This is the first story in a series highlighting the inspiring journeys of Tarrant County College students whose lives have been changed by scholarships from the TCC Foundation.
When Marie-Claude Mutomb arrived in the United States from her native Democratic Republic of Congo, no one met her at the door to help her navigate a new country, a new language and an unfamiliar education system.
“Adjusting was really hard,” she recalls. “After my first semester in 2023 at Collin College, I decided to apply to Tarrant County College because it was closer to my sister’s home, and I wanted to live with her during the transition.”
That decision would change everything.
In May, Mutomb graduated from TCC Northeast with an Associate of Science degree. Today she’s preparing for the fall term at Baylor University, where she plans to major in biology with a concentration in global health and a minor in forensic science.
The future pre-med student dreams of becoming a forensic pathologist, a career that blends science, justice and compassion. With quiet determination she says of the field: “Here I can help uncover the truth and give a voice to those who can no longer speak.”
Her journey through TCC was more than academic, it was transformational. She rates the experience “amazing,” from class time to being on campus and interacting with the faculty, staff and administrators.
“Every teacher I had genuinely cared about students’ learning,” she says. “Even the most challenging classes became enjoyable.”
That sense of belonging deepened when she joined Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year colleges. “I met incredible people who supported me, inspired me to get involved and made my time there unforgettable.”
But her path wasn’t without hardship. In 2021 she lost her mother, then her oldest sister paused her own master’s program to support the family. Financial strain became a constant, until unexpected assistance arrived.
She felt “relieved and grateful” to receive the Dr. Larry Darlage Scholarship (named for the former president of TCC Northeast). “Tuition can become very expensive for international students. Receiving the scholarship eased that particular burden. Also, it made me believe that I could get through college and reach my career goals.”
Since its inception in 2014, the scholarship has supported 10 TCC students committed to pursuing a bachelor’s degree at a four-year institution.
For Mutomb, the value of her TCC degree does not lie solely in the credential but in the growth it represents. “It’s the professors who allowed me to understand my learning style, and the TCC community — especially Student Activities, the TCC Northeast Biology Club and PTK officers and advisors — who empowered me to use school resources and grow as a student and a person.”
With just weeks remaining before she heads to Waco, Marie feels ready — so ready. “I feel significantly more prepared now than when I arrived in the United States, and I am confident in my ability to face new challenges with resilience.”
Looking ahead, she envisions staying involved with the school that shaped her.
“As an alumna, I wish to be able to give back to TCC students the same support and encouragement that I was fortunate to receive from the TCC community,” she says. “I’d also love to stay connected with the student organizations I was part of and eventually mentor students who, like me, felt a little uncertain during their college journey.”
Her advice to future students is simple but powerful: “Visit your professors during their office hours and never be afraid to ask questions. TCC is full of people who want to help. There’s no perfect moment — you simply have to take the first step.”
As she reflects on her college days, Marie’s gratitude is obvious. “Enrolling at TCC was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I’ll always be grateful for the amazing people I met and all the opportunities and doors TCC opened for me.”
From a quiet beginning in a new country to a dynamic future in forensic science, Marie-Claude Mutomb’s story is one of character, purpose and the power of community. Bold steps do indeed open doors. When determination meets opportunity, brighter futures follow.