“Joining Early College was by far the best choice I’ve made so far in my academic career, and the community that came along with it made it even more worth it.”
 
What high school did you go to? When did you graduate?
 
I attended Frederick High School and graduated in May 2023.
 
What degree did you earn from FCC?
 
I earned an Associate of Arts in Business Administration and an Associate of Science with a concentration in Engineering, as well as a Certificate of Business Management.
 
What are you doing now and what are your future plans?
 
In fall 2023, I’ll be starting at Purdue University for Aerospace Engineering, and after earning my bachelor’s and master’s degrees, I hope to move into the commercial space industry and one day become an astronaut.
 
What made you decide to apply to the Early College program?
 
I don’t remember exactly how I found out about the program, but as soon as I heard about it, I knew it was where I wanted to be. Since elementary school, I’ve looked for the educational paths that challenge me the most, and this was the next step in that journey and the challenge I was looking for.
 
What was being in the program like, and was it what you expected?
 
Being in the program was the best experience I had throughout my K-12 education, but I wouldn't say it was what I expected. I don't think I had many expectations initially, but the academic freedom of the program surprised me. I loved being able to choose the rigor of my classes, as well as choose the academic load I was undertaking, and the support from both Early College administration (Mr. McClain) and FCC staff (STEM Center) was something I hadn't really experienced before. As for the social component, the community was a completely unexpected upside of the program, especially as we finished our senior year and shared the experiences leading up to graduation. Overall, the program completely exceeded my expectations.
 
What was your favorite thing about being in the Early College program?
 
My favorite thing about Early College was definitely the flexibility, from several perspectives. The flexibility of class times was fantastic (not a morning person), the ability to add more or less credits to my schedule based on what I knew my limits were was exactly the academic challenge I needed, and the support in several departments that allowed me to balance my college and high school responsibilities was incredibly beneficial.
 
What resources did you utilize while in Early College? Were there any offices or staff members that were especially helpful to you?
 
During my time in Early College, the resource I utilized the most was the STEM Center, both for tutoring/review and also as a place to work with peers. The staff often served as a bouncing board for me when studying, to make sure I had the right processes down. Aside from the STEM Center, our Early College advisor Mr. McClain was by far the most helpful staff member at FCC. Not only does he serve as the academic advisor for Early College students, helping us schedule classes and complete our degree pathways, but he also serves as a support system for us. Anytime we had a conflict between our FCC and FCPS schedules and needed an extra voice of support, he would advocate for us, and if we ever had any issues at FCC or simply needed someone to talk to, his door was always open. The program is how great it is because of Mr. McClain.
 
Were you able to stay involved with your high school as an Early College student?
 
I was never super involved with high school to begin with, but to the extent that I was, I was easily able to maintain the balance. I often dropped into my high school for the Ceramics Club, attended pep rallies, went to Spanish Honor Society meetings, volunteered at our high school International Night, and even did Varsity Diving my senior year.
 
How did Early College help you achieve your long-term goals?
 
Not only did Early College allow me to acclimate a higher academic standard than high school and learn to manage my own time, but earning my degrees before even graduating high school set me incredibly far ahead when transferring to my four-year school. The credits I earned at FCC allowed me to enter my university with senior status, and will allow me to begin in my major-specific classes immediately, rather than taking gen-eds. In the long run, this advancement will allow me to graduate with a master's degree in the same amount of time it would normally take for a bachelor’s, and will help me enter my career field at a higher level to begin with.
 
What advice would you give someone considering Early College?
 
I would say that without a doubt, if you’re looking for an academic challenge and a new tight knit friend group, it’s worth giving it a shot. Joining Early College was by far the best choice I’ve made so far in my academic career, and the community that came along with it made it even more worth it. You’ll never know what you could be gaining if you don’t try.

“Early College has not only provided me with academic knowledge but also an excellent network of academic scholars and professors. This network is something I cherish the most, even more than the degree itself.”
 
What high school did you go to? When did you graduate?
 
I attended Brunswick High School and graduated on May 23, 2023.
 
What degree did you earn from FCC?
 
I earned my associate in engineering at FCC.
 
What are you doing now and what are your future plans?
 
I am now about to attend Tuskegee University on a full academic scholarship. Tuskegee University is the number three ranked HBCU in the nation and I will be studying aerospace engineering while also commissioning into the United States Air Force through Air Force ROTC.
 
