This spring, more than 3,700 Riverbat students are invited to participate in the Austin Community 2026 Commencement Ceremony on Thursday, May 14, at the H-E-B Center in Cedar Park.
One of those students is Jasmine Woods, who is graduating high school, way ahead of the game. The 18-year-old Akins Early College High School graduate is earning her General Associates in Arts. Now, as she plans to enroll in a four-year university this fall, she is already halfway to a bachelor’s degree.
Read more about his path to graduation below.
Why did you choose ACC?
I chose ACC because it was a great opportunity to get ahead with college classes.
What challenge did you overcome on your way to graduation?
A challenge I overcame was having to take four ACC classes while trying to maintain a full schedule at my high school.
Was there a moment you knew you were on the right path?
I knew I was on the right path when it was time to look at degree plans. I saw that from doing all these classes, I had half of my classes done before I went to university. I knew I made the right choice of being an ACC dual-credit student.
Any faculty or staff you’d like to recognize?
I would like to recognize Ms. Katie Poe because without her, I would not have been able to get the classes nor the support. She’s been with us since we started high school, and we basically grew up with her.
What are you most proud of from your time here?
Something I’m most proud of is just graduating in general. Not everyone can say they graduated from college before high school ended.
What’s next for you?
After I graduate from ACC and Akins, I plan to attend the University of Texas at Austin. And try to transfer into UT’s School of Nursing.
What advice would you give someone considering college?
I would say to just go for it. Originally, I was thinking being an ECHS student would be difficult and challenging. It was, but the reward is so much greater in the end.