I am one of over 32,000 high school students taking college classes through Florida’s dual enrollment program. The program allows Florida high school students to take college classes tuition free, earning both college and high school credit at the same time.

As a home schooled student, I have found dual enrollment to be both challenging and fulfilling. The level of work is somewhat harder than high school, but the experience has been well worth it.

College was a major culture shock for me, at first. The environment was overwhelming, distracting, and somewhat terrifying the first day. By the end of my first semester though, I felt like a pro.

I learned to navigate the crowded walkways, dart past the occasional protestors, and communicate with my professor when I needed help. After completing my first class, it was decided: I love college.

I especially love the challenge of college level work. I find it very satisfying to see an “A” in my final grades, knowing that I’m the youngest in a class of over 200 students.

When people find out I’m a dual enrolled home school student, I get asked some interesting questions.

“Do you have to pay tuition?”
“No,” I reply. “It’s completely free.”

“Do you actually go to the college, or is it online?”
“I actually go to college,” I respond “just like everyone else.”

Strangely enough, the most common – and awkward – question I have been asked is, “Does your mom sit in class with you?”
“Are you out of your mind?!” I want to say. Honestly though, no, my mother does not sit in class with me.

When I’m at college, I am a college student -- nothing less and nothing more. I use the same text books, sit in the same classroom, and do all the same homework they have to do.

Overall, I would highly recommend dual enrollment to any high school student with a lot of ambition and self-discipline. College has been a great experience for me, and I am looking forward to enrolling full time after I graduate.