When Angel R. Sanchez enrolled at Austin Community College District (ACC)  in summer 2024, he was taking a chance on himself.

Just two years earlier, he was working at a warehouse and wasn’t sure college was the right path. Now, as a Mechanical Engineering student, he’s been awarded the prestigious Hites Transfer Scholarship—Phi Theta Kappa’s top national award, worth up to $7,500.

Angel discovered the opportunity through ACC’s Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) chapter, where a scholarship work session turned into something much bigger.

“When Professor Ashley Silva informed me of my selection for the Hites Scholarship, the first emotion I felt was gratitude to all the people who made it possible: from Apollo Fisher and Dr. Amber Sarker to Catherine Wadbrook and the team of the CREATE summer program.”

Being selected was more than just financial support. It was validation.

“Two years ago, I was working at a warehouse and had convinced myself that college was a scam and that education was not for me. As a recent immigrant to this country, I had no family, friends, or community to support me, but I resolved to make the best of my educational journey.”

That mindset shaped everything that followed. Angel immersed himself in campus life by getting involved, building community, and saying yes to opportunities.

“Student organizations and extracurricular activities pay off, in experiences, acquaintances, opportunities, and yes, in monetary rewards, which is an immense relief from financial burdens and a tacit encouragement to continue.”

In ACC’s Honors Program, he found both challenge and connection, building relationships with faculty and peers who supported his academic and leadership growth. Through PTK, he gained access to scholarships, conferences, and a broader network that helped him see what was possible.

“Through the Honors Program classes and events, I met my best friends and connected with professors who wrote invaluable letters of recommendation. PTK allowed me to become part of an international honors organization and access opportunities that made a real impact on my experience at ACC.”

Finding his community at ACC didn’t just end there. Angel:

• Found and led the ACC Astronomy Club
• Launched the Association of Young Leaders
• Began work on a student-led $25,000 project to install a scaled solar system model at Highland Campus

Angel plans to transfer to a four-year university to continue his studies in Mechanical Engineering, but he wants students who come after him to take away some advice.

“Dare to live. Join, show up, participate. There is no limit to what you can achieve as part of a student organization.”

To learn more about the ACC Honors Program and how to get involved, visitaustincc.edu/honors.

For more information about the ACC PTK program, visit austincc.edu/ptk.

Tags: Honors Program, Mechanical Engineering, Phi Theta Kappa, PTK, scholarship, Transfer