By Elizabeth Jones | Observer Correspondent
Photo by Brianna Stevens
When a journey comes to a fork in the road, take both paths.While this may sound physically impossible, it is exactly what high school students, like Kaitlyn Fales, are doing in the dual-enrollment program.
Fales, President of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Treasurer of Alpha Beta Gamma Honor Society, and a member of the Early College Student Advisory Council, has another title as well: Pathways Student.
Pathways, described as “An early college high school opportunity for motivated high school/home school juniors who would like to get a jump start on college,” is one of three dual enrollment programs along with Gateway and general Dual Enrollment.
“It is a lifetime opportunity that students should always try to take advantage of, if they can,” Fales advised. Choosing to leave high school in junior year might seem like a scary decision for any 16-year-old, but Fales saw it a different way.
“I felt as if I never truly fit into the typical high school environment; I wanted a change to be more independent and be challenged. I felt like becoming a part of Pathways was a perfect opportunity to explore my potential and step outside my comfort zone,” she said.
Fales also credited the director and advisor, Natalie Mercier and her office for playing a supportive role in the program and being one of the best aspects of the program as a whole.
“I have been able to be an adult two year early, which is unlike anything I’ve experienced before. I can be appreciated for my abilities and be surrounded by exceptional individuals who inspire me every day.”
Kaitlyn and other Pathways students in her year will graduate this May with a high school diploma and an associates degree.
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