Senior year is a time to figure yourself out before heading off into life, but for these two seniors, their future is coming faster than they had ever imagined. Travis Norris (12) and Briana Jackson (12) are both nearing the end of their high school careers and looking forward to getting a jump-start on their post-secondary education.
“My plan for second semester is to graduate early so I can study to take my real estate license,” Briana Jackson (12) said.
Norris, however, is using this time to get a jump-start on his college courses.
“Second semester I will be full-time at STLCC so all my classes will be at the college not here [OHS],” Travis Norris (12) said.
For both students, leaving high school early is only one of the upsides to this option, though.
“It’s called the Make it Count Program. It’s an opportunity for seniors to spend their second semester at the college. The school pays for all my books and fees, so it’s free,” Norris said.
Leaving high school early was not always on Jackson and Norris’ minds, however. Jackson didn’t start considering it until she talked with her counselor during her junior year, and Norris learned about his program in an email sent to the class of 2024 in early October. Both are looking forward to the opportunities that their decision will provide them.
“Graduating early will help me in my future by letting me get a jump-start on the career I’m wanting to go into, because typically it takes a while,” Jackson said.
Norris shared a similar opinion.
“[It] just gives me a head start on college classes,” Norris said. “Real college is expensive, and any way to save money is perfectly fine with me.”
Even though they are excited for these new opportunities, Norris and Jackson will miss some aspects of high school life.
“The only thing I will miss about high school is the experience,” Jackson said, “going to football games and dances.”
But the two can still participate in a few things around OHS even though they won’t be attending classes.
“I can still go to games and participate in my clubs,” Norris said. “I’m still an Oakville student — I just won’t take any classes here.”
For Jackson, there are two perks that stand out above the rest.
“The best thing about this option is that I still get to walk on stage with my class in June and that I’m still allowed to go to prom,” Jackson said.
Norris feels similarly to Jackson and enjoyed his high school experience, but thinks that it is time for something new.
“If you get the opportunity to do something like this,” Norris said, “take it.”
