Ursulle Mbiakop did not want to attend a community college after graduating high school. She moved to Houston from Central Africa at age 16 and had dreamed of going to the University of Texas.

“The U.S. education system was really different and not what I was expecting,” she said. “I didn’t even know how to apply to college, so I got rejected from every school but Lone Star College. To be honest, I felt a little disappointed.”

But things quickly turned around for Mbiakop, whose professors encouraged her to get involved on campus early on. By the time she graduated from LSC-North Harris in spring 2026, she had a full resume, including one of the most prestigious honors a community college student can achieve—being named a Jack Kent Cooke (JKC) Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship semifinalist.

Mbiakop took advantage of nearly every opportunity that came her way, and those experiences at LSCS changed her life for the better. She served as a student club president, was involved in the Honors College, completed a policy fellowship program in Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo’s office, and traveled to Washington, D.C., and New York City with her peers.

“You never know why things happen, but it’s for a reason,” Mbiakop said. “I would tell other students not to limit their dreams. Put yourself out there, even when you’re scared or feel like you don’t belong. Taking one step forward could open doors to so many incredible things.”

She will transfer to the University of Texas this fall as a pre-law student after discovering a passion for political science, civic engagement and immigrant advocacy at LSCS.

Mbiakop was one of 19 JKC scholarship semifinalists from LSCS this year. The college system tied for the most semifinalists produced in 2026, and all eight campuses were on that list for the first time.

Out of 19 LSCS semifinalists, sisters Emily and Milagro Salinas were awarded the highly selective JKC scholarship and will each receive up to $55,000 per year to complete their bachelor’s degrees. The remaining 17 LSCS semifinalists, including Mbiakop, are each receiving a $10,000 scholarship, thanks to an anonymous LSC Foundation donor.

Visit LoneStar.edu/Giving to learn how you can help students achieve their educational goals.