HS Junior Saniya Bray uses Dual Enrollment to Prepare for Law Career
An aspiring lawyer, Saniya Bray is diligent, determined, and self-motivated. So, when she learned of an opportunity to get ahead and start taking college classes early, she was intrigued.
“I first learned of the opportunity to start dual enrollment at Oconee Fall Line Technical College (OFTC) through my high school counselors,” shared the Warren County High School junior. “I started last fall and I’m taking classes this spring as well.”
When she begins her senior year of high school in August, Bray will have 21 college credits added to her transcript with classes like: English 1101, Psychology, Introduction to Criminal Justice, College Algebra, English 1102, US History I, and Corrections.
“Taking dual enrollment was something I was interested in doing because it allowed me to get college credit while still in high school. And what interested me the most was the opportunity to take criminal justice classes because of my plans to become a lawyer when I grow up,” Bray shared.
OFTC’s Dual Enrollment program allows qualified high school students to maximize their education and career training by taking courses that earn college and high school credit at the same time.
Under Dual Enrollment, students may take academic core courses that can transfer to TCSG (Technical College System of Georgia) colleges or USG (University System of Georgia) colleges and universities. Students may also take occupational and career courses that can help jump start a career.
Preparing for Future Success
Bray has thrived in the fast-paced college environment and continues to excel in her high school courses.
“Saniya is a brave, focused, disciplined, driven and self-motivated student conquering four dual enrollment courses plus her traditional high school course load,” shared OFTC High School Coordinator, Jennifer Todd. “This is outstanding because she is excelling in her high school classes and college courses.”
“Initially, I was concerned about Saniya taking on so many college courses, to which her high school counselor assured me that she could handle it,” she added. “He simply said, ‘She can do it-without a doubt!’ While we do not encourage dual enrollment students to take this level course load, we do commend and celebrate Saniya in recognition of her achievement.”
Bray’s introduction to college through dual enrollment has been a memorable experience so far, one she will take with her as she completes high school and begins her pursuit of a law degree.
“My classes are preparing me to be more successful after high school because they are teaching me time management and how to handle a college level workload,” Bray said. “These classes are teaching me important skills and allowing me to learn valuable information about law and the court system that directly line up with what I want to study in college.”
Not only are her dual enrollment classes helping her get ahead in college, but they’re lessening the amount of college courses she’ll have to pay for when she starts college.
“It means so much to earn this college credit while in high school because it’s presenting me with new opportunities, and college will not cost as much and that’s what is most important to me,” she said.
Dual Enrollment: Something to Consider
While the thought of balancing high school and college courses can be a lot to take in, Bray encourages others to follow her lead and take advantage of the free resource.
“Dual enrollment classes are an amazing opportunity that everyone should take advantage of,” she said. “The directors and teachers at OFTC are always here to help a student if they need help with anything. They are your biggest supporters.”
“My experience with OFTC’s classes has been positive and I’ve learned and had access to so many new things that I wouldn’t have had if I didn’t take advantage of the opportunity when my high school counselor mentioned it to me,” she added.
For those considering dual enrollment classes, Saniya offers these words of encouragement to be successful. “Manage your time wisely and don’t procrastinate,” she said. “Hold yourself accountable for deadlines and do your assignments when you see they have been posted.”
“Also, do not underestimate yourself just because of what it looks like,” she added. “You can do the work.
For more info about OFTC’s 100+ programs of study or to learn more opportunities through dual enrollment, visit the college’s website, OFTC.edu.
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