This spring, more than 3,700 graduates will be 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 37-year-old Serena Rangel, who will be earning her Associate of Applied Science in Local Area Network Systems – Security Administration. Serena first started at ACC in 2005 with dual credit courses. She returned to ACC in 2022 to pursue her degree.
Her advice to future graduates is, “There is no single timeline for success. Whether you are just starting or starting over, take that first step. You do not have to have everything figured out—you just have to be willing to begin. Be curious, ask questions, and take the time to build your community. ACC has something for everyone, and it can be both a safe place to land and a starting point to launch your future.”
Read more about her path to graduation below.
Why did you choose ACC?
I first attended ACC as a dual-credit student, but my path eventually led me to continue my education elsewhere. Years later, during the pandemic, I reached a point where I needed to pivot and find a new direction. After briefly attending another university, I realized I needed a program that was both accessible and practical, where I could build a strong foundation. I chose ACC’s Information Technology training program because it gave me the opportunity to develop real-world skills while rebuilding my confidence in both my education and myself.
What challenge did you overcome on your way to graduation?
One of the greatest challenges I faced was continuing forward after experiencing significant personal loss. During my time at ACC, I lost both my spouse and my mother, and each loss forced me to navigate grief while still showing up for my education, my work, and my responsibilities. There were moments where continuing felt impossible, but I kept going. Those experiences shaped my resilience and taught me what it truly means to persevere.
Was there a moment you knew you were on the right path?
I knew I was on the right path when I was in Uvalde, Texas, connecting with students whose goals were shaped by real responsibilities at home. In that moment, I realized I needed to meet them where they were and find ways to make opportunities more accessible. I went on to create an award-winning job readiness workshop, and to this day, students still reach out to me for guidance as they prepare for jobs and interviews. That was when I realized I had become a true leader in my community.
Any faculty or staff you’d like to recognize?
I would like to recognize Professors Mary Kohls, Jon-Mikel Pearson, and Fred Lover for their guidance, encouragement, and belief in me throughout my journey. Their support helped me stay on track and gave me the confidence to keep going, even when things felt overwhelming. I would also like to thank my director, Eric Hutchins, for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to grow within ACC’s IT department, as well as my fellow Electronic Safety and Security team for their constant encouragement as I balanced work and school. Their support made it possible for me to continue, even on the most demanding days.
How did ACC support you?
ACC supported me by giving me both the opportunity and flexibility to succeed. The job training program helped me build a foundation in Information Technology, while the structure of ACC allowed me to balance work, school, and everything else in my life. I also found support through faculty who encouraged my involvement in Phi Theta Kappa and helped bring our service projects to life. That sense of community made a lasting impact on my experience.
What are you most proud of from your time here?
I am most proud of the student leaders I helped grow through Phi Theta Kappa. I have always focused on leading through service by creating space for others to develop their ideas and take ownership of their work. Through that, students led meaningful projects, including the Feeding Families initiative, which later grew into the Riverbat Bites food pantry. Watching their work grow beyond our campus and continue to impact the community has been the most rewarding part of my experience.
What’s next for you?
I plan to complete my bachelor’s degree and continue on to graduate school while building my career in cybersecurity. I am passionate about both learning and teaching, and my long-term goal is to give back to my community by becoming an adjunct professor. I want to continue growing in my field while helping others develop the same skills and opportunities that shaped my journey.