By the time she reached her senior year, Brianna had actually earned 72 free college credits, enough to finish an associate degree. She studied topics consisting of Psychology, Algebra, Sociology, Biology, and Earth Science.
She approximated that the credits she made could have cost around $50,000 if she had paid for them elsewhere. “Considering that I have to pay for college on my own, the cash I conserved means a lot to me,” she said.Brianna’s journey was far from easy. She spent long nights studying and completing tasks while balancing both high school and college coursework.At the exact same time, she likewise worked part-time at a McDonald’s restaurant, frequently ending up work only to start hours of research later. Some days, she said, her schedule did not end till 3 a.m.To avoid burnout, she discovered to take short breaks between classes and work, even if it suggested simply
resting for a few minutes. Among the greatest challenges Brianna faced was the difference between high school and college knowing systems.Unlike high school,
where instructors constantly advised students about tasks, college required self-control and personal duty
.”My professors treated me like a grownup. It was my responsibility to remember, total tasks, and study without continuous suggestions.”That experience helped her develop strong time management and self-control skills. Through the early college program, Brianna likewise discovered a passion for psychology
, a subject she had never previously considered.Studying Psychology 101 assisted her understand human behavior, emotions, and psychological health, and it opened brand-new scholastic interests for her.Brianna finished her associate degree in May 2020, even before getting her high school diploma.
She plans to continue her education at the University of Kentucky, where she will major in pre-medical laboratory science. Her Ivy Tech credits will move toward her bachelor’s degree, saving both time and money. Brianna hopes her story will inspire other students, specifically those worried about college expenses, to make the most of dual-credit programs.