ve lived through,” Sebastian explains. Under his leadership, Active Minds hosted events such as the “Self-Love Workshop,” in collaboration with the Black Student Union, offering a safe space for students to explore self-worth, wellness, and healing.
Dr. Ben Cowman, Director of Student Engagement & Leadership, witnessed Sebastian’s impact firsthand: “He has a natural ability to bring people together and show care and concern for his peers. Sebastian is driven to serve and help others around him.”
Academic Growth and Mentorship
Sebastian credits Reynolds not only for restoring his academic drive but also for providing meaningful mentorship during some of his most challenging moments. Professors such as Shavon Jack and Dr. Kellie Aldi, along with the advising center, offered both guidance and encouragement.
“I learned that asking for help is not a weakness—it’s a strength,” he says. “The advising center helped me map out my courses in a way that made sense, and my instructors pushed me to see what I was capable of.”
His interest in technology and problem-solving eventually steered him toward cybersecurity. In fall 2025, he successfully transferred to Virginia Commonwealth University to continue his studies in the field.
A Moment of Pride and Reflection
For Sebastian, commencement was a deeply emotional milestone. His mother was not there—a bittersweet absence he continues to process—but the moment carried profound meaning.
“She was my biggest cheerleader,” he says softly. “Even though she couldn’t be there, I want to do well in spite of it, to honor everything I’ve gone through.”
Standing at the podium during the ceremony, Sebastian shared a message not just about success, but about the courage to begin.
“Take the leap,” he urged future Reynolds students. “The support, the professors, the connections you can make—it’s all here. You just have to step into it.”
To those struggling with personal or academic challenges, his advice was simple yet powerful: “Don’t be afraid to ask for help. You’re not alone.”
Looking Ahead
With his degree in hand and his sights set on a future in cybersecurity, Sebastian carries with him the lessons learned at Reynolds—about strength, leadership, and community. He hopes to continue advocating for mental health awareness, both in his personal life and in whatever professional path he takes.
For Sebastian, graduating from Reynolds wasn’t just about academic achievement. It was a testament to perseverance, a celebration of community, and a reminder that adversity can be the foundation for extraordinary growth.
“Reynolds gave me more than an education,” he reflects. “It gave me the confidence to believe in myself again.”
From his early days as a caregiver in Norfolk to his role as commencement speaker in Richmond, Sebastian Portillo’s journey shows the transformative power of opportunity, determination, and connection. He leaves Reynolds not only with a diploma, but with a legacy of leadership and inspiration for the students who will follow.
For more about the Information Systems Technology, Cyber Security Concentration program at Reynolds, visit our website.