Associate's Degree BEFORE a high school diploma?

Dual Enrollment allowed Savannah Ivey to get ahead—now she has big plans for the future

Learn more about Dual Enrollment at Jefferson State

#dualenrollment #highereducation #communitycollege

Transcript

SPEAKER_01 0:10

Hi, welcome to the Pioneer Voice. I'm Danielle Collar and we are very excited to have two very special guests with us today. We have Savannah and Rosa. Savannah, thank you so much for joining us today. We appreciate you for taking the time out of your very busy schedule to talk to us and share a little bit about your story. Yes, ma'am, of course. I'm happy to be here. That's great. So you are about to graduate high school, right?

SPEAKER_00 0:33

Yes, ma'am. It's actually graduations tonight.

SPEAKER_01 0:36

That's so exciting. Um, and what remind me, what high school do you go to? Um, Thoresby High School. Thorsby, okay. Um, but this is not our first time to meet. So the first time we met was actually at Jefferson State Community College's graduation.

SPEAKER_00 0:48

Yes, ma'am, that's the Alabama Theater.

SPEAKER_01 0:50

That is awesome. So um it's fair to say that you received your associate degree before you get your high school diploma?

SPEAKER_00 0:58

Yes, ma'am, and like all technicality, yeah.

SPEAKER_01 1:01

That's impressive. About almost a week before. That's so incredible, and uh congratulations on that. Thank you. Um, so we want to dig in on that story a little bit. So um tell us how how did you accomplish that?

SPEAKER_00 1:14

I mean, I did a lot of dual enrollment hours, and it's been a lot of work. I mean, I jugged doing high school and then obviously Jefferson State classes, and then I've been active in sports and active in the clubs and the school and stuff, and of course, training her as well. Right. So it's been a lot and time management, obviously. Absolutely. But it's been fun. I mean, I've had a lot of fun doing it all, and I mean, it's getting me closer to my goal. So I'm excited for that part of it. That is awesome.

SPEAKER_01 1:43

So, what led you into dual enrollment? How did you learn about dual enrollment?

SPEAKER_00 1:47

My older brother actually did dual enrollment. He got through his freshman year of college through dual enrollment, and I was like, hmm, that sounds that sounds nice, but maybe I could get more done. Right. So I think I started taking dual enrollment like the summer after my tenth grade year, so right before my junior year. And I've just been taking multiple classes through summer, fall, and spring semesters. Okay, so you did every semester. Yes, ma'am. Okay, and how many classes did you take? It was typically like four or five, and then in the summers, I'd do like three, four. And they were both online and on campus, right? I would do mixtures, yes, ma'am. Most of them were online, but I would come on campus for testing and such. It's cheaper to do dual enrollments. Absolutely. Yeah. And that was amazing, which has made it where I have like a full ride to South Alabama. So I'm getting able to stack scholarships a lot more and drag them along farther. Yes. Because I have that full ride.

SPEAKER_01 2:43

So I mean So you were able to get a full ride scholarship to University of South Alabama. Yes, ma'am.

SPEAKER_00 2:48

That's great. Because somehow I'm still somehow I'm still going in as a freshman. Yes. Like I'm listed as a freshman, but like hour-wise, I'm a junior. Yeah. And it's the strangest thing. Yeah. But um, it's definitely gonna be interesting to say the least, because I'm gonna be, I'll be freshly 18 and I'll be in class with 20, 21 year olds. I'm like, oh my lord, that's gonna be a big jump. But I mean, being here definitely got me used to that part. I was about to say, you'll do just fine. It's definitely got me used to it, so it's not gonna be too bad. Yeah. But then also, of course, I thankfully I'm very blessed to have this. I qualify for the GI Bill because my father was um a Marine. Okay. So that's I'm getting to drag that far. I'm gonna with the way my scholarship's dragging up, that'll probably end up covering like majority of my doctorate and master's if needed. So I'm getting to carry some of that over farther. Try to get out of here with no debt.

