For Zachary D., coming to Austin Community College District (ACC) wasn\u2019t just about getting a degree\u2014it was about following a dream. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhen I was 21, I joined the Navy and was in for 5 years. I moved to Austin and started working as a medical assistant at an urgent care [facility]. Within one year, I joined the Radio-Television-Film (RTF) program at ACC.\u201d <\/p>\n
The 27-year-old started in ACC in spring 2023. While he originally saw the RTF program as a stepping stone, it became the launching point for his passion. <\/p>\n
\u201cI originally started as a transfer student to transfer to the University of Texas at Austin. After starting the film program here, I fell in love with how hands-on everything was and decided to stay.\u201d<\/p>\n
This experience has allowed Zachary to immerse himself with other students and put those creative skills to the test.<\/p>\n
\u201cWorking in a creative field allows you to work with so many other amazing people and see the world, and art, from so many different ways. Making my first short film was honestly a blast, as is any time I’m on set. It’s one of the fastest ways to get to know someone and to be their friend!\u201d<\/p>\n
For Zachary, timing and opportunity aligned. His Veterans Affairs benefits made college possible, and ACC\u2019s immersive RTF program gave him the creative space to thrive.<\/p>\n
\u201cI could pay for college and get money back from it. It was time to start being me.\u201d<\/p>\n
His story captures the spirit of It\u2019s Your Time\u2014ACC\u2019s campaign celebrating students who are stepping up, betting on themselves, and building their future on their own terms.<\/p>\n
\u201cI’ve wanted to be involved with film since I was a kid, and so being able to find a place that allows me to fulfill that dream is amazing.\u201d<\/p>\n
Now Zachary has his sights set on the big screen.<\/p>\n
\u201cI’m trying to direct a feature film. I know that’s a huge undertaking but it’s what I want to do, so what’s stopping me?\u201d<\/p>\n
It\u2019s Your Time to start this fall at ACC. For more information, visit austincc.edu\/fall<\/a>. For more information on the RTF program, visit austincc.edu\/rtf<\/a>. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" For Zachary D., coming to Austin Community College District (ACC) wasn\u2019t just about getting a degree\u2014it was about following a dream. \u201cWhen I was 21, I joined the Navy and was in for 5 years. … Continue reading