By Marc Reyes
Early college course enrollment during high school was one of my most transformative academic experiences. On the one hand, taking classes at such a level felt overwhelming, especially as a freshman in high school; not wasting this chance to get ahead in my education and be prepared for the future seemed too good to let slip away. Looking back together, early college shaped my academic and personal traits and outlook on education with its relative benefits and challenges.
The head start is my most crucial advantage in early college. I saved precious time and money that will not be spent later in college because I earned credits in high school. The program also allowed me to experience the rigors expected in college, helping me transition smoothly into higher education and knowing what to expect after high school. More vigorous study habits and self-discipline have been well-developed qualities I might have gotten into slowly if not for this program.
Early college also made me open to a diverse group of peers and instructors. There have been times when I need to work with other people to complete an assignment. Throughout my life, I have never been open to people. With the help of early college, I have been allowed to meet new people, learn their thoughts about subjects, and get to know them individually, which I appreciate now.
It has, however, been challenging. Managing high school and college courses in one go can be very difficult. Indeed, I sometimes felt stretched too thin because I juggled assignments, tests, and extracurricular activities simultaneously. It required a degree of discipline and focus that took some time to master.
The social aspect would be another drawback. Being in college, academics frequently saved me from some early high school experiences- staying with friends or participating in events within the school. Indeed, these were important in my academic development, but at times, they made me feel like maybe I was losing something I would never get back during my childhood.
All in all, early college was an enriching and challenging experience. It gave me a clearer vision of my future, with the means to accomplish my goals, yet it also meant giving up things and choosing priorities carefully. It has never been easy the past four years for me, but despite the challenges, the benefits outweigh them, and I am thankful for the chance to walk this less-treaded path.
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