SPEAKER_01 3:42

Yeah, oh yes. I mean, that is so crucial. I mean, so many people go into college and then they have major debt for years that they're paying on. So I mean, it's just so impressive that you've completely planned this out, like, you know, from the very beginning. I mean, it really is an accomplishment.

SPEAKER_00 3:59

Yes, ma'am. And then like the people here have been great because they've also like given me stuff like like, hey, they're like I've qualified for so many honor societies here, and like people suggest scholarships to me here. Like, oh yeah, there's this one, like you should probably apply to it. Yeah, and then I'll be like, I don't know, 50,000. I'm like, oh yeah, I should probably apply for that one. And I've been thankful enough to get a couple of them actually. So that has been very beneficial. And some of them are just like they're general, so they're just basically they're giving you just money to put wherever, which I'm able to afford to like housing or books or whatever, and it doesn't have to be just straight tuition.

SPEAKER_01 4:32

Yes. And where uh where did you apply for those uh scholarships?

SPEAKER_00 4:36

Just so many places. Um random, yeah. And like some people do them. Like I currently I'm applying for one that I found out I found I don't remember where I found it out about it actually. I think it may have been through a friend or something. Um, it's from Mr. and Mrs. Ducheswa. It's like a private scholarship. Okay, and it's for marine, it's for children and marines. Right. So I'm applying for that currently and made it to the semifinalist round. Oh, congrats. Did the video um part of it? It was like a four-minute video, so it wasn't too bad. Praying, I can qualify for that because that one's like over a hundred thousand. Yes, and it's just general, which I really want to put forward to housing. Wow.

SPEAKER_01 5:19

See, that's what's so great. Those they're the researches were out there, but you gotta, you gotta, you know, seek them out.

SPEAKER_00 5:25

You gotta work for them. And I mean, people here are very open. Like if you ask around, they're like, Oh yeah, I've heard of this one, and like they're very willing to help you go farther. Yeah, that's great.

SPEAKER_01 5:35

So you had to have some accommodations, right? Yes, okay. Um, and speaking of Rosa, our very special guest, um, so Rosa is a service dog, right? Yes, ma'am. Okay, and um, how were there any resources here at Jeff State that kind of helped you with Rosa? Yes, ma'am.

SPEAKER_00 5:50

I cannot remember the exact name of it, y'all's um accommodation. Ada accommodation, yes, ma'am. ADA accommodations. There you go. I couldn't remember the exact abbreviation y'all used. Yeah, they have been super helpful with me and like getting her introduced to all my professors, and everyone has been so nice about her as well. That is incredible. Come on, come back to camera, baby.

SPEAKER_01 6:10

Hey Rosa, hey darling. So she is so sweet. So, how did uh did students like welcome her?

SPEAKER_00 6:18

Uh professors welcome her? That's good. Everyone who's met her has been very welcoming to her, yes, and she's not much of a distraction at all. She'll lay still. She's a little excited today. She's excited to be set her retention, of course. She likes the camera on her. Oh, yeah. She knows how to smile, of course.

SPEAKER_01 6:34

That's right.

SPEAKER_00 6:34

She's a picture puppy.

SPEAKER_01 6:36

So, um, so ADA helped you with her, and then they were able to help you with accommodations for that honor lock. Yes, ma'am.

SPEAKER_00 6:43

Okay. And the teachers were all very welcoming to it as well, and they'd understand. And of course, she's a service dog for medical reasons as well. So when I had medical issues, the professors were very understanding for that as well. Because I mean, I had I went to the hospital a time or two during these past few years while I was doing dual enrollment. And they were were willing to postpone tests for me. That's incredible. And were very, very understanding of those situations when I was physically incapable of doing anything.

SPEAKER_01 7:09

Well, that's that is great to hear, and I'm so thankful that they were there for you. Um, and so you seem very driven to them. And um, so what are your what are your plans like after this?

