More than 1,500 American Career College graduates walked the stage this June during ACC’s Spring 2026 Graduation ceremony at Toyota Arena in Ontario, California, celebrating their accomplishments in front of approximately 5,000 friends, family members and supporters.
As they crossed the stage at Toyota Arena, the graduates celebrated not only what they had accomplished, but what comes next: new careers, new opportunities and the chance to make a difference in their communities.
For Saray I., an optical technician graduate from ACC-Los Angeles, graduation was a milestone she had worked hard to reach while balancing school and motherhood. As a postpartum mother, Saray said her daughter remained one of her biggest motivations throughout the program.
"I can't believe the day has come and that I made it this far and I'm here. There's hard days, especially when you're pushing to be the best, of course. There's days where I thought I wouldn't be able to make it. I wouldn't be able to do it. Balancing mom life and school was kind of hard, but I made it and I achieved every goal that I set for myself."
During her time at ACC-LA, Saray found support from her instructor, discovered a passion for working with glasses and patients, and was hired during her externship. Now, as she begins her career in the optical field, she said she hopes her journey inspires her daughter to believe that anything is possible.
That sense of purpose also guided Leslie G., a vocational nursing graduate from ACC-Ontario. Leslie, a wife, mother and working student, said she was looking for a nursing program that could fit her life. Through ACC’s part-time option, support from instructors and ATI preparation, she completed the program and passed her NCLEX on the first try.
For Leslie, the decision to pursue nursing was deeply personal.
"I always knew that I wanted to be in healthcare when I was younger because my mom growing up went through cancer twice. And I feel like the nurses like seeing how much they take care of the patients when their family can't be there. That's what I wanted to do. I want to be the nurse that makes the patient feel comfortable and not alone."
Now entering the field, Leslie said she hopes to provide the same comfort and care that inspired her years ago, while also setting an example for her children.
For Cristina G., valedictorian of ACC-Ontario’s Vocational Nursing program, graduation was the result of a decision to take a fearless step toward a new future. After previously studying geology, Cristina said she felt drawn to nursing and saw the field as a way to care for her family, future patients and community.
"I felt called to nursing about two years ago and that's when I looked into the Ontario campus and I found it and everything aligned for me and I decided to be fearless and go for my dreams and I made it happen."
Through family support, self-belief and a passion for learning, Cristina achieved her goal of becoming valedictorian. As a mother, she said she hopes her story shows others — including her son — that they are capable of reaching their dreams.
Olga P., valedictorian of ACC-Orange County’s Vocational Nursing program, also reflected on a journey shaped by perseverance. After overcoming a difficult upbringing and past struggles in school, Olga said she wanted to prove to herself and her family that she was capable of more.
With support from instructors, classmates and loved ones, Olga completed 13 months of hard work and earned two nursing jobs through her clinical experiences.
"Don't give up. I think that was the main thing is don't give up. My family kept pushing me and saying you got this. So even though it was 13 months of non-stop, we got here. So don't ever give up ever."
