Most of us were not given a pot of gold | Hear from spring 2025 grad Jacob R. 

Austin Community College District (ACC) will honor over 3,300 graduates at its Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 16, at the H-E-B Center in Cedar Park. Family, friends, and supporters are invited to cheer on students as they cross the stage and step into their next chapter.

Among them is 22-year-old Jacob Reed, who began his journey with ACC through dual credit courses in 2019. This spring, he’ll graduate with an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing. During his time at ACC, Jacob made the most of college life by joining student clubs and helping ACC’s beloved mascot, R.B. the Riverbat, connect with the community.

Read more about Jacob’s path to graduation below.


Why did you choose ACC? 

I chose ACC because of its values, mission, vision, affordability, and community. ACC is a fantastic option for students who want to expand their horizons and start here to get there!

How does it feel to graduate? 

It feels surreal! However, my journey at ACC will continue as I complete my ADN-to-BSN Program and the Pre-Med Coursework. In conclusion, it feels wonderful to graduate with an ADN.

What was your favorite part of ACC? 

I loved everything about ACC, including the courses, professors, community, programs, my employment, and the student organizations! However, my favorite part was being able to meet, interact with, and establish relationships with many brilliant people. You can always learn something from everyone in your environment!

Any faculty or staff you want to recognize supporting you? 

Most importantly, I would love to thank Jesus Christ, my mom, my dad, my brother Jeff Reed, my brother from another mother, Thomas Harrison, Dawn Embry, Dorothy Embry, and my grandma! I would also love to thank Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart, Dr. Dillon, Professor Czap, all the Nursing Professors, my Professor from my prerequisite coursework, the Nursing Assistant Department Chairs, Nursing Administrators and Recruiters, and my ADNSA Team. 

What is next for you? 

Completing the BSN Degree at Austin Community College, working, learning, and growing as a Nurse, and lastly, building my Faith and impacting the environment and people around me. Making a difference is something we are blessed to do! 

What would you tell someone considering applying for college? 

If you genuinely want it, go for it!

Anything else you would like to add? 

I want to give some advice to everyone listening and reading this speech. If God gives you an opportunity, take it while you have a chance because one day, you will look back and wish you had reacted differently. Most of us were not given a pot of gold; therefore, you must go out and get it. As it is written in Galatians 6:9, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” May God bless all of you with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control!

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