How Dual Enrollment Can Change a High School Student’s Life

They say knowledge is power. Well, if I hadn’t learned about dual enrollment when I was in high school, I wouldn’t have the powerful future that lies ahead of me now.

When I started high school at City on a Hill, a charter high school in Roxbury, MA, I had never heard of “dual enrollment.” But then again, as a first-generation college-bound student, there were lots of things I’d never heard of—including how I could make my dream of becoming a medical professional a reality.

Then, a lucky thing happened. One day, on my way to see my guidance counselor, I stopped by the school nurse’s office. We got to talking, and I explained how I wanted to explore becoming a medical professional. She shared her insights, including why and how she became a nurse. She gave me lots of guidance in the weeks to come and became my mentor and my biggest champion. She introduced me to health and medical career possibilities and encouraged me to enroll in City on a Hill’s dual enrollment college program at Roxbury Community College. So, I did.

I learned that dual enrollment programs let high school students take college courses and earn college credits as high school juniors and seniors. While it can be a bit overwhelming, there are so many benefits that have already made a huge impact on my life.

Some students start out thinking dual enrollment programs are too hard to juggle with high school academics and activities. Others don’t see the value. Here are five reasons all students should consider dual enrollment programs if their high school offers one.

1. Challenges can be good. Dual enrollment helped me to focus on what I needed to do to succeed academically. It pushed me hard—in a good way—and this spring, I’ll graduate as the Valedictorian of my class. As a kid who struggled with reading and writing, this is something I never thought would happen.
2. It opens doors. In my case, all 16 of the colleges I applied to accepted me. Knowledge gave me choices. Completing a dual enrollment program demonstrated my determination, maturity, and academic achievement. It made my applications stand out, which is why I got into all the colleges where I applied.
3. It prepares you for college. As a first-generation college student, I had no idea what college would be like, and dual enrollment removed some of that uncertainty. It gave me information about how things work and what is expected of me. It empowered me to speak out and take chances. I took some of my college-level classes at night and some during the school day. This forced me to be disciplined and manage my time and priorities. I also got to interact with college students, which I know will make it easier for me when I start college full-time in the fall.
4. Dual enrollment saves time and money. Most kids I know worry about the high cost of college. One huge benefit of dual enrollment is that I’m earning college credits while I’m still in high school. This head start means that I and other students can graduate early from college. I’ll likely be graduating a semester earlier than planned, which represents a big cost savings. I’m also confident that I won’t lose time getting used to a college schedule, interacting with professors, and asking for help when I need it.
5. More mentors. One of the best things that has happened so far in high school is that chance conversation I had with our school nurse. She’s still one of my biggest champions. Now, my college-level classes have exposed me to more educators and professionals whom I would never have met without dual enrollment.

Someone recently asked me, “What’s the best thing about City on a Hill’s dual enrollment program?" After two years of hard work, pushing myself to do things I’d never done before, I realized the greatest benefit of all. It’s not that I got into my dream school and will be pursuing a career in ultrasound technology. It’s that I feel prepared for life after high school and confident about my future.