“I started school here last year when I was 16. In high school, I took my 11th and 12th grade classes during the same year. I was already ahead with some of my classes and had a lot of my electives done. So, I thought, ‘Why not go ahead and take all of the classes that I need instead of taking classes that I don’t need?’

My teachers and counselors didn’t want me to do get out of school that early because they said that I was too young. And, other adults said that I wasn’t ready for the college environment. But, I felt like I was really mature, and I don’t get involved in negative stuff. I know good from bad, so I’m watching over myself. I felt like I was ready, and my mom felt like I was ready. So, here I am.

I don’t really tell my age to a lot of people. Some of my summer bridge classmates know about my age, and a few others know. But, I guess, just about everyone will know now.”

– Charity, sophomore computer engineering major from Jackson, Mississippi

Share: