Ten years ago, Willie Pryor walked away from college. This summer, he became a college graduate.
In between those two moments was a journey that challenged him to grow personally, professionally, and academically. Ultimately, he discovered possibilities he hadn’t seen for himself before.
When Willie returned to Austin Community College District (ACC), he wasn’t simply looking for a second chance at school. He wanted to invest in himself, strengthen his skills, and create new opportunities for his future.
“The Willie that first stepped on the ACC campus was a young man not sure of who he was and what he was called to do. He was just a young man without a clear direction, searching for answers in the wrong places.”
This time, Willie had a clear purpose. He was working full time, first at National Instruments and now at Cirrus Logic, while also serving in leadership at his church, spending time with his wife, and pursuing his passion for music.
Returning to college meant adding one more responsibility to an already full life. But Willie was determined.
“It was important to see this through because I got another chance to redeem myself. I also realized this is not about me. Going back to school, finishing and getting my degree, I am doing this for my wife and my future kids, and anybody else who is struggling to decide to go back to college who may think it’s too late or they may say I am too old to do so.”
Finding his place in Advanced Manufacturing
As Willie progressed through ACC’s Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Technology programs, he discovered that the field gave him room to combine technical skills with his natural creativity.
“(My) Digital Fundamentals (class) gave me the freedom to think and create outside the box, and that is me at the core. I am not someone you can put in a box. Eventually, I will find a way out of that box.”
That sense of possibility was reinforced by the faculty who worked with him along the way.
“If you get the right professor, they can teach you anything because not only do they know the material, but they also know how to work with each individual and their learning style.”
One faculty member made an especially lasting impression.
“I like to point out the department chair of the Engineering Technology Department, Rosa Carrasco. She really went above and beyond for me, and because of that, she got me to the place of graduation. She listened when I needed it and gave great recommendations as well.”
The support also extended beyond the classroom. The College’s credit scholarship program helped Willie manage the financial and logistical challenges of returning to college while continuing to work.
“The Adult Career Scholars program allowed me to finish school without pausing my life because they gave me the resources I needed. They paid for my classes, they reached out to me if I ever needed help, and they helped to set me up for success.”
More than a degree
Through the process, Willie says his faith and creativity helped him keep moving when the demands of school, work, and life became difficult.
“My faith in Jesus Christ is all I need; he has given me, and continues to give me, the strength to push forward towards the mark. My creative drive allowed me to maneuver through the school year without crashing or giving up. There were times I felt like giving up, but I relied on Jesus’s strength to get me through.”
And throughout the journey, his wife remained his biggest supporter.
“‘My Wife,’ ‘My Rib,’ ‘My Best Friend,’ and the list goes on. Her being by my side through this journey has been a blessing. She was at the start of school, and she was there at the times I was excited and the times I was not as excited. She saw me pray, cry, and laugh through the whole process.”
Now, Willie has completed his Applied Science Engineering Technology degree and is looking ahead to what’s next. He hopes to continue building his career in engineering while pursuing his passion for music production.
For him, the degree represents much more than completing a set of courses.
“The degree is more than just me getting a piece of paper saying I completed all my courses. That degree is saying I finished what I started, even though the odds were against me. I overcame every obstacle, every trial and tribulation.”
His experience at ACC also changed how he sees himself.
“They built for me what’s next by sharpening me, building me up, and showing me a side of me that I didn’t know was there. I am built for faith, strength, courage, and endurance.”
Now that he has reached the finish line, Willie hopes his story can encourage someone else who may be standing where he once stood.
“It’s never too late. Start again. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Comfort will keep you stagnant. The stretch and heavy lifting are worth the growth.”
For Willie, returning to college wasn’t about going back. It was about moving forward and proving to himself that it was never too late to finish what he started.
For more information on the Advanced Manufacturing program, visit austincc.edu/manufacutring.
Tags: Advanced Manufacturing, BFWN, Built for What's Next, manufacturing, Semiconductor
Back to Top