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Astride D Tchoffo

Biography

Profile: Astride Tchoffo grew up in Douala, the largest city in Cameroon, and came to the U.S. in 2009 to attend community college in Arizona.  A superb student in a difficult academic major (engineering), Astride also worked diligently to master English, which she has adopted as her third language after her native French and Mbäfeung.  It also didn’t take Astride long to begin to join in and give back to the Pima Community College through the many service projects she immersed herself in.  But Astride is on a mission in the U.S., and it is family-related. “I always dreamed of becoming an electrical engineer and also longed to work in a field which improved the health of people,” said Astride.  The reason for these varied aspirations?  Astride’s sister was paralyzed because of neonatal meningitis. “Due to the lack of appropriate medical equipment and information about the disease in Cameroon, the doctor couldn't do much to help her,” she said. “Therefore, I decided to become an electrical engineer and apply my knowledge to the medical field for the preservation of health.”

Inspiration:  Dr Anthony Pittuco, Astride’s physics instructor, is the teacher that influenced her the most. “He inspired me by his dedication to others and his passion for teaching,” said Astride.  “He taught me to dream big and work hard to achieve my dreams...I have learned from him that  nothing in life comes easily; it is only through hard work, faith in yourself, and perseverance that you will reach your goals.”

Aspiration:  Astride will pursue a bachelor’s of science in electrical engineering at Texas A&M University.  She would like to be an electrical engineer working in the medical field.

Making a Difference: Astride was a dedicated volunteer with groups such as the Sonora Green Builder Fair Expo Committee, the Pima Community College “Caring Day” Project, and with “Tucson Meet Yourself.”  But those are just the organized events she involved herself with.  Astride is a natural leader and took the initiative to mentor several of her fellow student aides in the biology lab where she worked at Pima CC. She also has informally tutored individuals on her own time in her apartment complex.

Accolades:  Astride earned All-Arizona Academic Team recognition and was listed in Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.  She also was selected by Pima Community College West Campus to attend the 2011 National Conference for College Women Student Leaders at the University of Maryland.

Interesting Fact:  Astride is a big fan of “Dora the Explorer.”

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