I grew up in Opelika, Alabama. (It’s right by Auburn, I always have to use this distinction when describing where it’s located). I always receive the question, "Why didn't you go to Auburn?" Well, I didn't apply for one. I had only applied to Troy, South Alabama, and Alabama. Alabama really caught my eye out of those three. I had nothing against going to Auburn. I love the town but I knew I needed to get away from my hometown to achieve that college experience and that "Home away from home" feeling. Going away for college gives you the chance to really appreciate your family and your hometown. During your years in high school you're always like "I need to get out of this place..." then you start missing your family and everyone in your hometown at that.

Anyways... the state of Alabama had JUST allowed high school students where if they want to, they could graduate a semester early. You needed to have all of the right requirement’s checked off to do so. I was one of the few to do so in my class. (Class of 2014) I still walked with my class during graduation in May 2014, but why wouldn’t I? I didn’t want to miss the pictures and memories I would forever cherish.

When I finished at Opelika High School, I started right at Southern Union State Community College (It’s literally right across the street from OHS). I didn’t really see the use of taking a semester off. Why not get a head start and knock out all of my core classes so I don’t have to take them at a major university where there will be 300 people in the intro classes.

I started classes at Southern Union State Community College in the spring of 2014 and also took classes in the summer of 2014. I started my “freshman” year at the University of Alabama Fall of 2014. It was really weird because I was only a few credits short of being a sophomore but I didn’t want to miss that experience of living in the dorms. I lived in Julia Tutwiler Hall and don’t regret it one bit. Those were the best days of my life. I joined a sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha, and still had the time to do school work and still be involved.

I came home for the summer break of 2015 and guess what… I took more classes at SUSCC. I mean why not? I’m not going to do anything but watch Netflix/Hulu or sleep. I could get a job but why not go to school and get that extra step ahead of getting the dream job I actually want? I also took on an internship at a local radio station in Opelika, AL. I then went back to the University of Alabama after taking summer classes for the fall of 2015.

In the summer of 2016, I decided I’ll just stay in Tuscaloosa, AL instead of going home. I didn’t have any core classes left to take at SUSCC, so I needed to actually get one of my minors done (political science) at UA. I took 12 hours of classes and took on another internship at Alabama Public Radio. I literally walked to all of these things. So convenient.

In the fall of 2016, I was finally declared a senior after taking those 12 hours over the summer… okay, scary. I really did this…

Currently, It’s the spring of 2017 and I’m a senior at the University of Alabama majoring in Telecommunications and Film with a concentration in Electronic News and a double minor in Communication Studies and Political Science. I am also an intern at WBRC FOX6 in Birmingham, Alabama. I aspire to be a Multimedia Journalist/Anchor/Reporter after I graduate in May. It seriously feels like yesterday I was just a freshman.

In other news, Forbes.com says, “If students graduate in three years instead of the expected four, they will save approximately $44,419 at a private four-year university or $18,943 at a public in-state university.”

... I could buy a car with that almost $19,000.

But did I miss an extra year of experiences? Of course. But, I saved a whole lot of money on classes that I would have had to fill in gaps with, books I would have needed for those classes, rent for my house, and much more. Yes, I did have to take some semesters with 18 credit hours. Yes, I did have to say no to going out because I had 1/2 extra classes more than everyone else. Yes, I did have to say no to a few football games due to a busy weekend. NO, I don’t regret my decision on graduating high school or college early.

I have met so many amazing people in my three years at Alabama. Yes, I would love to spend an extra year here… but I’m ready to venture out into the real world and do what I love.