Seniors who have earned enough college credits throughout their high school careers will graduate from Lone Star College and earn their Associate’s Degree on Saturday, May 11.
“I joined [College Academy] because I wanted to ensure that I had a headstart in my higher education,” senior Lauren Hernandez said. “I’ve always wanted to pursue a career in either the medical field as a doctor or a lawyer, so I knew that was going to be a lot of schooling; I just wanted to get it out of the way and be ahead and challenge myself with the dual credit courses.”
College Academy has helped Hernandez learn better study habits and challenge herself more through a complex level of thinking.
“It’s definitely been difficult, not for the faint-hearted,” Hernandez said. “It’s helped in more ways than imaginable. Although it didn’t seem worth it at the time, I can confidently say that I’m glad I did take that course.”
Senior Vimala Nair joined this program seeking a “fun, exciting, brand-new opportunity.”
“I think it made me more academically inclined and motivated to try harder in school,” Nair said. “It paid off now that I look back at it because I have a lot more credits and I have a familiar background with college, whereas a lot of other students in high school may not know what college is like.”
Hernandez advises students considering taking this path to make a careful decision and be sure they have the time and determination to commit.
“Know what you’re getting into,” Hernandez said. “Take it if you really feel like you can handle it and if you feel like you’re ready to take on all these extra courses and study. If you’re just trying to fly through high school, don’t take College Academy. But if you’re trying to pursue higher education and want to get those years out of the way, then definitely do College Academy.”
The anticipation of graduating leaves a bittersweet feeling.
“I feel really happy and really sad,” senior Chris Aziz said. “I’m gonna miss a lot of people here, a lot of my friends that I’ve made over the years, a lot of the teachers who have mentored me. But I’m gonna be really happy knowing that I’ve accomplished something over these four years and getting ready to go to the next step of my life.”
Above all, perseverance is what will bring you to success when it is near time to graduate.
“Although it may seem really hard right now and impossible, when you’re at the end, just don’t give up,” Nair said. “You’re right there, don’t do anything to mess it up. Keep going, remember why you chose College Academy, remember why you chose to do this program and go this extra mile, and look back at that motivation because eventually, that’s what’s going to drive you to the end.”
