First Interview

• What is your first name, last name, and years you’ve been in the associate’s degree program?

My name is Jocelyn Ortega- Perez this is my second year in the program.

• How did you get to be in the associate’s degree program?

I was told about this program by the guidance counselor and Mrs. Ross. They arranged for a meeting with me and other students.

• Why did you agree to be in the associate’s degree program?

I wanted to be ahead and do more. I also didn’t want to give up this opportunity. It was a good opportunity because it was college classes that I could take and get to live/ feel what it would be like when I go to college

• What goals are you trying to accomplish by having your associate’s degree?

I did it to be ahead in the career I choose when I apply to colleges. The degree would allow me to go ahead rather than to retake the classes.

• Who would you recommend this program to?

I would recommend this to people who want to take on a challenge academically. If they have time to spare and feel like schoolwork is not time-consuming. If not they can work hard to raise their grades and make sure they meet the requirement to be a part of the program.

• What strategies do you use to balance the workload from school and the program?

The way I usually balanced out the work I get is by making sure to space everything out. I also have reminders and the due dates of my assignment on my phone. Since I also have study hall I use that time to get head on my assignment so that I am not overwhelmed later on.

• Anything else you want to add?

Something I would like to add is that if you are deciding to go into the Early College program make sure you are ready to give up some free time to do assignments/tests.

Second interview

• What is your first name, last name, and years you’ve been in the associate’s degree program

My name isHemin Rana and this is my second year in the program.

• How did you get to be in the associate’s degree program?

It was by the counselors at the end of my sophomore year because I was eligible for the program.

• Why did you agree to be in the associate’s degree program?

I agreed because I felt like the work in my traditional high school classes were pretty easy and I wanted a challenge. And why would I not take the opportunity if I can get an associate’s in high school?

• What goals are you trying to accomplish by having your associates degree?

By having my associates I can graduate a lot earlier, and save the money for 2 yrs of college.

• Who would you recommend this program to?

I would recommend to any student who thinks that their current classes are too easy and are ready to take on a challenge.

• What strategies do you use to balance the workload from school and the program?

One strategy I use is to do all my school work during the study hall they give so that I have the evening for clubs and to do the college work.

• Anything else you want to add?

Managing the work can be a challenge but it’s such a rewarding experience and you create so many friends and become a family, who you spend 2 yrs of your life with.

Third interview

• What is your first name, last name, and years you’ve been in the associate’s degree program?

My name is Karen Pina and this is my  second year  in this program

• How did you get to be in the associate’s degree program?

I got in because I had all the requirements to enter the early college program.

• Why did you agree to be in the associate’s degree program?

I just wanted to get my first two years of college out in high school. It’s such a great opportunity and I don’t have to waste money after high school to retake the basic classes.

• What goals are you trying to accomplish by having your associate’s degree?

When I first got into the program my goal was to get the credit done. I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it while I am in high school. Now it’s like I want to be more independent because when we are in person we have to be independent.

• Who would you recommend this program to?

Anybody who is doing well in their normal classes and who is taking DE classes because that shows that you are ready for college-level classes and if you are willing to sacrifice a bit of your personal life because this will take a lot of work.

• What strategies do you use to balance the workload from school and the program?

I definitely use my planner because you are going to get a lot of assignments both from school and college. So you definitely have to be very organized for this and also I ask for help. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your friends or professors.

• Anything else you want to add?

I have nothing to add.