“Be willing to grow. Be willing to change.” – Meggie Huggins, ACC Graduate
At 29, Meggie Huggins is celebrating a major achievement: graduating from Austin Community College District (ACC) with two associate degrees—one in Sociology and another in Social Work. As a nonverbal, first-generation college student, Meggie’s journey is about more than academic success—it’s about advocacy, visibility, and showing her daughters what’s possible.
“It feels surreal,” Meggie shares. “I’m setting myself up for something different from my parents. My daughters get to see me walk the stage. I get to model what’s possible—and show them they can do it, too.”
Meggie enrolled at ACC in 2021 and returned in 2024 to complete her degrees. She was drawn to ACC for its affordability and flexibility, but it was the college’s willingness to embrace change—and support her desire to improve accessibility—that made the biggest impact.
“My favorite part of ACC was how the College supported my drive to make education more accessible,” she says. “I’ve had the opportunity to bring those conversations directly to leadership. That’s rare, and it’s meaningful.”
Throughout her time at ACC, Meggie discovered new directions and interests—reminding her that college is not a straight line, but a space for evolution.
“Sometimes you think you’re going down one path,” she says. “Then you take a class in a subject you’ve never considered, and everything shifts. That happened to me. And I’m glad I let it.”
Meggie credits professors Alan Turley and Blanca Alvarado for their support and encouragement throughout her journey. Now, she’s preparing to transfer to a university to pursue bachelor’s degrees in both Social Work and Sociology—continuing her work to build a more equitable and inclusive future.
Her message to others considering college?
“Be willing to grow. Be willing to change.”
Know a 2025 grad like Meggie? Celebrate their story at austincc.edu/commencement.