What made you decide to apply to the Early College program?
 
I saw this as a great opportunity to gain college experience early, which would be beneficial in the long run, especially in such a challenging field. Additionally, I recognized the financial benefits of earning college credits early and at a lower cost than the traditional route.
 
What was being in the program like, and was it what you expected?
 
Early College has been a very enjoyable and interesting experience. Meeting students from other high schools who are just as intelligent and focused on their goals has been a privilege. Everyone encourages each other, so no one feels left out or discouraged in their classes. It’s funny because one of the first questions I asked my Early College advisor was, “Do the students in this program usually become friends?” and his answer was hesitant because of the pandemic and virtual learning, but my fellow peers have become lifelong friends who I can count on for anything, anytime.
 
What was your favorite thing about being in the Early College program?
 
The obvious advantage of Early College is not having to wake up early or having only two classes a day. However, as I mentioned before, the friendships and relationships formed during this time are phenomenal. These connections and networks can provide endless opportunities for future success, not just with fellow classmates, but also with professors, faculty, staff, and other people on campus.
 
What resources did you utilize while in Early College? Were there any offices or staff members that were especially helpful to you?
 
Without a doubt, one of the most valuable resources I utilized was attending my professors' office hours. This precious time was specifically reserved for addressing problems I had within the class. The professors were incredibly helpful during these sessions as they could focus on the specific material I needed assistance with, going beyond the general lectures we attended regularly. In particular, Professor Hartley from the math department was amazing and I took all my math classes with him throughout my four semesters.
 
Were you able to stay involved with your high school as an Early College student?
 
As an Early College student, I typically had more free time compared to regular high school students. This allowed me to easily attend club meetings and events at my high school. I participated in everything a typical high school student would, such as prom, homecoming, and other social events.
 
How did Early College help you achieve your long-term goals?
 
As I mentioned earlier, Early College has not only provided me with academic knowledge but also an excellent network of academic scholars and professors. This network is something I cherish the most, even more than the degree itself.
 
What advice would you give someone considering Early College?
 
I would definitely recommend working on your time management and studying skills if needed. Taking classes at FCC certainly has its pros, but these classes can sometimes be overwhelming. Therefore, it's crucial to have good time management skills and the ability to study effectively.
 

“I knew I wanted to get ahead of my education but I did not know how. When I learned about Early College, I knew this is what I was looking for.”
 
What high school did you go to? When did you graduate?
 
I went to Oakdale High School and graduated in May 2023.
 
What degree did you earn from FCC?
 
I earned a STEM Technology degree at FCC.
 
What are you doing now and what are your future plans?
 
I will be attending UMBC for the next two years to earn my bachelor’s in computer science. I eventually want to find a tech job in a well-known company and get my master’s in cybersecurity.
 
What made you decide to apply to the Early College program?
 
I knew I wanted to get ahead of my education but I did not know how. When I learned about Early College, I knew this is what I was looking for. It was a big step to help me achieve what I wanted.
 
What was being in the program like, and was it what you expected?
 
Being in the program was such a great experience. I made new friends that became a big part of my life. My advisors as well were some of the best I have come across so far. They are thoughtful and are happy to create conversation with you. The whole experience was something I never expected.
 
What was your favorite thing about being in the Early College program?
 
My favorite part of the whole program would be having people around you with similar struggles whether it be an upcoming exam or personal drama. We were all open with our problems and we all helped each other which was the best part.
 
What resources did you utilize while in Early College? Were there any offices or staff members that were especially helpful to you?
 
My advisors, Andrew McClain and Elizabeth Duffy were some of the best people I have ever met. They are thoughtful and Andrew always helped me with my classes especially after a not so great first semester. The writing and reading center was also a great place to study and get tutored in anything that involves research or writing.
 
Were you able to stay involved with your high school as an Early College student?
 
Personally, I branched out of my high school when I started Early College but I was still able to keep a connection with old friends and still went to main school events that were fun to go to.
 
How did Early College help you achieve your long-term goals?
 
This program helped me get a big jump start on my college education. I plan on doing a dual degree plan for my four years which will allow me to get my bachelor’s and master’s in the next three years which is crazy. I will already have my master’s degree while most will still be working on their undergraduate degree.
 
What advice would you give someone considering Early College?
 
It is going to be a long journey full of ups and downs. But one thing I can promise is that you will learn information rapidly and it will benefit you in the end. Try not to stress too much and have fun. Attend the FCC events and stay connected to your high school if you can.

