Victoria Donis balances being a full time math teacher and water polo coach at AGHS. Her water polo program is one of the best in the country with 214 consecutive league wins, 22 straight mountain league wins, and ranked number 5 in the country.
What is a memorable moment you’ve had while teaching?
“A memorable moment that comes to mind is probably my first semester teaching at AGHS. I did not have my own classroom and I had to use other classrooms for each period. I was basically a ‘Roaming Teacher.’”
What skills do you hope students take away from your class beyond the subject itself?
“Problem solving honestly, I want them to learn how to sit with something uncomfortable and keep going anyway. I see that a lot in water polo too and the kids who figure that out early are usually the ones who surprise themselves the most.”
What do you think makes AGHS unique?
“Greek Week. Never in my own academic career have I ever seen such an event. The spirit and participation throughout the whole school and the activities, specifically the boat regatta, are so much fun to witness. I think it is such an awesome week and I always look forward to it.”
If you weren’t a teacher what do you think you’d be doing?
“Probably something still involving people in some way. Maybe a nutritionist or a personal trainer. I am really into hiking and being outside and I cook a lot at home so something in the health and wellness space honestly would not have surprised me. Teaching just ended up checking all the boxes in a way I did not expect.”
What advice would you give to students preparing for their future after high school?
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help from either your professors or peers. It’s better to struggle with others than to struggle alone. I had such a hard time with this in my early college years but once I got over myself, it was refreshing to know that others were struggling with the same things as me or they were able to explain in such a way that helped me understand.”
