Austin Community College District (ACC) celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15. The month recognizes the history, culture, traditions, and contributions of people and their ancestors with Hispanic and Latino heritage.
ACC is spotlighting our amazing students and alumni throughout the month. One of those students is Ana J., a social work student who transferred to the University of Texas at Austin this fall.
Learn more about her story below.
Written by: Ana J.
I chose ACC because I knew university would be expensive, but I didn’t want that to stop me from continuing my education. Applying to ACC was the best decision I could ever make. Not only was I able to enhance my resume, leadership, and confidence, but I also found my identity as a Hispanic student there. I was given many opportunities, such as studying abroad in Romania this summer, and found myself surrounded by wonderful and intelligent people.
Ascender gave me the confidence I needed to stop being afraid and take a chance. I wouldn’t be at UT Austin without the amazing team from Ascender. Ascender makes you realize just how important and privileged Hispanic students are to be able to attend college. It can be hard being a first-generation student, but Ascender gives you the family you need to understand that you aren’t alone.
As Hispanic students, we learn the privilege of continuing to pursue higher education and breaking barriers. Even as I transferred out of ACC, Ascender continues to push me every day, and they help me look back and see just how far I’ve come. I haven’t lost touch with the Ascender team, and I do not plan to. ACC is a wonderful college, and I would love to see it give more spotlight to this wonderful program and maybe even expand it to other universities whenever the alumni transfer.