When Klutvert Tabot arrived in the United States from Cameroon, he carried with him dreams of education, leadership, and service. With only two years in the country before enrolling at Norco College, he was new to American culture, traditions, and the rigorous academic expectations of higher education. However, what he lacked in familiarity, he more than made up for with determination, resilience, and a commitment to making a difference. Now preparing for the MCATs at UC Berkeley, Klutvert stands on the precipice of a future as both a medical doctor and a policy leader. His story is not just one of academic success but of personal transformation, cultural adaptation, and a deep-rooted desire to create change both in America and back in his home country.
A New Beginning: Finding Home at Norco College
For many, community college is a stepping stone to greater opportunities, but for Klutvert, it was the foundation upon which his dreams took shape. Arriving at Norco College, he found not just a school but a community that embraced him, challenged him, and propelled him forward.
"I came to Norco College blindly. It was close to my house, and it was my only option. But I loved it," he recalls.
Norco College was more than an institution; it was a place that introduced him to America. One of his fondest memories was celebrating Halloween for the first time. "It was my first Halloween ever, and it was right after COVID-19. I had never experienced anything like it before. The whole college came together, and it was a moment where I felt like I truly belonged."
His role as Vice President of the Associated Students of Norco College gave him the opportunity to connect with peers, faculty, and administrators who saw his potential and nurtured his ambitions. "President Monica Green was always accessible to students. I could just walk into her office, make an appointment, and talk. That kind of openness made a huge difference; you do not see this level of access to leadership in other places."
The Mentors Who Shaped His Journey
Klutvert's academic success was deeply influenced by the dedicated faculty and classified professionals at Norco College. His English professor, Kendra Jimenez, not only believed in his research but actively supported him with internships and letters of recommendation. "She helped me realize that my ideas mattered. Her class allowed me to research obesity in African Americans, something I am still passionate about today."
Peggy Campo was another guiding force. "She was always there for big decisions. Her biology class prepared me for what was to come at Berkeley."
Sean Davis from the Umoja program became more than just a counselor. "He was like a father figure. He always remembered my birthday, and his support was like no other."
These mentors, along with many others, gave Klutvert the tools he needed to navigate the complexities of higher education. While UC Berkeley is known for its prestige, he credits Norco College with the academic rigor that prepared him for the challenge.
"If I'm being honest, the classes at Norco College were harder than those at Berkeley. The level of discipline and study skills I gained there have been invaluable."
The Power of Advocacy and the American Dream
Klutvert’s experience as an immigrant shaped his understanding of America in ways he hadn't expected. "In Cameroon, we had this perception that everything in America was easy, that opportunities were just handed to you. But I quickly learned that you have to fight. You have to advocate for yourself."
And advocate he did. While interning at a hospital during a Cornell University program, he had a pivotal moment that reaffirmed his commitment to medicine. "I would walk into patient rooms, and when they saw me, a young Black man aspiring to be a doctor, their faces would light up. Representation matters. That experience showed me how much I could change lives."
A Future in Medicine and Politics
Now, as he prepares for medical school, Klutvert's vision extends beyond hospital walls. His goal is to become a neurosurgeon, but his ambitions don’t stop there. He wants to return to Cameroon to address the severe lack of medical infrastructure.
"My best friend was shot in the civil war, and there was no hospital in my town that could help him. That experience still drives me today. In Cameroon, there are only two or three neurosurgeons in the entire country. I want to change that."
But he understands that medicine alone is not enough. "The problems in Cameroon are systemic. I can help as a doctor, but real change comes from leadership. That’s why I plan to go back and run for office one day. With the right policies and leadership, we can create lasting change."
Inspiring the Next Generation
For current Norco College students aspiring to transfer to a four-year university, Klutvert offers simple yet profound advice: "Do not underestimate office hours. They can take your grade from a B to an A. And get involved. Your network is everything. The people you meet at Norco will help shape your future."
Klutvert Tabot's journey from Norco College to UC Berkeley is one of resilience and a living example of the transformative power of strong mentorship, like that offered at Norco College. With each step, he carries the lessons, relationships, and values instilled in him at Norco, using them to forge a path that will one day change lives on both sides of the Atlantic.
As he continues pacing himself for medical school and political aspirations, one thing is clear: the world has only begun to see what Klutvert Tabot is capable of achieving.