Precyce Calvin has never graduated from anything before. That makes May 8 feel significant - and, if she's honest, a little nerve-wracking.
At 17, Precyce will earn her associate degree in general studies from Lawson State Community College, becoming one of at least four dual enrollment students graduating at commencement this spring. She will receive her high school diploma from Birmingham City Schools' ACE Signature Academy a few weeks later.
For Precyce, the journey to crossing the stage at Lawson State started in eighth grade. That's when someone at a meeting at Signature Academy introduced her to dual enrollment.
Truth was, though, she was already thinking ahead.
"I knew I wanted to eventually get a master’s degree," Precyce said. "I understood that dual enrollment would put me ahead. I felt like it would be a challenge, too."
She took two to four college courses per semester alongside her high school requirements, managing the load by treating her time as a resource that had to be carefully spent. On many days, between high school and college classes, she puts in around seven hours of academic work - on top of a part-time job at America's Thrift Store.
"Going to college and high school is almost like having a full-time job," she said.
One thing that helped? Some dual enrollment courses can substitute for some high school credits, which keeps the workload from simply doubling. Still, much of her coursework was completed online - and that was challenging.
"I have a hard time with online work," Precyce said. "For me to do so much of it online - that's been hard for me. But I've been successful, too. No one is forcing you to do the work. Looking back, I can say that 'yes,' I did learn how to learn differently."
This spring she wrapped up courses in music appreciation, pre-calculus, physical science, and chemistry. Her next step is to pursue behavioral science, a direction shaped by something personal.
Precyce describes herself as a quiet, observant person - someone who watches and wonders before speaking. She wants to understand why people think and behave the way they do, trace it back to the brain, and eventually put that understanding to work through public service.
For students considering dual enrollment, her advice is straightforward: "It's worth it if you know what you are doing. And if you have a goal you really want to achieve, it's a great headstart. It prepares you for when you actually get to college - you'll know what to expect."
Interested in behavioral science, a path toward public service or putting your passions to use in helping others like Precyce? Explore what Lawson State has to offer.
