Some would call it crazy to walk onto a college campus as a sophomore in high school at age 15, but I was up for a challenge. The thought that the average student taking classes with me would be at least three to four years older than I was was somewhat intimidating. Now in my second year at RWC I feel like a part of the student body, instead of someone just coming in for a few hours and taking a couple classes with a room full of unfamiliar faces.
There have always been the many comments, like “You’re only 16?” or “What? Are you some kind of genius?” or even “Are you crazy?”
I absolutely hated these questions, but to answer the last two questions, no, I’m not some kind of genius, nor am I crazy. You don’t have to be a genius to take advantage of opportunities given, but you do have to be willing to work a lot harder than you’re usually expected to as a high school student.
Not only is the level of work in college more demanding but also the fact that you learn to be more responsible and mature than the average 15-16 year old. It can be really stressful at times, and most my friends don’t even come close to understanding what it’s like to take 2/3 of your classes at a college instead of breezing by in high school. But I’ve learned to take things one day at a time and budget my time wisely.