For Hazina Ngandu, earning a college degree became about much more than school. It became a promise to herself that no matter what life placed in front of her, she would keep going.
This spring, at 54 years old, Hazina graduates from Austin Community College District (ACC) with an Associate in Applied Science in Business Administration. It is a milestone years in the making after navigating COVID-19, caregiving, and her own battle with breast cancer.
“Today, I’m so proud to say I am 5 years cancer-free, and I feel great, thank God! It may have taken me longer than I expected, but I made it. I AM GRADUATING!”
Hazina first decided to return to school in 2019 after encouragement from her husband.
“My husband encouraged me to get my associate degree so that I could get my first degree under my belt.”
She enrolled at ACC ready for a new chapter, even convincing a coworker to join her on the journey. But shortly after classes began, the pandemic changed everything.
“I knew I had to be on the right path when COVID hit. In my experience, whenever you are making a commitment to change or grow, something always happens to test your resolve.”
Then another challenge arrived. In 2020, a close family member was diagnosed with breast cancer. Hazina immediately paused school and traveled to Richmond to help care for her relative through their surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation treatments.
“It was one of the most difficult experiences of my life. I am so grateful that I was able to do it. And now she is cancer-free. She beat cancer!”
Before returning home, her family member asked Hazina to promise she would schedule a mammogram herself.
“I kept that promise. And that’s when everything changed again. I was shocked to learn that I, too, had breast cancer.”
Even during treatment, Hazina continued moving forward. She was balancing work, classes, surgeries, and recovery with the support of her husband and family. Now five years cancer-free, Hazina says graduating represents resilience, healing, and perseverance.
“This hasn’t been easy, but it has been worth it.”
Throughout her time at ACC, she credits faculty and flexible course options with helping her stay on track.
“Thank you again, ACC. I could not have finished if it were not for flexible class schedules.”
She also recognized professors who made a lasting impact, including Mathematics Professor Enkelejda Bylyku and Management Professor Daniel Ray Dewberry.
“Professor Bylyku would come in early and stay late to answer all my questions. And there were a lot of questions, believe me. Professor Dewberry made statistics so understandable and even enjoyable.”
Now, Hazina is preparing for her next chapter at Texas State University, where she plans to continue building toward a bachelor’s degree. As she reflects on her journey, Hazina hopes others considering college understand that there is no deadline on pursuing their goals.
“Do it. It doesn’t matter how fast or slow it takes you to finish. It doesn’t matter how old or young you are, either. It is rewarding!”
ACC will celebrate more than 3,700 spring graduates during its Spring 2026 Commencement ceremonies on Thursday, May 14, at the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park. Ceremonies will be held at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Help celebrate Hazina and the Class of 2026 by sharing a message of encouragement on the Padlet Wall.