By the time she reached her senior year, Brianna had actually earned 72 free college credits, enough to complete an associate degree. She studied topics including Psychology, Algebra, Sociology, Biology, and Earth Science.
She estimated that the credits she made might have cost around $50,000 if she had actually paid for them elsewhere. “Given that I have to pay for college on my own, the money I saved means a lot to me,” she said.Brianna’s journey was far from simple. She spent long nights studying and completing assignments while balancing both high school and college coursework.At the exact same time, she also worked part-time at a McDonald’s dining establishment, frequently ending up work only to start hours of research later. Some days, she stated, her schedule did not end till 3 a.m.To prevent burnout, she learned to take time-outs in between classes and work, even if it implied simply
resting for a couple of minutes. Among the greatest difficulties Brianna dealt with was the distinction between high school and college knowing systems.Unlike high school,
where teachers constantly reminded trainees about tasks, college required self-discipline and individual responsibility
.”My teachers treated me like a grownup. It was my duty to remember, complete tasks, and study without consistent tips.”That experience helped her establish strong time management and self-discipline skills. Through the early college program, Brianna likewise found a passion for psychology
, a subject she had never formerly considered.Studying Psychology 101 helped her comprehend human behavior, emotions, and psychological health, and it opened 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 significant in pre-medical lab science. Her Ivy Tech credits will move towards her bachelor’s degree, conserving both time and money. Brianna hopes her story will influence other students, especially those fretted about college expenses, to make the most of dual-credit programs.