“Being able to take college classes in high school gave me more of a sense of what careers I possibly would or would not be interested in.”
 
What high school did you go to? When did you graduate?
 
I attended Governor Thomas Johnson High School and I graduated in May 2023.
 
What degree did you earn from FCC?
 
I earned an associate degree in business administration from FCC.
 
What are you doing now and what are your future plans?
 
I am attending the University of Maryland for my remaining two years of college to pursue a finance degree. At the University of Maryland, I was selected to participate in the honor's college.
 
What made you decide to apply to the Early College program?
 
I first heard about the Early College program through my high school counselor when I was in my sophomore year of high school. I originally wanted to graduate early from high school, but my counselor informed me about other academic routes besides graduating early, such as Early College. Once I heard about Early College and the fact that I would be able to graduate high school with my associate degree, I immediately wanted to apply to the program.
 
What was being in the program like, and was it what you expected?
 
The program was a bit of an adjustment from what I had been used to in terms of structure and freedom. Before I started my first semester in Early College, I was very nervous about how it would be. It was much better than I expected. Once I began my first semester at FCC, I loved it. I had so much freedom in my schedule, and many of the professors and staff were very nice. Although, I had to get used to the structure of these classes because they were self-paced and unlike high school where there's someone constantly telling you what to do.
 
What was your favorite thing about being in the Early College program?
 
My favorite thing about being in the Early College program was being able to get a head start in my career path. Being able to take college classes in high school gave me more of a sense of what careers I possibly would or would not be interested in.
 
What resources did you utilize while in Early College? Were there any offices or staff members that were especially helpful to you?
 
The resources I utilized the most were the STEM Center and the library research database. The STEM Center was extremely helpful when I needed help for my math or science classes, and I would definitely recommend going there.
 
Were you able to stay involved with your high school as an Ealy College student?
 
I was able to stay involved with my high school as an Early College student. I played sports, was a part of a few clubs, and I went to many sports games and other events.
 
How did Early College help you achieve your long-term goals?
 
Early College is helping me achieve my long-term goals, such as receiving a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Maryland because it reduces my time there. FCC was also very affordable and helped my family and I save thousands of dollars.
 
What advice would you give someone considering Early College?
 
Early College is a big adjustment from high school classes, so do your best to keep up with your work. There are also a lot of resources to help you at FCC, utilize them the best you can, there's nothing wrong with getting help!

 
 
What high school did you go to? When did you graduate?
 
I attended Governor Thomas Johnson High School and I graduated in May 2023.
 
What degree did you earn from FCC?
 
I earned an associate degree in business administration from FCC.
 
What are you doing now and what are your future plans?
 
I am attending the University of Maryland for my remaining two years of college to pursue a finance degree. At the University of Maryland, I was selected to participate in the honor's college.
 
What made you decide to apply to the Early College program?
 
I first heard about the Early College program through my high school counselor when I was in my sophomore year of high school. I originally wanted to graduate early from high school, but my counselor informed me about other academic routes besides graduating early, such as Early College. Once I heard about Early College and the fact that I would be able to graduate high school with my associate degree, I immediately wanted to apply to the program.
 
What was being in the program like, and was it what you expected?
 
The program was a bit of an adjustment from what I had been used to in terms of structure and freedom. Before I started my first semester in Early College, I was very nervous about how it would be. It was much better than I expected. Once I began my first semester at FCC, I loved it. I had so much freedom in my schedule, and many of the professors and staff were very nice. Although, I had to get used to the structure of these classes because they were self-paced and unlike high school where there's someone constantly telling you what to do.
 
What was your favorite thing about being in the Early College program?
 
My favorite thing about being in the Early College program was being able to get a head start in my career path. Being able to take college classes in high school gave me more of a sense of what careers I possibly would or would not be interested in.
 
What resources did you utilize while in Early College? Were there any offices or staff members that were especially helpful to you?
 
The resources I utilized the most were the STEM Center and the library research database. The STEM Center was extremely helpful when I needed help for my math or science classes, and I would definitely recommend going there.
 
Were you able to stay involved with your high school as an Ealy College student?
 
I was able to stay involved with my high school as an Early College student. I played sports, was a part of a few clubs, and I went to many sports games and other events.
 
How did Early College help you achieve your long-term goals?
 