SPEAKER_00 7:21

Well, I my end goal is to be a clinical child psychologist. Oh wow, okay. I might I'm hopefully working in like a psychiatric facility, okay, or even a behavioral clinic, but I for that I'm gonna go through and get my doctorate in child psychology. Uh I've already been accepted into the University of South Alabama. Yay, go you. And I will be starting there in August. And I'm excited. Yes. Getting to move down to Mobile, live the beach life. Okay, yeah. Oh, yeah. You're gonna love it. And she's gonna like it. She loves some sand. Does not like water though. Oh, well, maybe she'll adjust to it. She loves the sand, not the water. Yeah. She's a little crazy. But I'm excited to do that. And so, with having my associates, of course, that'll bump my bachelor's down to two years. And then I qualified for the accelerated bachelor's to master's. That's incredible. So um, it'll be kind of similar to dual enrollment. I'll be able to do my like a year of my master's doing my the last year of my bachelor's. And so then I'll only have one more year to get my master's degree, and then of course, having to get in the doctoral programs and such.

SPEAKER_01 8:22

That's incredible. So uh has anybody helped you along the way to, you know, how did you know? Like, from for instance, I have high school students, they have no clue what they want to do. You know what I mean? Like, how did you know this is what you wanted to do? And what led you with did anybody help you along the way?

SPEAKER_00 8:38

Um, my mom's been a huge help in all of this, and I've had a lot of teachers be helpful as well. And then, of course, I mean, I know some other people who work in a psychological field or have like psych degrees and stuff, social workers, all those people. So they've kind of helped me figure out some stuff in that area. But I've kind of fallen in love with the job when I would volunteer at elementary schools or in like vacation Bible schools and such, just volunteering around and working with kids. I babysit some on the side as well. Right. So I spent a lot of time around kids, and it's just working with some of the ones that were in the need of child psychologist.

SPEAKER_01 9:16

I was like, okay, yeah, I think I want to do this. This is a path that I want to follow. That's great. That is, I mean, it truly is incredible. Um, and again, you are driven, so you have um you're determined to take those dual enrollment classes and you had that commitment. But also I want to highlight you still were able to enjoy your high school years, right?

SPEAKER_00 9:36

Yes, ma'am. Yeah. I mean, I went both of my proms and I actually went to separate proms both years. Like I went with friends both years as well. So I ended up doing four proms my high school throughout high school. Wow. I was on homecoming court senior year. Um, I was a starter in volleyball, starter in basketball, cheer captains. I mean, I've done it all. So I've been very active. I've been a pres I was a president in beta and 4-H actually as well. Wow, that is incredible. It's definitely been interesting to do it all, but it's made it a lot more fun. I've been very involved in everything.

SPEAKER_01 10:10

And Rose has been with you every step of the way. Yes, ma'am. Yeah. Um so what was your favorite class here at Jeff State?

SPEAKER_00 10:17

Um, that's actually a very good question. Honestly, I Nanette Easterling, her math class was wonderful. I am not a math person in all real in all honesty, but she was so amazing. It was pre-cal with algebra. So amazing. Right, yes. And she did a lot of one-on-one work with me. I'd come in and meet her and she'd help me through a lot of stuff and help me understand the concepts better because I was struggling. Yes. A lot more science-minded than I am, math-minded.

SPEAKER_01 10:48

Uh-huh.

SPEAKER_00 10:49

Well, that's incredible. So she's definitely made that one of my favorite classes, just being such an amazing help and incredible person.

SPEAKER_01 10:56

That's what we love about Jeff State is that you have that smaller feel and you have that one-on-one with your instructors. So that's great to hear. Um anything, well, you know, let's talk about um dull. So dull enrollment's available for pretty much anybody, right? In high school. But I would say I do want to highlight that you do have to have that driven spirit too, that you need to um be willing to work, you know, and that it may not be just for everybody.

