Some students arrive at ACC looking for a fresh start. Others come searching for opportunity. Vianca Pinto De La Paz found both, and in the process, she built a community and created a new path forward for herself and her daughter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A first-generation student from Mexico, Vianca began her ACC journey in Fall 2022. She quickly became much more than a student \u2014 she became a leader. Vianca served as the Student Government Association Senator for the Riverside Campus, joined Sigma Kappa Delta, and became an ASCENDER alum, embracing every chance to uplift others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI got to build community by being involved and serve my college as a senator to advocate for students.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of her biggest challenges was learning how to navigate college life with confidence. But everything clicked when she earned the 2024 Thrive Award:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe moment that I was on the right path was when I was one of the 75 students to receive the 2024 Thrive Award.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Throughout her time here, Vianca leaned on the College’s resources \u2014 from child care and tutoring to supportive professors who always made time to help. She also credits mentors like Alejandra Polick and Diana Gorostieta Martinez for guiding her along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cACC is my second home. I have built so many memories and accomplishments here and forever will carry them in my heart.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Next up, Vianca is transferring to Texas State University through the Bats to Cats program to earn her Bachelor\u2019s in Communication Studies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Her advice to future Riverbats: \u201cDon\u2019t be afraid to ask questions to be guided in the right direction and know the resources offered at ACC.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Vianca will join more than 4,440 other graduates invited to participate in the commencement ceremony on Thursday, December 11, at the HEB Center. <\/p>\n\n\n\n