When De’Ja Reed decided to return to college, she wasn’t just thinking about herself — she was thinking about her son and building a better future for her family.

“After Fox was born, I decided to go back to school to try to get a degree to help me get a better-paying job. I finally had the motivation. I want to give my son life experiences and be there for him in ways I didn’t have due to the nature of my mom’s job.”

Her story is featured in the new episode of “Day in the Life,” ACC’s award-winning docuseries produced in collaboration with ACCTV and Austin PBS. The episode, “Day in the Life: Parenting Students,” shines a light on student-parents who balance school, work, and family while pursuing their dreams — and the ACC and community programs designed to help them succeed.

“I started at ACC because I needed to be able to get an associate degree part-time while being a mom. The support I have been shown is why I chose ACC. The child care scholarship kept me in school.”

That scholarship wasn’t the only support that helped her stay on track. De’Ja also used counseling services and the food pantry — resources that made it possible to continue her studies even during difficult times.

“My favorite part about ACC is how much they try to provide for their students. I feel like ACC really takes an interest in their students’ needs.”

One moment stands out as a reminder of how much ACC’s faculty care.

“My math professor really helped me focus and make sure I was taking the right path. He even helped keep my son entertained while I took a makeup test because I didn’t have a sitter.”

Now, as De’Ja prepares to complete her associate degree, she’s setting her sights on new goals.

“I am hoping to get my bachelor’s degree, but in the meantime, I am planning on taking a break and trying to become a police officer. Finishing my associate’s can mean higher pay when looking for work, and trying to be a police officer means a big move out of state — back to where I am from, Southern California.”

Reflecting on her time at ACC, De’Ja is grateful for the encouragement she found every step of the way.

“I chose ACC because of all the good things I heard about it and how my friends were getting degrees on their own time. Everyone involved in the process has been very supportive, especially when life events happened,” she said. “This has been the most difficult journey of my life, and I couldn’t have done it without that support. When looking at other community colleges, they don’t have anything close to the support that ACC does for its student body.”

Her advice to others considering college, especially parents, is simple.

“Do it. It’s gonna be hard, but your future self will be thankful. You will receive immense support at ACC, and don’t be afraid to ask for what you need. Ask for help, reach out to your teachers.”

You can watch De’Ja’s story in “Day in the Life: Parenting Students” below or at austincc.edu/acctv.

Tags: ACCTV, Austin PBS, Day In The Life, Parenting Students