What made you want to graduate early?

I am unhappy here. The teachers and adults are wonderful here, but I don't connect with the kids and I feel I would be happier if I got a head start in the world.

How long have you known that you have wanted to graduate early?

Maybe a year or so prior to the grade I skipped.

What kind of steps have you taken to get to this point?

I have taken all duel credit classes, CP classes; I am involved in GT, NHS, and other activities. 

What are your plans after high school?

To major in biology and obtain a biology degree as a means of acquiring a stable job. I'd like to be a comic book illustrator on the side and perhaps move to North Carolina in the mountains once I can make a decent living.

What are the advantages of graduating early?

I get to start college at 16, which gives me an early start on getting a job and becoming what I longed to be. I get to be happy, meaning all of the self discipline has paid off, and there is nothing better than being content with one's actions.

Do you see any disadvantages of graduating early?

None

What opinions do your family/teachers have about it?

Some people think I am not mature enough to skip, which is absolutely absurd. My teachers are supportive, my family is supportive. Some family friends and other parents have told me that I am too young to go into the world. It's insane how the judgment of people who don't know me want to decide how I should live my life. I have been told by people that "anyone can graduate early" and "it ruined my mother's life." These words are meant to put me down, but I know it won't matter in the end, because it means I get to graduate knowing I have tried my hardest.

What made you want to graduate early?

I wanted to start my journey to become a physician a little faster. 

How long have you known that you have wanted to graduate early?

I learned that I wanted to graduate early at the end of my 9th grade year. 

What kind of steps have you taken to get to this point?

I went and talked to Mrs. Brooks. She has been very helpful on this somewhat confusing path. During the second semester of my tenth grade year, I started taking U.S. Government and went ahead and obtained my Speech credit. 

What are your plans after high school?

My plans are to be a pre-med student and someday become an orthopedic trauma surgeon. 

What do you see as the advantages of graduating early?

A huge advantage would be leaving high school—obviously. And also, I can start my career earlier. 

What do you see as the disadvantages of graduating early?

A huge disadvantage will be leaving behind friends from over a decade. To me, that is the only disadvantage. 

What opinions does your family/teachers have about it?

My family likes that I am doing this. My teachers, for some reason, find it fascinating. 

Any additional information?

I look forward to graduating. My time at this school thus far has been great because of my wonderful friends. 

What made you want to graduate early?

To start my life early and get a head start on living my life how I want to.

How long have you known that you have wanted to graduate early?

Since the end of my sophomore year. 

What kind of steps have you taken to get to this point?

I've grown as a person. I am almost a sophomore in college already. I take night college classes so I can graduate.

What are your plans after high school?

Going to TC for one year and getting my associates degree, and then moving to Seattle and finishing school and live my life from there.

What do you see as the advantages of graduating early?

It gives you a head start on your life and your career.

What do you see as the disadvantages of graduating early?

You miss out on the full four years of high school, and you have to leave your friends behind.

What opinions does your family/teachers have about it?

They like it because I have grown to become the person I am to be graduating early.

Any additional information?

It's not that hard to do, you just need to know what you want to do before.

What made you want to graduate early?

I made the decision to graduate early because I felt like it was the best decision to make for myself at the time. I’ve always felt apart from my classmates at school and I wanted to get a head start on college and my life after high school. 

How long have you known that you have wanted to graduate early?

I decided I wanted to graduate early during my sophomore year. 

What kind of steps have you taken to get to this point?

I spent a lot of time asking myself if this was really what I wanted to do and if I was sure of it. I’ve attended a board meeting regarding my early graduation and have combined my junior and senior year with all the classes I need to graduate. I’m also taking a college class. 

What are your plans after high school?

After high school I plan on attending Texarkana College for two years and pursuing my interest in business, and then transfer to another college for my junior and senior year. 

What do you see as the advantages of graduating early?

Graduating early is allowing me to get a head start on a career. The sooner I graduate from high school and college, the sooner I’ll be able to begin earning money. 

What do you see as the disadvantages of graduating early?

Being young and graduating at only 16 limits certain things I would be able to do if I was to go off to college by myself. Graduating early also means that I won’t graduate with my best friends or make any more school memories with them. I’ll also be missing out on a year of activities.

What opinions does your family/teachers have about it?

My family and some of my teachers support my decision and are here for me all the way. Some of my family thinks I shouldn’t graduate early as well as one teacher because she doesn’t think that I’m ready. 

Any additional information?

Regardless of anyone’s opinion I’m going through with this because I believe in myself and I have worked so hard. 

What made you want to graduate early?

I considered it because of things going on with me personally, and at the time I wanted to jump-start my nursing career. It seemed interesting to me, so I talked with the counselor and I got the process started. 

How long have you known that you have wanted to graduate early?

I didn’t have it planned. It was something I decided to do in the moment and I don’t regret it. 

What kind of steps have you taken to get to this point?

I’ve had to adjust my classes and I’ll possibly have to pick up more classes to get where I want to go with my career, but ultimately it will be worth it when I graduate. 

What are your plans after high school?

I plan on going to college to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice and later become a Police Officer. 

What do you see as the advantages of graduating early?

I get a head-start on my life and career. I will be able to start making income for myself and start traveling and exploring the world. 

What do you see as the disadvantages of graduating early?

I will miss all of my friends and miss being able to cheer with the cheer team. 

What opinions does your family/teachers have about it?

They all stand behind me 100%. They think this is a great way for me to get a jump start into adulthood.

Any additional information?

I want to thank the school board for allowing me to have this experience. It is helping me mature for when I step into the real world.