TCC Graduate Pursues Dream of Studying in Paris

Tulsa Community College graduate Natasha Bishop is preparing to move across the world after earning her associate degree in French. Inspired by a TCC Study Abroad trip to France, Bishop will continue her education at the American University of Paris this fall.

After graduating from Tulsa Community College in May, Natasha Bishop will spend her summer preparing for a move across the world to pursue her dream of becoming a French professor. Bishop earned an associate degree in French and will transfer to the American University of Paris in August.

Learning in Paris has been Bishop’s goal since participating in TCC’s Study Abroad trip to France in 2025.

“I took the trip with TCC and as soon as we landed there, I thought ‘I can’t wait to come back,’” remembers Bishop.

She spent 10 days exploring the country’s historical landmarks, museums, and neighborhoods while experiencing the French way of life firsthand.

“It’s the culture, the people, the history that really draw me there,” she explains. “You hear stereotypes of French people being a little bit rude, but I can’t say I experienced that. Every single person I spoke to was so kind.”

According to the American University of Paris, the French language is spoken by over 300 million people worldwide on all seven continents. Bishop will join the university’s Global French Studies program to study advanced French language skills and French culture around the world.

Building a Future Through French

Bishop enrolled at TCC in 2024 at the age of 33 with no prior college experience. She quickly found support through the College’s resources and faculty assistance and says TCC’s accessibility made the new experience more manageable.

“Once I hit 30, I thought it was too late to get an education. But being at TCC and seeing all these older people still taking classes, it made me realize I’m still pretty young,” says Bishop. “The TCC website was helpful, and all the in-person resources helped me get where I needed to be, enroll in classes, and get on a degree path.”

Bishop says her decision to major in French came from her interest in languages. As a teenager, she tried learning German, Japanese, and Russian before discovering a passion for the French language. She spent years studying independently before her college courses.

“You can learn a lot on your own but having someone lay out structured learning for you really puts into perspective how much you don’t know,” says Bishop.

She credits several faculty members with cultivating her love for world cultures and interest in teaching. Assistant Professor Corinice Wilson, Ph.D., who teaches Introduction to Cultural Anthropology, was instrumental in developing Bishop’s appreciation for different cultures and heritage.

Wilson says Bishop is an exemplary student and will succeed in Paris.

“What stuck out the most about Natasha was her commitment to learning and critically thinking about how sociology, history, social interaction, and culture influence ‘the collective human experience,’” says Wilson.

Bishop also says French Professor Françoise Sullivan and former Assistant Professor Allen Culpepper helped turn her interest in language into a long-term career goal.

“Professor Culpepper was one of the most fun professors I've had,” shares Bishop. “We had many conversations after class about teaching and what it’s like to work in education.”

While completing her coursework, Bishop also worked as a work-study student at TCC’s Education Outreach Center. She tutored elementary students in reading and English skills through the America Reads America Counts program.

She says the experience strengthened her interest in education and helping students succeed.

“I really enjoyed seeing those kids grow and how far they had come,” Bishop adds

Preparing for Paris

Bishop graduated from TCC debt-free with help from tuition waivers and financial aid. As she prepares for her move to Paris, she is feeling both excited and overwhelmed.

“There are times when I get anxious thinking about checking all the boxes and making sure everything is in order,” Bishop says. “It’s scary. It’s daunting. But I feel like pushing myself is necessary to grow.”

She plans to earn a master’s degree after her time at the American University of Paris, and while she is eager for the opportunity to live and study abroad, Bishop ultimately hopes to bring what she has learned back home.

“Ideally, I would like to come back and teach French somewhere close to here if it’s an option,” she adds.

She hopes her experience encourages other students, especially those who may feel it is too late to pursue higher education or opportunities abroad.

“I really think that it’s never too late to pursue some sort of dream or goal of yours,” Bishop says. “Go after whatever you want to do, and you can figure it out.”