Fernanda Roel could have attended college closer to her native Crandall, but she chose Tyler Junior College instead.
“I went to a community college in the Dallas area at first, but I didn’t enjoy it,” she said. “Then I came to TJC, and it was great. I was kind of scared as a freshman, but the people here really embrace you and help you open up.”
At the time of this interview, Roel was attending TJC’s Walk-In Wednesday event, getting advised and registered in preparation for her fall classes.
A sophomore education major, she eventually plans to be an elementary school teacher — preferably third grade.
“My grandfather was a history professor in Mexico, and he used to take me to his classes when I was little,” she said. “So, ever since then, I knew that teaching was what I wanted to do.”
She is passionate about her educational journey — so much so that she commutes 80 miles from Crandall to TJC each day to attend classes.
Fernanda Roel
“I am a full-time student with a full-time job,” said Roel, who divides her time as a server at Olive Garden and at a landscaping company. “I have my TJC classes on Mondays and Tuesdays. On those days, I get up at 4 a.m., start driving at 6, get here at 8, leave here at 5 and get home at 7. The other days, I work and I study.”
It’s a big sacrifice right now, but it’s an investment of time and effort that she knows will pay off someday when she’s surrounded by a classroom of third-graders.
“TJC is just a great school overall,” she said. “It’s where I need to be to get where I want to go.”
TJC advising and registration details
Registration is open for Fall 2022, which begins Monday, Aug. 22.
Walk-in advising and registration is available 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, with extended hours until 7 p.m. Thursday, on the second floor of Rogers Student Center.
In addition to the in-person option, TJC offers online registration as well as virtual advising sessions.
For more information, go to TJC.edu/register.