Sixteen-year-old Angel Gabriel came to the United States from Venezuela three years ago.
The education system is completely different, he said. It’s a complete adjustment.
“The first year, it was really difficult to adapt. It was really hard to come from a totally different system. But I think it’s very productive for me,” Gabriel said.
High school students returned Aug. 15 for their first day of school for the 2022-23 school year. Tarrant County College South/FWISD Collegiate High School is one of three early college high schools in the district.
TCC South/FWISD Collegiate High School began its first day of classes on Aug. 15. (Cristian ArguetaSoto | Fort Worth Report) 
Student Angel Gabriel, 16, moved to the United States about three years ago from Venezuela. TCC South/FWISD Collegiate High School opened his eyes to the world of technology, he said. (Cristian ArguetaSoto | Fort Worth Report) 
Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker and Fort Worth Police Chief Neil Noakes talk on Aug. 15 at TCC South/FWISD Collegiate High School. (Cristian ArguetaSoto | Fort Worth Report) 
Fort Worth ISD Superintendent Kent Scribner talks to TCC South/FWISD Collegiate High School students on Aug. 15. (Cristian ArguetaSoto | Fort Worth Report) 
Students check lists to see which classroom to go to on Aug. 15 at TCC South/FWISD Collegiate High School. (Cristian ArguetaSoto | Fort Worth Report) 
Tarrant County College mascot Toro, the Trailblazer greets students as they are dropped off by parents on Aug. 15 at TCC South/FWISD Collegiate High School. (Cristian ArguetaSoto | Fort Worth Report) 
Students walk to class on the first day of school, Aug. 15, at TCC South/FWISD Collegiate High School. (Cristian ArguetaSoto | Fort Worth Report)
Students may apply to attend either of the three — TCC South/FWISD Collegiate High School, Marine Creek Collegiate High School or the Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences. Then, students can pursue extracurricular activities such as sports at their “home schools,” or schools assigned to them by where their home is located.
Gabriel, a junior at TCC South/FWISD Collegiate High School, plays soccer at Arlington Heights High School, his assigned home school.
He hopes to become a CEO or become the president of a soccer club, he said. His interest in data science and predictions is watered in his school’s electronics and technology program.
“I’ve been here three years and it’s great. I love it. It was a hard decision to make because we not only left our country, but culture, family and language,” Gabriel said. “I discovered this new world of technology. And I think TCC is doing a great job presenting this pathway.”
Cristian ArguetaSoto is the community engagement journalist at the Fort Worth Report. Contact him by email or via Twitter. At the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here.
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