At 30 years old, Sarah Hutcher’s path to higher education looked different from that of a traditional college student. After taking her first ACC class while working full time, she quickly discovered a passion for learning and a community that believed in her potential.
Encouraged by faculty mentors and challenged through the Honors Program, Sarah expanded her goals beyond what she once thought possible. This fall, she will transfer to Yale University to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.
ACC spoke with her as she reflects on her time at ACC, the transfer process, and the people who helped her get there.
Tell me about your time at ACC.
I have been astounded by the amount of support I’ve received at ACC. Not only was I able to join several different organizations that matched my interests and goals, but ACC also gave me the support to create my own organizations that support other students on similar paths. The professors I had truly cared about the material and about their students succeeding.
How did the Honors Program help prepare you for moving to an Ivy League school?
I really valued my time in the Honors Program. The small class sizes and in-depth projects made me realize what I value out of my education, and to seek out other institutions that would offer a similar experience. The program also gave me opportunities that would not have been available to me otherwise, and generally made me feel seen and supported.
How does it feel to be transferring?
It still feels incredibly surreal. I know I have worked hard and earned this opportunity for myself, but I don’t believe imposter syndrome will ever fully cease.
What was it like the moment you found out you were accepted?
I was in disbelief! I did not think I would be accepted. There were a lot of emotions flying around at once, especially with a cross-country move to consider.
Tell me a bit about your transfer process.
When I first arrived at ACC, the plan in my mind was to either attend [the University of Texas] or Texas State. It was after my time at ACC, and especially my time in the Honors Program, that opened my eyes to what other opportunities are out there. I wouldn’t have even considered applying to an Ivy League school if one of my honors professors hadn’t suggested it. I’m eternally grateful to ACC and everyone there that’s supported me along the way.
What was the most challenging part of applying to an Ivy League school?
Yale was the only Ivy League school I applied to specifically because of their program for nontraditional students and the recommendation from an honors professor, but the SIX essays were definitely a lot of work! The entire process was incredibly stressful, especially having an interview and then decisions being released an entire month later.
What was your favorite part of ACC?
I will always be grateful to the community I’ve found here. Especially being older than a traditional undergraduate, I felt very comfortable surrounded by other nontraditional students working towards a similar goal, and I felt like the faculty and staff recognized that we had different challenges and strengths than a typical 18-20-year-old student and met us where we were at.
Any faculty or staff you want to recognize for supporting you?
Gabriel Arellano and Conrad Miller! Professor Arellano let me show up to his office hours and gave me extra material when I wasn’t even in his class anymore because I wanted something more challenging. He even went as far as to “grade” the assignments I was turning in. Professor Miller was the one who suggested I apply to Yale in the first place, and I don’t think I would have otherwise. He took such care in making sure his students knew the foundations and had a strong grasp of the material (especially where formulas actually come from). They are both so incredibly passionate about the courses they teach and truly care about every single one of their students. I am so sad I will not be able to attend any more lectures from them. (I’d also love to use this as an opportunity to once again try to convince Professor Arellano to teach an honors engineering physics course.)
What would you tell someone considering applying for college?
Open your mind up to more possibilities. There may be extenuating circumstances that keep you in Texas, but more often than not, they are barriers you’ve created in your own mind and are fully surmountable. You can achieve so much in life if you open yourself up to more opportunities and apply yourself.
What advice do you have for community college students aiming for top-tier schools?
I know it gets said a lot, but be yourself and be honest! These schools are not investing in churning out another degree; they’re investing in YOU. An authentic, cohesive story will go a lot further than an eclectic list of extracurriculars and achievements that you’re not passionate about.
Anything else you would like to add?
Having struggled in life or taken a different path does not discount your capabilities. I am so incredibly grateful for the insight and values I gained from the difficult experiences in my life, and I don’t think I’d be where I am without the lessons I learned from them. It’s important to value yourself, and ACC makes that a lot easier when every faculty and staff member values you, too.
Sarah is one of several ACC Honors Program students earning admission to Ivy League and other top-tier universities this fall, reflecting the opportunities available to students who begin their educational journey at community college.