ECP and an AA by Ashley

ECP and an AA by Ashley - December 2016 Scholarship Essay

When I first moved to Florida almost four years ago if you would have told me I will graduate high school with my associates in arts I probably would have laughed at you. I had never faced problems in school but the idea would have seemed crazy, how would someone finish high school while simultaneously earning an AA? The answer lies in the Early College program at Saint Petersburg College.
The Early College Program, or ECP, allows a high school student to become a full-time college student for their junior and senior year of high school. Student are picked by a lottery system and I was lucky enough to be chosen for the Clearwater campus. The classes I have taken have given me experience and are great for a college application. Not only did being chosen help me academically, I have made some incredible friends and memories the past two years. My professors have helped prepare me with study skills and research application for when I go to a university. And the quad events have brought me closer to some of my best friends.
The Early College Program has been the school accomplishment I am the most proud of. I started full-time college at 15 and have been able to manage a grade point average over a 3.6. On top of that I connected with people who have become very close to me. The future looks incredibly promising and it would not have happened without the Early College Program.