Kelynne Gaines receives Presidential Student Achievement Award
Inspired by his late mother to never give up on his goals, Kelynne Gaines will graduate Austin Community College (ACC) in December and travel abroad to Temple University Japan Campus to continue his studies as an international student.
“I learned suddenly how important it is to live each day to its fullest. I lost not only my mother, but also one of my good friends around the same time. It was an eye opener,” says Gaines. “It showed me that life is short and fueled me to pursue my passions.”
“It showed me that life is short and fueled me to pursue my passions.”
Originally from Springfield, Missouri, Kelynne moved to Austin and enrolled at ACC to earn the Associate of Arts in Japanese degree. He graduates magna cum laude this fall with a 3.9 GPA and will continue to study visual storytelling and the Japanese language abroad.
Gaines has made friends in Austin’s Japanese community to learn about their traditions and practice the language skills he has learned in class. He hopes to one day master the language and publish a book.
“All my life I have worked hard for anything I wanted. I was raised independently and I thank my mother for doing so.”
As a member of Phi Theta Kappa, Gaines has made a difference serving the community, attaining skills that have changed his life both academically and emotionally.
“It goes to show that someone that has fallen down can most certainly get back up,” he says. “Student Life and Phi Theta Kappa have helped me grow as a person in leadership and fellowship.”
Gaines will receive ACC’s Presidential Student Achievement Award during commencement exercises Friday, December 16, at the Frank Erwin Center. He was selected by the committee for his perseverance, drive, compassion, and sense of purpose. As a spiritual person, he knows his mother and friend will be rooting him on as he reaches this milestone.
“They were there for me when I was struggling in life, trying to find my way academically,” he says. “Their support brought me to this moment. I’ll carry it with me as I study abroad.”
Tags: career, commencement, Japan, Japanese, Kelynne Gaines, passion, perseverance, Phi Theta Kappa, Presidential Student Achievement Award, student life
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By Lillian M Huerta December 14, 2016 - 6:36 pm
Congratulations, Kelynne and thank you for being part of our ACC community. Best wishes.
By Linda Clement December 15, 2016 - 2:28 pm
Congratulations, Kel! I hope you will be able to come back our way after your magnificent adventure in Japan. It was always a pleasure to talk with you and your independent and creative mind.
By Patricia Phea December 15, 2016 - 7:51 pm
So proud of you Kelynne! Congratulations!
By Splash Vela December 16, 2016 - 3:18 pm
Welcome to the Club!
By Keelee Moseley December 16, 2016 - 6:37 pm
Congratulations! We haven’t met but I’m very proud of you 🙂
By Rosario Velazquez December 19, 2016 - 10:05 am
Congratulations, Kel!!!!!!I
I was privilege to meet you on summer 2016 as our Japanese SI student. You were always very dedicated and hard working. You helped me get through my Japanese course, and I am so grateful for that. Continue with that strong spirit of perseverance you always showed, and you will keep on surprising yourself on each step you take.
Good luck in Japan and God bless you forever!
By Charles Cook December 19, 2016 - 9:42 pm
Kel, it was an honor to meet you at our ACC graduation. What an impressive young man you are. Congratulations on your award and best wishes for continued success!
By Laura December 22, 2016 - 3:08 pm
Congrats to you and best wishes for all your future endeavors. I think it is wonderful you have found your life’s passion which is fueled by the love and lessons from your mom.
By Phyllis December 22, 2016 - 6:37 pm
Congratulations! What a great success story. I wish you continued success in your journey to Japan and future, and also know you have angels watching over you!!!