A Quick Start On College 

Senior Rowan Dean, instead of finishing her last year of high school here, is going for it big with Early College at Vermont State University - Castleton. 

“I decided to go to early college to get a jump start on my college education and career,” Rowan said. It was a good way to finish high school and get a year of college without paying tuition.

 Rowan has decided that after graduating high school, she will stay with Castleton.    

She is taking an English Comp class, a Media Writing class, a Global History class, a Music Appreciation class, and an Anthropology class. Those five classes will also help with her high school credits so she can graduate with her class in June.

As a senior in high school Rowan says, “It’s weird being in college at such a young age,” since she’s a 17-year-old, working with 21-year-olds on projects. 

She also remarks that the relaxed atmosphere of the college is different from high school, “I can get out of school earlier which makes my schedule a little more open and flexible while in high school I had to stay longer than I wanted.” 

“College can be hard to make friends, especially as an introvert,” Rowan said, noting one of the drawbacks. 

Rowan recommends Early College to people who don't want/need to be around people too often. “You do feel left out at points, but having an activity to go and do besides school is good,” Rowan says, noting that she is still able to play sports here at Proctor Jr/Senior High School. 

If you are interested in going to Early College, go see VSAC Counselor Nate Hickey or Guidance Counselor Phyllis Currao to find out what’s involved.