Daniela Brighenti Photo
Austin by her mobile salon outside the Adult Ed graduation.
After her father killed her mom, Veronica Austin drifted, dropped out of school, got in trouble.
She found her way back to a classroom — and then behind a big wheel where she’s steering her own destiny.
Today she drives an 18-wheeler full-time for a living while owning her own mobile salon.
Austin told that inspiring story Tuesday to over 200 graduates of the school that helped her get back on track: the New Haven Adult and Continuing Education Center.
“You might relate to wanting to be angry, to wanting revenge,” Austin told the graduates at their a year-end awards ceremony. (The official commencement ceremony is Thursday evening.) “But I’m here to tell you, you can do much better. You can overcome.”
Austin grew up around Portsea Street and Sherman Avenue in New Haven. She was 8 years old when her father murdered her mother, who had long suffered from the husband’s domestic abuse. Following the drastic incident, Austin recalled, she lost her way.
“I did a lot of fighting, a lot of weed because it was free,” Austin told the students. “I got booted out of Wilbur Cross High School, and then also from Cross Annex.”
But she wanted to prove herself to her family, who, according to Austin, thought she wouldn’t come to anything because of her dark past. That is when she joined Adult Ed in search of her high school diploma.
Contributed photo
Martinez and Vallejo, who are headed next to Gateway Community College.
Austin graduated in 2004, and went on to get a fashion and design and merchandising degree at Gibbs College in Farmington. Though she went through a few stints in modeling, Austin decided she wanted a “real job.” She joined the New England Tractor Trailer School, which led her to where she is today.
“Yes, I drive those big, big trucks,” Austin said. “So don’t think just because it’s a male-dominated field, or any other thing, that you can’t do it. Whatever you have your mind on, keep your mind on it. No one is going to do it for you.”
Her words of inspiration resonated with the students present, who will soon themselves graduate from Adult Ed.
And four lucky students received an additional surprise from Austin: a complete makeover in her mobile beauty salon, “Divas on the Go Salon.”
Winners get the makeover.
Austin started the salon two years ago. She said her priority is making its services affordable to her community, which often cannot always afford “the good life.”
The four winners included the winners of this year’s “King and Queen” competition for the center’s senior dance, Kevin Martinez and Denise Vallejo.
“I know I’m the one speaking to you here today, but I’m so proud of you all,” Austin said.
Thanks for sharing her story. Sometimes we all need to be reminded of the strength and determination that thrives within overlooked communities in this city