Redefining Success: A Journey from Rwanda to Dell Technologies
When computer science alumni Aime Byiringiro '25 arrived at TCU from Rwanda, he was ready to embark on a path of learning, challenge and transformation. Now, as a software engineer at Dell Technologies, he reflects on how TCU helped him redefine success, discover purpose; and feel at home thousands of miles from the African continent.
The Start of Something New
Byiringiro's college journey began with a recommendation from his high school college counselor. TCU wasn’t originally on his radar, but after learning more about its programs and community, he applied, and received a generous financial aid offer, making TCU a possibility.
Originally interested in mechanical engineering, Byiringiro eventually discovered that computer science was a better fit. The shift wasn’t just academic, it was a realization of the kind of impact he wanted to make.
“When you design and build something, you’re bringing something to life,” he says. “It’s taking abstractions and turning them into reality. That's pretty much what coding does. TCU helped me redirect and realign my passion for building things.”
This passion led to an internship and eventually a full-time role as a software engineer at Dell Technologies. He first heard about the opportunity through a friend and seized it. The moment he received the offer, he immediately called his parents back home in Rwanda. “They screamed,” he says, smiling. “It was a moment of pure gratitude to God.”
The TCU Experience
From early on, Byiringiro made it a priority to manage his time wisely. Writing his top priorities down is a habit he began in high school, which helped him stay grounded and prioritize as life got busier in college.
His involvement in Christian ministry on campus and leadership development programs like Frog Aides shaped his growth as a person and helped him find community on campus.
“Frog Aides was the best experience I’ve ever had,” he says. Frog Aides is a first-year organization that equips students with leadership skills, meaningful community service projects, and a strong community.
Byiringiro also found a Rwandan community on campus his first year, which gave him a sense of home right here in Fort Worth.
Life in Texas and Lessons Learned
As an international student, Byiringiro expected challenges, but also knew that growth would come through them.
“I came here knowing it would be a long journey of learning,” he reflects. “And it’s been full of ups and downs. But I’ve been well-supported, from my host family to my professors to the Rwandan community here.”
And what surprised him most about Texas? “People think Africa is hotter than Texas,” he laughs.
Words of Wisdom
His advice for incoming international students is clear: start planning early and take your growth seriously.
“Once you get here, start thinking about life after college. Work hard, because TCU gives you everything you need to succeed; the resources for international students here are amazing.”
And his advice for future Horned Frogs in general?
“Be willing to learn.”
One Word to Describe His TCU Experience?
“Humbled. The TCU experience helped me redefine success by seeing the substance of what I'm doing rather than the visible success.”
Byiringiro adds to this – saying that TCU has definitely challenged him. However, in high school, he says, he saw success as measurable, but now realizes that success, to him, is the way you help others that makes a difference and impacts lives.
Byirinigro hopes to use his computer science degree to help people and have a positive impact in whatever he does. If he can help one person, he says, he has fulfilled his purpose.
Sophia Parker ’26 studies strategic communication at TCU with a minor in digital culture and data analytics. She is a member of TCU’s John V. Roach Honors College and is from The Woodlands, Texas. Sophie is a strategic communication writer as well as a student ambassador for the Office of Admission.