Joy Rollins experienced a bit of nostalgia on Thursday when she brought her daughter, Torria, to Tyler Junior College’s New Student Orientation.
“This is the first time I’ve been back on this campus since I left here in 1986, and it’s still just beautiful,” said Ms. Rollins, a Port Arthur native now living in Atlanta, Georgia.
She came to TJC in 1984, took her core classes and then transferred to the University of North Carolina at Greensboro to study sociology.
Torria plans to major in computer science and pursue a career in IT. She has also applied to work as a manager on the TJC women’s soccer team.
“Today is actually the first time I’ve been here; and so far, I really like it,” Torria said. “For orientation, I’m staying in Crossroads Hall, next door to Bateman Hall. Bateman is where Mom lived and where I’m signed up to live in the fall.”
Ms. Rollins chimed in, “Yes! It was so exciting when she got her dorm assignment for Bateman and I was like, ‘That was my dorm, too!’ She’s assigned to the second floor and I was on the third floor.”
Joy Rollins and her daughter, Torria Rollins, are pictured with Mrs. Rollins’ friends she met as a TJC student from 1984 to 1986. From left: LaShun Scott, Torria Rollins, Joy Rollins, Janae Holland, Doranesia Shelvin, and Tami Eli.
She said there were a few contributing factors in the decision to send Torria to TJC.
“Her godmother -- Pholesha Johnson, who I met when I was at TJC -- lives in the Dallas area, my sister is in Lewisville and my parents live in Beaumont,” she said. “TJC hadn’t been on the list at all, but some things transpired and then there was never any other choice. TJC was it! It’s a good fit, I think. She’ll have a good support system here.”
That support system includes Ms. Rollins’ core group of friends she met when she came to TJC 34 years ago.
“I’m still friends with about five of the girls I met when I lived in Bateman,” she said. “They came in from Houston, Dallas, Tyler, Mineola and Henderson, and they are all waiting for us right now at my hotel. We’re excited to get together and relive our TJC years.”
The group gathered on campus later that afternoon, for an impromptu campus tour and photo session.
“TJC holds so many memories for us,” Ms. Rollins said. “We had so much fun, I never imagined that three decades later I would be bringing my daughter to my school to make her own memories. It’s amazing how many things have changed, but we are so thankful that some have stayed the same. TJC was indeed the right decision for me — and now, for her!”
About TJC New Student Orientation
In addition to learning the nuts and bolts of TJC’s admissions and registration functions and registering for fall classes, new TJC students have the opportunity to meet student leaders and academic advisors, get a closer look at the 125-plus degree and certificate programs, make connections with fellow students, and learn about student life and organizations.
Registration for TJC New Student Orientation continues through July.
Sessions will be held on the TJC main campus on the following dates:
• July 12 and 13
• July 16 and 17
• July 19 and 20
Cost is $50 per person, and the fee covers materials plus meals in the TJC dining hall. Students can pay an additional $20 for lodging in TJC residence halls.
Before registering for orientation, students need to have already applied for admission to TJC and met testing requirements.
Space is limited and early registration is encouraged. To register, go to www.tjc.edu/orientation.
Parents and family members are also encouraged to attend; and special sessions have been designed specifically with parents in mind, giving them an opportunity to meet and ask questions of faculty and staff. Family members can attend at an additional cost of $40 per person.
Students who require accommodations during orientation can contact Tina Dillman, in advance, to arrange interpreting services at 903-510-2841 or Margaret Rapp for all other disability accommodation needs at 903-510-2878.
For special needs with lodging, prior arrangements can be made by calling TJC Residential Life & Housing at 903-510-2345.
For more information, go to www.tjc.edu/orientation or call 903-510-2150.
Fall classes begin Monday, Aug. 27.