Early College is helping me achieve my long-term goals, such as receiving a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Maryland because it reduces my time there. FCC was also very affordable and helped my family and I save thousands of dollars.
 
What advice would you give someone considering Early College?
 
Early College is a big adjustment from high school classes, so do your best to keep up with your work. There are also a lot of resources to help you at FCC, utilize them the best you can, there's nothing wrong with getting help!

“The sense of community at FCC really helped me succeed. It gave me the chance to get to know other students and keep myself accountable.”
 
What high school did you go to? When did you graduate?
 
I went to Walkersville High School and graduated on May 24, 2023.
 
What degree did you earn from FCC?
 
I earned a degree in biology.
 
What are you doing now and what are your future plans?
 
I will attend Baylor University in the fall to continue my biology degree and minor in women’s studies, on the pre-med track. My ultimate goal is to become a fetal surgeon.
 
What made you decide to apply to the Early College program?
 
I wanted to challenge myself academically and get a head start on my academic/college career.
 
What was being in the program like, and was it what you expected?
 
Being in the program was amazing. Not only was I able to learn and improve academically, but also mentally. Participating in the program fostered a lot of personal growth and also helped me to connect with peers who shared similar interests and goals. My experience in the program exceeded my expectations.
 
What was your favorite thing about being in the Early College program?
 
The sense of community that I experienced over the two years. Since our class size was small, it gave us the chance to really get to know each other, keep ourselves accountable, and make sure that everyone got the chance to succeed.
 
What resources did you utilize while in Early College? Were there any offices or staff members that were especially helpful to you?
 
I utilized many resources such as the STEM Center, online tutoring service, and the counseling/wellness service. All of the tutors and counselors were very helpful and important during my time in the program.
 
Were you able to stay involved with your high school as an Ealy College student?
 
Yes! I was in National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Spanish Club, and I played on the varsity volleyball team.
 
How did Early College help you achieve your long-term goals?
 
My long-term goal was to complete high school with an associate degree. The program helped me to visualize my success in higher education. And by doing this, I was able to cross off my goals because I fully knew that I was capable of completing them.
 
What advice would you give someone considering Early College?
 
Believe that you can, and you will. It took me a long time to realize that stressing over grades or assignments isn’t worth it. As long as you truly believe that you’ve succeeded, you will succeed.

 

“What really drew me to the Early College program was the ability to get a feel for college early and at an affordable price all while still being able to compete in high school athletics.”
 
What high school did you go to? When did you graduate?
 
I went to Walkersville High School and graduated in May 2023.
 
What degree did you earn from FCC?
 
Listed below are the following degrees I obtained from FCC with high honors.
 
STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics- Biology Area of Concentration
STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics- Chemistry Area of Concentration
STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics- Engineering Area of Concentration
STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
 
What are you doing now and what are your future plans?
 
Currently I am studying biomedical engineering and wrestling at Columbia University. My future plans include attending medical school with aspirations of becoming an orthopedic surgeon.
 
What made you decide to apply to the Early College program?
 
What really drew me to the Early College program was the ability to get a feel for college early and at an affordable price all while still being able to compete in high school athletics. Although, I initially hesitated because I felt like I would miss out on high school friendships.
 
What was being in the program like, and was it what you expected?
 
Being in the program was pretty different than what I had expected. I didn’t expect to build as many connections and friendships as I did. I also thought it would be more challenging, however this is not the case with all the right guidance.
 
What was your favorite thing about being in the Early College program?
 
I can’t just pick one thing to say is my favorite about Early College as it is really made up of two components. The combination of a rigorous academic environment in a foundation to build long lasting relationships is something I will always cherish.
 
What resources did you utilize while in Early College? Were there any offices or staff members that were especially helpful to you?
 
Andrew McClain, Elizabeth Duffy and my mentors (Professor Val Lochman, Gregory Coldren, and Dr. Debbie Ellis)  were especially helpful to my success at Frederick Community College.
 
Were you able to stay involved with your high school as an Early College student?
 
Yes, although I was not present at my high school I was able to successfully participate in sports and honors societies.
 
How did Early College help you achieve your long-term goals?
 
Early College has equipped me with the right tools to excel at my dream school, Columbia University.
 
What advice would you give someone considering Early College?
 
To anyone considering Early College I suggest that you don’t hesitate to reach out and ask questions. The program is still fairly new and can be tricky to understand the ins and outs. It is always best to ask for help!