For Jacquelyn Sheu, graduation isn’t just the end of a program—it’s the celebration of a journey that took unexpected turns and led to a purpose she never saw coming. This May, the 28-year-old will cross the stage with an Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene from Austin Community College District (ACC), a moment she describes as “surreal.”
Jacquelyn’s journey to this moment has been anything but traditional. After earning a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from the University of Texas at Austin, her original plan was to attend dental school. But life shifted course.
“Dental hygiene was never part of my original career path, as I had always envisioned a future in dental school. After graduating, I became a dental assistant to explore whether this career was the right fit for me. During that time, I developed a strong interest in dental hygiene, and that’s when my passion for the profession truly began.”
That passion led her to ACC in 2022, where she began taking prerequisites before being accepted into the program in 2023.
“I was drawn to ACC because of its reputation, but I stayed because of the people—the support, the friendships, and the passion I discovered. My friends and the faculty in the dental hygiene program have been incredibly supportive, recognizing and encouraging potential in me that I didn’t even know I had. During moments of self-doubt and impostor-syndrome, my community, family, and friends stood by me every step of the way. I’m excited to see where this profession will take me in the future.”
As co-chair class president for the student chapter of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (SCADHA) at ACC, Jacquelyn also stepped into leadership, advocating for her peers and growing both personally and professionally.
“The journey felt like a roller coaster, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything else. I’ve learned so much—not just about the profession, but about myself. ACC provided me with a solid foundation academically and clinically, preparing me with the skills and confidence I need to succeed.”
Now, with graduation just around the corner, Jacquelyn plans to take a well-earned vacation before launching her career as a licensed dental hygienist. Her advice to future ACC students? “Trust yourself, but also give yourself grace when you’re faced with challenges that are new or unfamiliar.”
For more information about the program, visit austincc.edu/dentalhygiene.