By Bianca Bower
I chose to expand my education by taking a different path my senior year of high school. I am a current high school student at Hudsonville high school and also enrolled at Grand Rapids Community College: I am classified as a Dual Enrollment Student. By dual enrolling I am now a part of this publication, The Collegiate, and have a unique experience at GRCC.
The decision for me to choose to dual enroll came down to a few key concepts. First off, a full time schedule at high school did not seem all appealing to me when planning my senior year of high school. I wanted to find a way where I didn’t have to stay within the walls of my highschool all day. I was aware of a few other options I could have done instead of dual enrollment: Work Based Learning, where I would receive credit for working instead of going to school, and Career Line Tech Center, where I take classes to focus on a career I want to pursue. I decided against both these options because they wouldn’t have prepared me for the future I want. Work based learning would take credits away from my schooling and CTC didn’t have any courses focused on journalism.
With this, I chose to dual enroll because I want to become a sports broadcaster and attend a large university post high school graduation. I wanted to get my foot in the door, receiving as much experience as possible so I can prepare myself in the media community. I am able to get more experience in journalism, writing and media from the classes I am taking here at GRCC than high school classes could prepare me for.
My decision to enroll at GRCC instead of other neighboring universities like Grand Valley State or Hope College is because of cost. At GRCC most of my tuition here will be covered by my high school and the price I pay is much less than the other schools. The commute also isn’t too much farther than the other neighboring schools from me so that wasn’t a concern.
The spring of 2024 was when I spent time collecting what I needed to enroll at GRCC.
I had to research classes that worked with my high school schedule and sports schedules. Luckily GRCC has a great assortment of online and in-person opportunities. I then had my classes approved by my counselor, principal and my parents for my plans. Once all of this was approved I began enrolling.
Both semesters I have chosen to have one online class, and one in-person class where I attend campus twice a week. I am taking two classes per semester while still attending three classes at my high school, so I have a full schedule.
My days at GRCC may look different from other students. In addition to being a dual enrollment student, I play high school and club volleyball year round and it takes up much of my day. This fall I am going to high school in the early mornings, then commuting to the downtown campus twice a week in the afternoon, and heading back directly after for either practice or a game in the evening. Along with this, I have an online class once a week that I can work on at any time throughout the week. By setting up my schedule like this, it can sometimes be busy, but it has taught me some problem-solving skills and time management.
So far the environment at the college has been quite pleasant. Some days I am greeted by people encouraging students to vote, and others I see people who are eager for you to support a cause that they are passionate about. Each day I’m on campus I know it can be a beneficial day because I am surrounded by students who are working towards a greater future just like me.
One day before my classes started, I visited the downtown campus to get my RaiderCard. While I was there I took time to find my class and explore the downtown campus. For any future dual enrollment students, I encourage going early before class begins to figure out how to navigate the parking garage, find the buildings you will be in, as well as some local food places for a quick bite before or after class. It’s also nice to know the downtown area a bit more so you feel comfortable in the city. Pro tip: my biggest resource on day one was Google Maps.
I believe that anyone who is interested in pursuing dual enrollment should if they can put in the effort to work hard in each class and have it fit for their designed schedule.
For any additional help for students seeking dual enrollment, I advise you to talk to your counseling office at your high school for the resources needed to enroll. I would first request for the eligibility criteria needed prior to filling out the dual enrollment eligibility form. You can get both of these papers from your counseling office. Make sure you meet all requirements and understand the terms completely regarding your liability before enrollment at GRCC.
