In a heartwarming celebration of perseverance, family, and the transformative power of education, a mother and daughter duo from Tarrant County College (TCC) are proving that dreams truly know no age limit. Mary and Tatyana Robinson, a dynamic pair bonded by both blood and books, recently crossed the graduation stage together—each earning an Associate of Arts degree in Psychology. As they stepped into their futures side by side, their story lit up the commencement stage with emotion, triumph, and a reminder that it’s never too late—or too early—to chase your dreams.

 Mary and Tatyana Robinson
 

 

A Shared Path to Purpose

Tatyana Robinson, unsure of her path after high school, took a job working for her mother’s employer. Her growing interest in college coincided with her desire to see her mother fulfill her own academic aspirations. The two made a pact: if they enrolled in college, they would do it together.

“We had heard so many great things from other students about TCC,” Mary recalled. “When Tatyana said she’d go only if I went with her, I thought, ‘Why not?’”

Their decision to enroll at Tarrant County College became the spark that lit a shared journey—filled with encouragement, resilience, and a deepened mother-daughter bond. From anatomy and physiology to psychology and Texas government, the two took several classes together, leaning on one another through deadlines and exams. As their knowledge grew, so did their admiration for one another’s tenacity.

 Chancellor Elva LeBlanc and Mary Robinson
 

Mutual Motivation and Unbreakable Bonds

The classroom became more than a place of learning for the Robinsons—it became a space for growth and empowerment. “I’ve enjoyed every moment of class time with her,” Tatyana said. “We were able to challenge each other as scholars.”

The emotional support they provided each other was crucial. Tatyana described her mother as her academic hero. “She constantly pushed me to believe I’m capable of achieving any goal—regardless of societal expectations. I’m so honored to have graduated alongside her.”

Mary, in turn, credits Tatyana’s faith in her as the reason she never gave up. “I wanted to quit so many times,” she admitted. “But Tatyana would say, ‘Don’t give up. You’ve got this!’ That encouragement carried me through.”

As the two strode across the commencement stage, each cheered for the other, their journey culminating in a shared moment of well-earned celebration. “We can proudly shout, ‘WE DID IT!’”

Professors Who Made a Difference

Both Mary and Tatyana credit their academic success not only to each other but also to the exceptional faculty at TCC. Tatyana praised her professors for helping her see the importance of applying knowledge to uplift society. Meanwhile, Mary gave special shout-outs to instructors like Dr. Fuad Khan, whose dedication to student success made anatomy and physiology come alive; Kimberly Cox, who illuminated the inner workings of Texas government; and Dana Minor, whose passion for psychology left a lasting impression.

Looking Forward: Master’s Degrees on the Horizon

With associate degrees in hand, this powerhouse pair is far from finished. Both mother and daughter plan to pursue their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology, proving that their shared love for education is only growing stronger.

Celebrating 60 Years of Educational Excellence

As Tarrant County College prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2025, stories like Mary and Tatyana Robinson’s exemplify its mission of inclusivity, affordability, and impact. One of the largest higher education institutions in the country, TCC continues to offer affordable pathways to success for students of all backgrounds. With six campuses and robust online programs, TCC is a beacon for learners ready to turn ambition into achievement.

For more information about enrolling or supporting Tarrant County College, visit www.tccd.edu.