Exciting Educational Opportunities in Laurens: A Journey Through Dual Enrollment
As the fog lifted over Laurens this morning, the air buzzed with anticipation—not just for the weather, which looked to be turning into scattered thunderstorms later in the day, but also for the future of many local students. Among those paving their path to success is Nadia Sanders, who recently shared her fantastic experience with the Dual Enrollment Program at Piedmont Technical College (PTC).
“It was definitely the dual enrollment. If I hadn’t taken all those credits beforehand, I would not have been able to graduate from the University of South Carolina in only two years,” Nadia explained, reflecting on her academic journey. Graduating with a bachelor’s degree in political science this past May, she is now applying to law schools and working as a legal assistant at The Greene Law Firm in Greenville. What a journey!
What is Dual Enrollment?
Dual Enrollment is an advanced-credit program tailored for high school juniors and seniors, allowing them to take college-level courses while still in high school. And there are numerous ways students can participate. Here they are:
- Traditional Dual Enrollment: Students take courses at their high school with high school instructors.
- OnDECK Classes: Offered on a PTC campus, enabling students to earn high school units and college credits simultaneously.
- Middle College: A partnership with certain school districts that allows students to earn over 48 college credit hours.
- Early Admission: For students eager to earn PTC credits that don’t tie into their high school curricula.
Nadia was among the first to dive into the Middle College option. She shared, “The teachers were very helpful with office hours and meeting up in person. And it also helped having students doing the program with me, you know, having study nights and meeting up to help each other out.” It sounds like a supportive and encouraging environment!
Tackling Challenges
Of course, jumping into college-level coursework isn’t all smooth sailing. Students need to know that these courses demand a lot more focus and effort than typical high school classes. Because Dual Enrollment courses show up on a permanent college transcript, students need to be ready to roll up their sleeves.
Despite her strong drive, Nadia faced some hurdles, particularly in math-heavy courses like statistics and calculus. “I am not that good in math,” she admitted, recalling moments when she felt overwhelmed. But thanks to encouragement from her classmates and academic advisors, she didn’t give up. “They helped me realize that I could keep going and it would be OK,” she said, showcasing the importance of community support.
A Financial Boost
One of the best parts about Dual Enrollment at PTC? It’s designed to be budget-friendly! South Carolina residents can attend tuition-free if they take at least six credit hours per semester. That’s usually around two classes, and who wouldn’t jump at the chance to save some money while earning college credits?
Final Thoughts
If you’re a high school student contemplating your next steps, Nadia has some heartfelt advice: “Take dual enrollment classes, even if you don’t take as many as I did. It’s a good experience to get your feet in the water—see if it’s something you really want to do, and also gain that credit without having to pay money for it.”
Having that associate degree under your belt can be a tremendous asset—it offers a solid foundation as you embark on an exciting career path. The adventure Nadia’s been on shows just how much is possible when you take advantage of the opportunities available right here in Laurens.
So whether it’s a foggy morning or a sunny afternoon, remember there are countless ways to explore your potential—you just need to take the first step!
