“Don’t be scared and don’t let anything hold you back.” – Mia Martinez, ACC Graduate
This spring, 107 Manor Independent School District (ISD) students are invited to participate in the spring 2025 commencement. One of them is 18-year-old Mia Martinez, who will be earning her Associate of Arts in General Studies at the same time she graduates from Manor Early College High School.
“To receive my degree, I had to take all dual credit classes. At first, it was getting used to how college classes were run and managing both high school and college work, but eventually, I found a system that worked well for me.”
She started with ACC when her family moved to the Austin area for her dad’s job. Now, she’s preparing to walk across the stage with a college degree, before she even finishes high school.
“It feels amazing! Being the first in my family to graduate with a college degree gives me more confidence and motivation to continue with school and make a better life for myself. I’m so proud of myself and so thankful for the support I got from my family, friends, and even school faculty.”
Mia gives a shout-out to some of the people who supported her most along the way. “I would like to recognize Professor Towles for always supporting me and Ms. Geneva at Student Life for the Elgin Campus for always being good conversation and keeping us fed.”
With an associate degree in hand, Mia will go straight to Texas State University to major in Exercise and Sports Science. Her goal is to become a Physical Therapist.
Her message to anyone who may be doubting themselves? “I just wanted to add for anybody who needs motivation. I have a visual impairment, which means that I struggled throughout college and high school, but I had lots of help and support from everybody and was able to get through it. I did not let my disability stop me and I was able to get my degree.”
To celebrate all spring 2025 graduates, visit austincc.edu/commencement.