ACC celebrates and honors its fall 2021 graduates. Read more about the incredible achievements of a few of our students who will celebrate their graduation at the college’s fall commencement ceremony on Monday, December 13, 2021.
SHANNON P.
College wasn’t easy for Shannon P. A veteran who served in Afghanistan, Shannon came to ACC after spending years at other institutions, struggling to stay on track and reach her goals. When she transferred to ACC, she said her entire life changed.
“I became more focused, I worked hard, and I remained diligent. When I failed or found myself falling behind, I put in the extra time, work, and effort to correct my wrong-doings.”
During her time at ACC, Shannon worked with Career Services, connected with her academic coach and academic advisor, and joined Phi Theta Kappa. She used the lessons she learned from her mentors at the college to mentor youth in a juvenile institution in Williamson County where she works as a Youth Engagement Specialist. Shannon hopes to continue working with juveniles to help make their communities better.
She will graduate with an associate degree in Kinesiology – Health and Wellness and plans to transfer to Purdue Global University for a Bachelor’s of Science in Health and Wellness while pursuing her certification through the National Academy of Sports Medicine after graduation.
“I believe that I am capable and worthy. I have come such a long way, and I’m proud of where I stand today. I have not just grown as a student but as a person as well.”
ERICK O.
Erick O. is an inspiration to fellow students. He has made significant progress and advances in his academic and professional careers. As a member of several honor societies and student organizations, he represents the best and brightest students and has generously given back to each organization he has been a part of.
Erick helped to create a competency-based system for ACC students through Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society’s (PTK) College Project Committee and is still currently involved with their new project to develop a way to make student services more accessible. He co-chaired PTK’s Hallmark Committee, which is committed to providing student enrichment in four hallmarks: scholarship, leadership, service, and fellowship. Erick is currently the co-chair of PTK’s Regional Committee, which is designed to promote involvement at a level greater than just the local chapter that assists with member acknowledgment.
Erick is currently the Outreach Manager for the Computer Science Student Organization (CSSO) and assists with planning meetings, managing projects, and promoting the organization. He passed the PMI CAPM exam and became a Certified Associate in Project Management, an internationally recognized credential that certifies knowledge in all 10 project management areas and their respective tools and techniques.
Through Future Business Leaders of Austin (FBLA), he has gained skills such as interview preparation, personal finance, budgeting, and career development and success. He is also a member of the ACC German Club.
Erick was selected to be a part of the prestigious All-Texas Academic Team by the University of Texas System & Texas Association of Community Colleges, reiterating the fact that he is a great representative of the best and brightest students who excel in academics, leadership, and service.
Erick will graduate with an associate degree in Computer Information Technology – Computer Programming and plans to begin a software engineer apprenticeship after graduation.
INNOCENTE B.
Innocente B. believes in giving back. During her time as a student, Innocente has worked with several organizations that provide free services to the Austin community. Among those organizations, Innocente has served the North Austin Universal Health Clinic to help provide healthcare to the under- and uninsured and Casa Marianella to provide medical, social, and legal services to immigrants in the community. She also has volunteered at mass vaccination campaigns including the vaccination drives at Circuit of the Americas. She was selected to serve as president of the independent electoral commission in charge of the organization of elections in the Austin Congolese Association.
Innocente will graduate with an Associate Degree in Nursing and plans to work at Dell Seton Medical Center in the acute care/trauma department after graduation.