Austin Community College District (ACC) celebrates more than 3,500 graduates at its fall 2022 commencement ceremony. Friends and family are invited to congratulate students Thursday, December 8, at the H-E-B Center in Cedar Park.

One of those students is Demetria Clayton. Demetria plans to transfer to Texas State University to continue her education to serve her community every day. Learn more about her ACC journey and support to complete her degree. 

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Written by: Demetria Clayton 

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My journey here at ACC has afforded me great support and has given me encouragement not to falter under societal pressures of thinking you have to be of a certain age to pursue furthering your education. 

Coming back to school years after graduating high school was intimidating. However, through strong determination, I would not let myself back down. I knew I had a son who was watching everything that I did. It's one thing to tell your child something, but it is the actions that follow that matter the most. As a teen mom, I knew my actions, directly and indirectly, would affect my son’s outlook on life. I hope to have set the example for my son and many others that no matter what adversities or setbacks you faced or how much time has passed, it’s never too late to pursue higher education or your personal goals. 

It feels amazing to be graduating — something that at one point seemed so far away is finally here and I am ecstatic!

My favorite part of attending ACC is the community. When you walk the halls going to and from classes, you pass countless faces that are on a shared journey with you — whether it’s your fellow colleagues you had the fortunate experience of taking a class with, having a study group with, or striking up a friendly conversation. ACC has always been a welcoming experience.

I would like to thank all the staff and faculty for your amazing support. The professors do such an outstanding job. I appreciate your passion and commitment to teaching us knowledge that will last a lifetime.

I would also like to give special recognition to English Professor Prabha Murthy. Professor Murthy was my English I and II instructor, and I would like to thank you for strengthening my literary prowess. Your strict instruction kept me disciplined in my studies, and your wonderful teachings kept me yearning to learn all I could. Your feedback kept me striving, and it challenged me not to do just good but exceptional. You made a tremendous impact on me that will stay for a lifetime. I will never forget you and your amazing contributions to my education. 

I plan on attending Texas State University for my bachelor’s degree, majoring in Business or Psychology. I will always try to encourage and motivate anyone to become the best version of themselves!

I would tell anyone considering a college that it is something you won’t regret. No dream is too big, and no goal is unobtainable! You got this. I’m rooting for you!