After fleeing war in Syria and arriving in the U.S. as a teenager, Raghad A. had to rebuild everything: her language, her education, and her sense of self.
“I arrived at 15, barely speaking English, and had to start high school while helping my family adjust. As the oldest daughter, I quickly became the one handling everything: translating, paperwork, school systems, all while teaching myself English in just six months.”
Now, at 24, she’s preparing to graduate from Austin Community College District (ACC) with a degree in Social Work. She will be the first in her family to earn a college degree.
“I chose ACC because it gave me a real chance when college felt out of reach. My path wasn’t traditional, but ACC welcomed me and saw potential in me before I even saw it myself. It was affordable and close to home, which was important since I was supporting my family. More than that, ACC became a place where I could grow, find community, and start turning my dreams into reality.”
After working multiple jobs and caring for her mom when she was sick, Raghad started at ACC in 2023. She began in Computer Science, but found purpose in helping others and advocating for equality.
“I chose social work because it truly reflects who I am. I have always been the one advocating for others by helping girls enroll in school, translating for new families, and connecting people to resources. Social work lets me turn my lived experience into something bigger. I want to help build systems that are more just, compassionate, and supportive for everyone.”
Now ready to graduate this fall from ACC, she was able to make it to the finish line through her found community at ACC. Raghad founded the ACC Muslim Student Association.
“Hosting the first-ever Interfaith Iftar at ACC during Ramadan brought together nearly 200 people, including students, staff, faculty, and community leaders, to break bread and build understanding. It was more than just an event. It was a moment of unity, representation, and belonging. Seeing that many people come together across faiths and backgrounds showed me that creating space for others can spark real change.”
Behind the scenes, she leaned on Student Life, Career Services, Honors Program, and the guidance of mentors who believed in her.
“Professor Laura Trellue believed in me and took the time to guide me through it all. My first semester was really hard, and I was struggling a lot. Because of her support, I will be graduating soon. Her encouragement made a huge difference in my college journey.”
Next, she plans to transfer to a four-year university to finish her degree in social work, attend graduate school for public affairs, and lead change in nonprofit or public service.
“This next step means everything to me and my family. I am the first in my family to go to college. Every class I pass and every goal I reach is not just for me. It is for my mom, who never got to finish school. It is for my younger siblings so they can see what is possible. It is for every girl who has ever felt like her story does not belong in spaces of power. This next step proves that it does.”
Raghad shares some advice for students trying to decide if it’s their time to start college this fall.
“I spent so long being the helper and taking care of others that I forgot I could have goals too. Coming to ACC was the moment I said, ‘I matter too. My future matters.’ If you are thinking about applying to college, don’t let fear or doubt hold you back. You don’t have to be perfect or have everything figured out to start. All you need is the courage to take the first step. There is a place for you, and you are stronger and more capable than you realize. Your story matters. Your voice matters.”