When Parker Garcia began his journey at Austin Community College District (ACC), he knew he wanted to attend law school but wasn’t sure how to get there. Through ACC’s Honors Program, campus leadership opportunities, and the support of faculty and mentors, he found the confidence to aim higher than he ever imagined.
After earning associate degrees in Paralegal Studies and Government, Parker will transfer to Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations, where he plans to focus on pre-law and education.
In this Q&A, he reflects on his time at ACC, overcoming imposter syndrome, and why taking a chance on yourself can open doors you never expected.
Tell me about your time at ACC.
My time at ACC was extremely transformative. When I first arrived, I knew I eventually wanted to go to law school, but the path to that future was unclear. I hadn’t been in a classroom since before COVID, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. ACC gave me the opportunity to learn how to be a student again, build confidence in myself, and push myself further than I ever thought possible. Through the Honors Program, student leadership, and the relationships I built along the way, I found a community that challenged me to grow both academically and personally.
How did the Honors Program help prepare you for moving to an Ivy League school?
The Honors coursework challenged me in ways I had not experienced before. The discussions, research projects, and writing assignments pushed me to think critically and consider perspectives different from my own. Those experiences strengthened my writing and helped me develop the confidence to tell my story through my transfer essays. More importantly, the Honors Program taught me how to engage with complex ideas and be comfortable being challenged intellectually.
How does it feel to be transferring?
I can’t believe the time to transfer is finally here. I remember sitting in my first advising appointment thinking that graduation and transfer applications were so far away, but somehow it all flew by. It is definitely bittersweet. ACC is where I found some of my closest friends, mentors, and support systems. Leaving that behind is emotional, but ACC has taught me how to build community wherever I go. I’m excited to take my ACC pride with me to Cornell.
What was it like the moment you found out you were accepted?
Before opening my decision letter, I told myself that no matter what happened, I would be okay. I applied because I wanted to see if I could do it, and I never expected the outcome that followed. When I saw that I had been accepted, I felt proud, excited, and honestly a little scared all at the same time. It was one of those moments that felt surreal. Schools like Cornell felt like places other people went to, not someone like me.
Tell me a bit about your transfer process.
The transfer process was definitely a roller coaster. I spent a lot of time trying to figure out what stories I wanted to tell in my essays and how I wanted to present myself as an applicant. Eventually, I had to trust myself and trust that my experiences were enough. What made the process manageable was the support I received from mentors, friends who had successfully transferred, faculty members, and my family. Having people who believed in me made all the difference.
What was the most challenging part of applying to an Ivy League school?
The most challenging part was fighting imposter syndrome. Every time I looked at my college list, I questioned whether I was being unrealistic by applying to some of those schools. I constantly wondered if I belonged in the same applicant pool as everyone else. What kept me going was reminding myself that the worst thing they could say was no. As long as I had solid backup options, there was no reason not to take a chance on myself.
What was your favorite part of ACC?
I may be a little biased, but my favorite part of ACC was the Honors Program. Being both a student and an employee within the Honors community only deepened my appreciation for it. The program brings together students who are passionate, motivated, and eager to learn from one another. It gave me opportunities I never imagined I would have and introduced me to lifelong friends, mentors, and experiences that helped shape who I am today. As an employee, I also got to see the work that happens behind the scenes to make that community possible. I saw faculty create courses around student interests, develop new opportunities, and work directly with students who may not think Honors is for them. Watching those students realize they do belong and seeing that narrative change was one of my favorite parts of the experience.
Any faculty or staff you want to recognize for supporting you?
There are so many people who played a role in my journey, but I especially want to thank Jana McCarthy, Dr. Anne-Marie Thomas, and Dr. Renee Esparza. Their encouragement, guidance, and belief in me helped me navigate opportunities that I never thought were within reach. There were many times when I felt overwhelmed or unsure of my next step, and they always helped bring me back to where I needed to be. I would also like to thank the entire Honors Program faculty and staff for creating a community where students are challenged, supported, and encouraged to dream bigger.
What would you tell someone considering applying for college?
Apply. Even if you are unsure of yourself, apply. Don’t let fear make the decision for you. There were so many opportunities that I almost talked myself out of pursuing because I didn’t think I was qualified enough. You never know what can happen unless you give yourself the chance.
What advice do you have for community college students aiming for top-tier schools?
Don’t count yourself out before the admissions committee does. Community college students belong in these spaces just as much as anyone else. Focus on building a strong academic record, get involved in your campus community, and take advantage of the resources around you. Most importantly, tell your story honestly. Your experiences and perspective matter more than you think they do. You’re here, but don’t stop here. Keep going.
Anything else you would like to add?
If there is one thing ACC taught me, it is that where you start does not determine where you can end up. If someone had told 17-year-old Parker that in five years he would be choosing between some of the top schools in the country, he would have laughed. Everyone’s journey looks different, and comparing your path to someone else’s only distracts from your own. Community college opened doors I never knew existed and connected me with people who changed my life. I am incredibly grateful for my time at ACC, and I am excited to carry everything I learned here with me as I begin this next chapter at Cornell.
Parker is one of several ACC Honors Program students earning admission to Ivy League and other top-tier universities this fall, reflecting the opportunities available to students who begin their educational journey at community college.
Read more about the accomplishments.
Tags: Cornell, Honors Program, Paralegal, Pre Law, Transfer
Back to Top