Articles

HCC Global Online Honors College student pursues AI degree with purpose

By Michelle Castrow, Communications Director for Global Online College

Feb 6, 2026


Elexis Robinson, a Global Online Honors College student at Houston City College (HCC), is pursuing a degree in artificial intelligence (AI) with a renewed sense of focus and intention. As a returning student and mother of a young son, she says discipline, structure and support help her excel academically.

After graduating high school in 2019, Robinson enrolled at HCC, but her studies were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and other life circumstances.

Elexis RobinsonCharting a New Path Forward

Following the birth of her son, Robinson made the decision to return to school. This time, she approached education with a different lens. She chose HCC Global Online for its flexibility, academic support, and ability to balance rigorous coursework with the demands of parenthood. Robinson did so well with her studies, that she was accepted into the Honors College. There she found an environment that values accountability, community, rigor, and long-term success.

Robinson entered HCC Honors College with ambitious aspirations and a clear goal. Youthful uncertainty was replaced with stronger study habits and a disciplined approach to learning.  She now maintains a 4.0 GPA and credits the Honors College environment and faculty mentorship with sharpening her critical thinking skills and reinforcing her academic goals.

Balancing Motherhood and Momentum

Through the Global Online format, Robinson can balance coursework with parenting responsibilities while remaining fully engaged in both.  She uses a combination of live instruction, recorded lectures, and college resources to stay organized and focused. This access and flexibility allow Robinson to be a committed mom and a high-achieving student.

Originally pursuing a healthcare career, Robinson discovered her strengths in writing, pattern-recognition, and structured problem solving, which led her to HCC’s Artificial Intelligence program.  Coursework in AI ethics further shaped her interest in policy fairness, technical writing, and the evolution of AI systems.  After completing her associate degree, Robinson plans to continue into HCC’s Bachelor of Applied Technology in AI and Robotics, then hopes to find a job focused on responsible AI development and governance.

Encouraging Others

As a returning student and parent, Robinson understands the challenges of starting over. She has learned to value progress, not just perfection. She encourages fellow and future students to seek out and use all the available resources that HCC provides, remain disciplined, and trust that success doesn’t always follow a single linear path. Each student’s journey is unique and filled with life lessons for those willing to learn.

To learn more about HCC Global Online, visit hccs.edu/online. For more information about the Honors College, including how to apply, contact James Ross-Nazzal, Ph.D. at 713-718-7131, or james.rossnazzal@hccs.edu.