Corbyn Keen traveled a long way to attend Tyler Junior College — 9,166 miles, to be exact.
A native of East London, South Africa, Keen said, “In my final year of high school, this company came to our school and presented the idea of students continuing their higher education in America.
“My parents and I did the research, and TJC ticked all the boxes where it offered the courses I was interested in, it was the most affordable compared to four-year universities and it had on-campus housing. Also, Texas seemed appealing.”
Upon arriving in Tyler, Keen felt immediately welcomed by the TJC staff and was pleasantly surprised to be greeted by a few TJC students from his home country.
“It was great from the beginning,” he said. “When I checked into the residence hall, the RA (resident assistant) took us to Walmart to buy our bedding and necessities, and the South Africans who were already here took us to dinner the first night because the cafeteria hadn’t opened yet.”
Keen immersed himself into the geology program and was active in the TJC Stem Club.
He also worked as an Ambassador in the TJC Welcome Center, providing campus tours to future students and their families.
“I had a really great experience in my first semester, with meeting people and so many who helped me,” he said. “So, I thought if I joined Ambassadors, I could show people the same experience that I received when I first got here.
“It was fun helping new students who are trying to see if TJC is the right fit for them, and we took them around campus and showed them all of the buildings and organizations and all of the student life aspects of TJC.”
After graduating from TJC in May, Keen plans to transfer to UT Tyler to major in engineering, with eventual plans to remain in Texas and open his own civil engineering firm.
“My original plan was to do geology and then get into oil and gas, because I was in Texas,” he said.
About halfway through the program, Keen consulted with his TJC professors and other geologists, who suggested better long-term prospects in a different industry.
“This was an issue,” he said, “because for me to apply for my green card or work visa, I have to maintain the same job throughout the application process, which could take up to two, three or even five years. If I’m late or halfway through [and lose my job], I would have to redo the whole process again. It seemed too large of a risk to get into the oil and gas industry at this time. My dad is in construction, so going from geology to civil engineering made sense and it’s a more stable job market.”
His TJC geology professor Dr. Rebecca Owens said, “Corbyn was an excellent geology student. He had a genuine interest and asked thoughtful questions during class, which always makes lecturing more fun for the professor. He will succeed in whatever path he chooses in life, though I do hope geology remains part of his plans.”
“The quality professors have allowed me to understand the meaning of attending college,” Keen said. “I have been able to expand my knowledge and discipline while focusing on succeeding in my classes. I will take this experience with me to succeed at my next university.”
In addition to his academic endeavors, he said, “The friendships and relationships I have built with my professors are truly special. I will miss the homey feel TJC has been able to provide.”
Asked if he had any advice for future students, he said, “Succeeding in college is all about how much time and effort you are willing to dedicate to your classes. Attend class, prepare for exams, and don’t forget to join to student organizations. That is where you will meet like-minded people.”