When Brianna Viet took the stage at NIACC’s Education to Employment graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 29th, her message was more than just a reflection – it was a powerful reminder of resilience, transformation, and the life-changing power of education.
Brianna’s path wasn’t traditional. After leaving high school, she completed her High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED) in 2021. That moment marked the beginning of a brand-new chapter. Later in 2021, she enrolled in NIACC’s Automotive Service Technology program and graduated with her Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Spring 2023. Not one to stop there, Brianna returned to NIACC that fall to pursue a second degree in Diesel Technology – and completed it in Spring 2025.
Her connection to the Education to Employment team began during the 2021–2022 school year. With the support of NIACC faculty, her Pathway Navigator Melanie, and dedicated mentors like Larry Eggerth, Brianna gained not only the technical skills needed for a successful career, but also the personal encouragement to keep going – even on the hardest days. “Traditional high school didn’t work for me,” she shared during her graduation speech. “But that wasn’t the end of my story.”
As a first-generation college student, a teenage mother, and a woman in a male-dominated trade, Brianna faced obstacles many might find overwhelming. Yet she never let those barriers define her. Through personal loss, challenges with self-doubt, and the balancing act of parenting and schooling, she persevered. “For many years, I relied on public assistance,” she said honestly. “But through hard work and putting my training into practice, I’ve gotten to a place where I no longer need it. It’s a little scary, but it’s the goal: to be self-sufficient and self-reliant. Education got me there.”
One of her proudest accomplishments? Becoming the role model her daughter needs. “I hope my story reminds her that no matter how hard life gets, you can keep pushing forward.”
Brianna’s story is a powerful reflection of the mission behind NIACC’s Education to Employment team: to guide individuals from the classroom to a career by providing hands-on training, career readiness support, and the resources needed to succeed in high-demand fields. Through personalized guidance, wraparound services, and practical skills development, the team empowers students like Brianna to overcome barriers and achieve long-term self-sufficiency.
To anyone considering a fresh start, Brianna offers this advice:
“Take that first step. Have courage. Lean on the people who support you. You have a place at NIACC, and if you give yourself the chance, your time here could be life-changing.”
Want to hear Brianna’s story in her own words? Watch her full graduation speech below.
