FORT WORTH, Texas — The transition to civilian life after military service can be challenging for some veterans. Tarrant County College student Jefflynn Hall has lived this reality but may have found the help she needs through the Veterans Resource Center at TCC South.
The Veterans Administration website notes the challenges that may arise in preparing to enter the workforce and joining or creating a community. That second issue resonates with Hall, for whom community really matters.
“The camaraderie and esprit de corps you gain from the military can be challenging to establish outside of that setting,” she said. Those relationships are especially strong for Hall considering she had served in the Air Force for 20 years; she just recently retired.
Enter the Focus Forward Fellowship, offered since 2016 at the Military Family Research Institute at Purdue University. The fellowship is designed to help women veterans and service members enrolled in a college or university build skills, leadership and a connection with their peers.
It’s designed to help women excel on their home campus and in their careers. One hundred thirty women have gone through the program.
Hall learned about the fellowship in an email from counselor Valerie Groll at the Veterans Resource Center at TCC South.
“Data presented at a Student Veterans of America conference suggested that women veterans are not doing well on a variety of indicators, leading to feeling disengaged and less connected on college campuses,” Groll said.
“Jefflynn had so many questions about the fellowship, but after attending the information sessions, she was convinced this was a great opportunity. I asked her to let me know what she learned at the orientation, and she sent me a detailed summary. I could tell she was very interested.”
Groll said Hall saw this as a nationally competitive program where she can continue to grow as a leader. Indeed, the application process is lengthy and competitive, but Hall “jumped in and earned her spot.”
In March, Hall learned that she had been named a 2025 Focus Forward fellow — one of up to 25 female veterans who will participate in a yearlong program that begins this summer with a four-day residency.
Perhaps it’s no surprise that Hall considers Groll one of the people at TCC who has made a difference in her life. Another is her philosophy professor, Dr. Jeremy Byrd, who said he’s thrilled that Jefflynn received this honor because it is well-deserved.
“I deeply admire her dedication to her studies,” he said, “and greatly appreciate the insightful perspective she brings to our class discussions.”
Hall plans to continue at TCC while she pursues her Associate of Arts and Psychology Field of Study, after which she intends to transfer to Texas Christian University to continue her studies in psychology.
“TCC is my first traditional experience as a full-time student and a great foundation as I continue to climb,” she said. “I have been pleasantly surprised by the amount of support received from staff and educators.”
Would she recommend TCC? Absolutely.
“The College provides a safe and welcoming learning environment whether you are a seasoned adult or transitioning from high school. The variety of majors and trades offered over multiple campuses is amazing.”
She looks forward to the growth she thinks the Focus Forward Fellowship will offer. “I appreciate this fellowship. It will build a strong support network and connect me with corporate mentors while I develop valuable academic and career skills,” she said.
“I’m seeing this as an opportunity to understand and maximize my strengths, gain confidence in problem-solving and learn strategies to succeed both on campus and in my future career.”
Celebrating 60 years of excellence and impact in 2025, Tarrant County College is one of the nation’s largest higher education institutions and boasts the second lowest tuition of Texas’ Top 10 community colleges. A comprehensive two- year college with six campuses in Tarrant County and online classes, TCC offers a range of opportunities for learners of all ages and backgrounds, including Associate of Arts and Associate of Applied Science degrees; workforce and economic development programs; technical and skilled trades programs; and customized training for area businesses and corporations.
Learn more about the services TCC provides veterans and military connected students.