What if you could graduate from high school with a head start on a college degree? Through Middle College, eligible students can earn college credits while completing high school, with the opportunity to earn an associate’s degree by the time they graduate. For students willing to put in the work, it’s a chance to save time on the path to higher education while gaining valuable experience along the way.
At Community High School, Sophia Luna is making the most of that opportunity by working toward long-term academic goals, discovering a passion for English and developing skills that will last well beyond graduation.
“Middle College means working hard to achieve my future goals sooner,” Luna explained. “It has its ups and downs, but if I find the time and put in the work, it typically works out in the end.”
This hard work is paying off. By earning college credits in high school, Luna is jump-starting a degree and moving closer to an ambitious goal of earning a doctorate. Getting ahead now could help make this dream possible sooner.
Middle College has also helped Luna discover a potential career path. After experiencing higher-level classes and learning from inspiring professors, she changed majors to English with the goal of becoming “a great professor like the ones I have encountered in these classes.”
The experience has offered valuable lessons beyond academics, too. Through coursework and interactions with peers, Luna has learned to advocate for herself and others, a skill that will be valuable in college, the workplace and everyday life.
One unexpected discovery has been just how much she enjoys the challenge of college-level classes. Although balancing high school responsibilities with college coursework takes time, organization and discipline, Luna says developing a good routine and keeping up with deadlines have helped make the workload manageable.
Another important lesson has been learning to communicate with professors. Initially, approaching them was challenging, but that confidence has grown with experience.
“They want you to succeed as much as you do,” Luna remarked. “They will match your efforts and help you any way they can.”
That growing confidence and ability to manage competing responsibilities are helping prepare Luna for life after high school.
“It’s preparing me for the work/life balance I will have to master in the future.”
For other students considering Middle College, Luna offers honest advice: Be prepared to put in the effort.
“It is very time-consuming and a lot of hard work, but if you are willing, it will pay off in the end.”
For Luna, Middle College is about more than getting ahead on a degree. It is an opportunity to discover new interests, build confidence and take meaningful steps toward a future career. At Community High School, that journey is already underway, one college class at a time.