HOUSTON, TX [June 13, 2012] - After graduating from Houston Community College the morning of Saturday, May 12, Kyle Henry sped from Reliant Stadium to Katy for his second graduation of the day at a Katy-area fire station. Henry, a 2010 graduate of Seven Lakes High School, decided to become a volunteer firefighter the last semester he attended HCC because his part-time college schedule left him wanting more. After conversing with his family about his desire to take on more responsibility, his mother encouraged him to become a volunteer firefighter.

In February of 2012, Henry enrolled at the West I-10 Fire Academy while simultaneously completing his last semester at HCC. Henry's three-month training at the fire academy prepared him to be a volunteer firefighter, which will require him to be on-call at any time of day or night to aid in emergency situations.

Henry described graduation day as tumultuous and exhausting with him and his family arriving at Reliant Stadium before 8 a.m. the day of graduation. Immediately after walking across the stage, Henry departed with his family in tow to attend his fire academy graduation.

Henry plans to attend the University of Houston in the fall. After he completes his bachelor's degree, Henry would love to relocate to Australia, a country he visited as a middle school student. Through this cultural exchange program, Henry developed a passion for the people and customs, and he would welcome an opportunity to manage a team in Australia.

Although Henry considers himself a serial procrastinator, this aspiring business management major managed a 30-hour per week work schedule, fire academy training and a part-time school schedule. He credits HCC faculty for the inspiration to become more studious and responsible for meeting deadlines. Henry encourages other students to plan ahead and be accountable to yourself and to your instructors.

"The motivation to keep going to school can be really difficult at times. Some days, you don't want to go to school and some days are better than others. You really just have to work through it. There is no magic trick that can make balancing work/family/school/life obligations easier. Keep working hard and it will be worth it in a few years," he said.

Dr. Zachary R. Hodges, President of HCC Katy Campus, considers Henry a champion example of perseverance and effectively juggling commitments.

"Henry represents how time management, paired with solid family support, equals a strong case for success in college and the workforce. I am really proud of him," Hodges said.

Photo Cutline

After graduating from Houston Community College the morning of Saturday, May 12, Kyle Henry sped from Reliant Stadium to Katy for his second graduation of the day at a Katy-area fire station. Henry, a 2010 graduate of Seven Lakes High School, decided to become a volunteer firefighter the last semester he attended HCC. Now finished with HCC, Henry will pursue a business degree at the University of Houston.

About HCC

HCC is one of the country's largest singly-accredited, open-admission, community colleges offering associate degrees, certificates, workforce training and lifelong learning opportunities for 75,000 students each semester. HCC is composed of six colleges that serve the greater Houston area's diverse communities by preparing individuals to live and work in today's increasingly international and technological society. To learn more go to www.hccs.edu. 

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