Marco's journey at Collingwood School is a testament to the power of personalized learning, unwavering support, and a student's remarkable perseverance. As he prepares to embark on the next chapter at Rice University, his story embodies the School's commitment to meeting each student where they are and supporting them for growth. 

Marco’s academic path has been uniquely shaped by his experience with dyslexia. Rather than allowing this to be a barrier, Marco–with the support of Collingwood's Inclusive Education Targeted Support program–has transformed challenge into a catalyst for growth and innovation. 

"Having dyslexia, I’ve never done well in English,” Marco reflects, recalling a pivotal moment in Grade 8.

"But at Collingwood Ms. Chau [Marco’s English teacher] and Mr. Moylan [his Inclusive Education teacher] gave me the opportunity to express my understanding of topics in new ways, and then doing so allowed me to thrive in the class. It gave me the confidence that I could succeed in school–even with dyslexia–and allowed me to thrive and get to where I am today." 

This early success in senior school instilled a belief in his capabilities that propelled him forward. His journey to Collingwood itself speaks volumes about his determination. 

"I originally went to an elementary school where I was given very poor accommodations and felt I was mistreated by my peers for being different," Marco shares. "I felt I could never be successful, due to my dyslexia. So, after consulting with my parents, I left that school and decided to have a new start at Collingwood." 

What he found at Collingwood was transformative. The school’s approach to Inclusive Education supports students with diverse learning profiles by providing targeted interventions and accommodations that promote academic success. The programming and learning environments are designed to promote student advocacy and independence.

Marco vividly remembers a training session where students experienced "dyslexified" pathways on paper, fostering empathy among his peers. 

"This created an environment where I felt included and that I could be successful. I began to realize, with the support that I had, that hard work could pay off and that I should not feel ashamed for who I am. In this way, Collingwood changed my life."

Rachel Davidson, Marco’s University Guidance (UG) counsellor, highlights his exceptional focus. 

"Marco’s incredible attention to detail and dedication resulted in the highest possible grades in many of his courses." 

This meticulous work ethic translated into remarkable achievements in Math 10, Pre-Calculus 11 and 12, AP Computer Science Principles 12, Work Experience 12, and 20th Century World History 12, along with exceptional results on all his AP exams. Beyond grades, Marco’s commitment to service is evident in his community work and his co-leadership of the school Science Club, where he proposed engaging experiments that tripled female membership.

The pathways to post-secondary are indeed unique for each student, and Collingwood’s dedicated team of UG counsellors provides expertise and guidance, empowering students to navigate this complex process. Marco’s journey to Rice University is a case in point. 

"Ms. Davidson was incredibly helpful to me throughout my university application process," Marco affirms. "[Her support and] encouragement as I navigated the difficult landscapes and [her] advice on what was possible with my grades was invaluable. "

The University application process varies greatly among institutions and Collingwood’s UG counsellors are able to lend their expertise to each student’s profile. Among many highly-selective options in the United States, Marco engaged in the second round of Early Decision applications in early January with Rice as his first choice, and was accepted. 

“The George R. Brown School of Engineering at Rice is a good fit for Marco, because their community values collaboration over competition; they brand themselves as “solving for the greater good,” adds Ms. Davidson.

“I had visited Rice in the summer and really liked the campus and met some amazing people there, and it seems like a great environment,” Marco notes about his decision.

Marco's passions extend far beyond the classroom. He was actively involved in the robotics club, the science club, and the bouldering club. 

"School robotics helped to firm my love for engineering and made me decide that this is what I want to do with my life," he shares. 

His commitment to making a difference is further demonstrated by his podcast, "Dyslexia and Beyond," which he created to share success stories and inspire hope. As Ms. Davidson aptly puts it, "Marco’s podcast encapsulates his mission of showing the world a neurodivergent diagnosis can actually become a superpower."

Marco's audacious life goal is to start his own company. His interest in assistive technology combines his entrepreneurial spirit with community-mindedness. 

“I can help people like me thrive who may have not had the same opportunities," Marco adds.

This ambition beautifully captures the School's vision of students using their passions to create a better world. Marco's journey at Collingwood stands as an inspiring example of how a personalized approach to learning, coupled with robust support and a student's indomitable spirit, can lead to extraordinary achievements.