Accelerating Ahead: Andres Rodriguez

The one thing Andres Rodriguez does not have is time to waste. The ambitious Beaufort County Early College High School senior juggles work, school and his future. Somewhere in his packed schedule, he also wants to find time to explore the world. The future nursing student is ready to part ways with eastern North Carolina, with his sight set on UNC-Chapel Hill. He could not be moving any faster toward this goal. When Rodriguez graduates in May, he will have not one but two associate’s degrees from Beaufort County Community College.

“I could graduate now, but I wouldn’t get any scholarships if I do that,” he states while in the middle of a text conversation with his father.

An accelerated education, the early college high school program lets students get a high school diploma and an associate degree from BCCC in five years. With a new early college high school starting in Washington County, the program is now available to students in all of the counties in BCCC service area.

Normally, it would take a student six years to complete both credentials, so the program can help students leap through college. As a bonus to students and parents, the entire program is free. In the case of Rodriguez, he will complete the program in only four years with a high school diploma, an Associate in Arts and Associate in Science. With 72 hours under his belt, and spring semester still ahead, he has completed the majority of the 120 hours required for a typical bachelor’s degree.

The early college has given him his direction, helped him to meet open-minded people and to save a lot of money on college, but he is nervous about starting midway through college at only 18. This anxiety is offset by his restlessness.

“I’m ready to go and see things. I’ve traveled a lot. I really want to see more.”

He has a number of people in his family who are doctors, PhDs, or work in medical research all around the world. He plans to become a registered nurse and continue his education while he is working.

“I’ve always been passionate about helping people,” says Rodriguez. “I’ve always had an interest in anatomy and physiology. Even as a kid, I liked to play, you know that game, the surgery one, where you’re supposed to take the things out,” he says, referring to the game Operation.

He was part of a project to improve the quality of life for people in a nursing home. The group set up a Wii game console for the residents. When he saw how happy it made them, he realized that he wanted to keep helping people.

While this kind of course load is plenty for most people, Rodriguez also works at the Campus Grill, making lunch and snacks for students and employees. Since he is only taking a few classes in the spring, he plans to pick up a second job at Fitness Unlimited. Somewhere in this situation, he still expects to find some free time.

“That doesn’t leave a lot of time for me. I like to try new things, meet new people, explore. Do a lot of things like that. I hope it all works out.”