ACC Student Spotlight: Isaac Winchester

ACC student Isaac Winchester

What's your major?

Paralegal Certificate

Anticipated graduation semester / year:

Spring 2027

Do you plan to transfer after ACC?

Undecided

Primary Campus(es) you attend:

Littleton Campus

Why did you choose ACC?

I chose ACC for a few reasons. To begin with, it was one of the only colleges that was available to me when I first concurrently enrolled as a sophomore in high school in 2019. At the time, I attended the Parker Campus just a few minutes away from where I lived. Interestingly enough, the main campus - where I now primarily attend classes and work - is in my hometown of Littleton, CO.

What's your Mountain (your ultimate goal)?

To live every day more authentically than the last.

Why did you choose your program/major?

I decided to pursue a Paralegal certificate after I completed my Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice at ACC in 2023. I had originally wanted to transfer to get my baccalaureate degree in Criminal Justice as well. However, I decided to funnel my focus into my job at the time. As a result, my education fell to the back burner. 

After being laid off, I decided it was time to go back to school. I knew that if I was going to go back to ACC, it would be to obtain a Paralegal certificate. That decision has served as a stepping stone to so many new opportunities and potential educational avenues that I simply was not aware of just a few months ago!

What has been the best thing about your program/ACC?

There have been so many wonderful things about both of the programs I have been involved in as well as ACC as a whole. For me, the *best* thing about ACC is getting to make a positive impact on the lives of others. As a member of the Student Government Association and a student employee in the Student Life Office, I have gotten to use my passion for helping others to organize programming that has benefitted my peers. Getting to see someone excited to have some free food from one of our events, find community in an identity-based club, or even just know I am someone they can talk to makes my heart happy.

What's your favorite ACC memory so far?

This is a really tough question because I have made so many memories at ACC that I will cherish forever. I cannot pick just one favorite, so I will give you one of my most recent favorites!

I was lucky enough to be a part of an out-of-state trip to a conference for one of ACC's honor societies. The trip had many highs and lows, but one major standout was when a fellow peer and I spent time splashing around the hotel we were staying at's pool. It was so whimsical and, honestly, childish - in the best way!

Which class has been your favorite so far?

I have been lucky in that almost every class I have taken for both my degree and now my certificate has been engaging and left me better off than before I took it. However, one class stands out amongst the rest. Human Sexuality, taught by Professor Henningsen, is easily one of the best classes available at ACC. No matter your pathway, I highly recommend you enroll in this course if you can.

Were you involved in any clubs, organizations, or activities at ACC? Tell us about it/them.

I have been involved in several clubs, organizations, and activities at ACC! Currently, I am:

  • Student Ambassador in the Student Life Office (M2850 - come say hi!)

  • State Student Advisory Council (SSAC) Representative for our Student Government Association (SGA)

  • Secretary for the State Student Advisory Council (SSAC)

  • Vice President of our National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) chapter

  • Vice President of Membership and Recruitment of our Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) chapter

  • Treasurer of the Queer Alliance Club (QAC)

  • Columnist for the Arapahoe Pinnacle 

In my first year at ACC, I was invited to become a member of our PTK chapter. From there, my engagement snowballed into joining many clubs and I went from student to student leader! These organizations are a huge part of the reason I chose to come back to ACC. Not only have I enjoyed getting to know so many of my peers through these groups, but getting to grow under the guidance of my advisors has been such a wonderful addition to my time here.

Advice or words of wisdom for future students?

There are so many people who will try to hold you back from acheiving your goals. Don't let one of them be you.

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