When Kristan Hennessy first stepped onto Austin Community College District’s (ACC) Eastview Campus, she never imagined how deeply the school would shape her life. Now, at 31-years-old she prepares to graduate with an Associate Degree in Nursing and receive the prestigious Chancellor’s Student Achievement Award (CSAA), Kristan reflects on the transformative journey that has brought her to this moment.

“I never understood why people got really riled up about their alma maters; Now I get it.”

Kristan’s path to this point was anything but straightforward. She is an advocate for change and deeply passionate about community service and advancing equality across race, gender, and socioeconomic lines. But balancing her ambitions with life’s challenges required a college that understood her needs.

“I chose ACC because of its flexibility and reputation,” Kristan says. “When the pandemic hit, ACC quickly moved classes online, making it possible for me to continue my education while everything else seemed to stand still. That decision changed everything for me.”

The flexibility allowed Kristan to thrive, but what kept her coming back to campus was something even deeper. “The people here are amazing,” she says. “Eastview Campus became my home. The faculty and staff were so involved in my success, and I felt like they truly cared about me as a person.”

That support made all the difference. As a parenting student, Kristan found herself juggling the demands of school, family, and her dream of making a difference. Thanks to an email from Professor Alison Thompson, she discovered Generation Hope, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting parenting students.

“I became the Generation Hope student parent fellow and worked alongside college leadership to implement policy changes that help parenting students succeed,” Kristan says. “That one email from Professor Thompson set me on a path I never imagined.”

Her journey wasn’t without its challenges. There were long nights of studying, moments of self-doubt, and countless sacrifices along the way. But with mentors like Angelica Cancino and Professor Mary Cox in her corner, Kristan found the strength to keep going. “Angelica coached and mentored me when I felt overwhelmed. Professor Cox was flexible when I needed to attend scholarship interviews. They, and so many others, showed me that I wasn’t alone.”

Kristan’s time at ACC shaped her academically and reinforced her mission: to address systemic inequities in healthcare. Her goal is to become a nurse midwife or physician, dedicating her career to underserved and underrepresented communities. “I believe meaningful change begins with access to quality healthcare and education,” she says. “That’s the mission I’m committed to.”

Kristan’s next chapter begins at Ascension Seton, where she will work as a labor and delivery nurse while completing a year-long residency. She plans to return to ACC to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and continue building the foundation for her future.

She shares her message for those considering college: “Please just apply. There is absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain. ACC is the place that will help you achieve your dreams, no matter what challenges you face.”

Kristan will be joined by more than 3,900 other graduates invited to participate in fall 2024 commencement ceremony. Friends and family are invited to congratulate students at the H-E-B Center in Cedar Park on Thursday, December 12.

For more information or to get started in nursing, visit austincc.edu/nursing.

Tags: Fall 2024 Commencement, Fall 2024 Graduation, Grads, graduation, Health Science