From Cameroon to Harvard, Dallas ISD senior is living her American dream

Andrea Tchinda is a high school senior at Hillcrest High School in Dallas ISD, and her journey to the United States began 7,000 miles away from Texas in the African country of Cameroon. Tchinda’s family saw an opportunity to achieve the American dream and chose Dallas as their new home. However, they faced one crucial hurdle: no one spoke English when they arrived.

Despite this enormous obstacle, Tchinda adopted a forward-facing mindset of determination and hard work. She attributed her success to her willingness to step out of her comfort zone, learn from others, and find innovative ways to communicate with her peers.

At Hillcrest, Tchinda excelled academically and athletically. She played on the women’s basketball team and has continued to make her mark within the school community. Her inspiring story caught the attention of her school principal, Terrence Florie, who commended her on her exceptional work ethic and attitude.

Tchinda’s achievements have only just begun. In recognition of her academic excellence, she has been awarded a full academic scholarship to attend Harvard in the fall, where she plans to study computer science. She is determined to inspire other young people, starting with her four younger sisters.

Her family has plenty to celebrate: Tchinda and her parents will become US citizens by the end of the month, and her father is graduating from UT-Dallas with a degree in electrical engineering in December.

Tchinda’s story is a reminder that with perseverance, dedication, and a commitment to personal growth, anything is possible. Her journey serves as an inspiration to all those who strive to achieve their dreams and overcome the obstacles in their paths. Tchinda’s trajectory underscores the power of hard work and determination and shines a light on the opportunities that exist within America that many take for granted.

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