SPEAKER_00 11:24

It's definitely not for everyone. You have to be willing to sacrifice the time and maybe miss a hangout or two with friends to take a test. But that's the thing about it, is you have to you have to know what you want to do and have to want have the want for it. And I will say I've definitely had that. It's always my friends will ask me to hang out sometimes. I'm like, oh, well, I have a test to do tonight. Can we hang out tomorrow night? And they're like, Yeah, sure. So I mean, it's also good to have people around you who understand it. That's good, and that's made a lot better. The grades also are a huge thing. You have to make sure you keep your grades high enough for it. Thankfully, graduating both places with over 4.0 GPA. Yes. Congratulations. I definitely put the work in for that one. Yes.

SPEAKER_01 12:06

And I hear you did incredible on your ACT too. Yes, ma'am. Got a 30. That is incredible. So you started, you said 10th grade year. The summer after my 10th grade, so like right after my junior grade. And you took like four classes each semester. Yes, ma'am. That I mean, you took a full load of college at high school. Hey, that's incredible.

SPEAKER_00 12:27

It definitely took a lot of time management.

SPEAKER_01 12:30

Yes. So did you do um mostly like you'd go to school? Um, were you able to get out of classes early? No. So you would go all day long at high school.

SPEAKER_00 12:41

I would go all day long, sports practices at night until like five o'clock, or sometimes we wouldn't, I don't want to get home till games till midnight some days. What? And so, you know, I'd come back, I'd sit there on my computer, do school work, and like sometimes at lunch I'd take down my computer and do school work while I'm talking to people. Because some of it, I mean, you could do that. I mean, if it wasn't a test or anything and you're just writing, you could sit there and type and like have your friends talking to you and stuff. Yeah. Everyone's very understanding of that. And a lot of it I was able to do on the weekends as well. And you just have to be able to look at your time and be like, okay, yeah, I can do it.

SPEAKER_01 13:12

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 13:12

And you just have to have the will to do it. Like, not just sit there and get distracted on your phone or whatever. But I think you're I think your class load can really depend on your personality. Right. Like, like you said, how driven you are, how dedicated you can be. And also you can't be distracted too easily. Right. Because it can be so easy just to get home, lay down, get on your phone, whatever. But instead, you have to kind of sometimes substitute that for get home, lay down, and write an essay. Yeah, and write an essay. Get home, lay down, watch some lecture videos. Yeah. And I mean, you have to be able to substitute this relaxed time into doing other things, and it's it has its upsides and downsides. And I mean, it it worked out in the end. That's awesome.

SPEAKER_01 13:54

But it is the beauty of it, is you don't have like you know exactly when something's due. Yes. So you know exactly how you can work around that due date, you know.

SPEAKER_00 14:03

I mean, and they're posted from the beginning of the semester. Yes. They'd give out a list at the beginning of the semester of when everything's due. And so, I mean, if I knew I had a big essay coming up and and it was due Saturday, and I had games that whole week, I'd start on it the week before. And then like throughout the games and stuff, I'd just be like revising and finalizing it. I'd you have to see when you have open time, and that's when you do the big chunk. And so then you can go back and just like do little touch-ups in the gap spaces you have.

SPEAKER_01 14:32

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 14:33

Like you said, that time management is so crucial. Yes, and you have to be you can't just go off mental. I have I have a whole calendar at home. Like I'd actually write down on like a physical calendar so I actually know where I am at every con at every moment. So it's made that's smart very helpful. Yes. Because then it's just laid out in front of you. You're like, okay, so this week I'm booked till 11 o'clock every night. Wow. So from 8 a.m. to 11 o'clock. So it'd be like, okay, I'm probably gonna be exhausted when I get home from that basketball game. So maybe I should do it the week before. I wish, I wish I was more like that. It's definitely been a unique skill to have.

SPEAKER_01 15:09

Yeah. See, that's it's incredible. Well, I um I just love your story. I I appreciate you so much for sharing your story with us. Um, and thank you, Rosa, for being here too. Um is there anything else that you might want to, you know, highlight or talk about?

SPEAKER_00 15:28

I mean, just honestly, it's been a it's a lot of fun doing it. The dual enrollment classes, you meet a lot of amazing people. Right. It's definitely had been like an exposure situation for me because you being 17, I mean, I'm graduating at 17, so I'm obviously younger than even the people in my senior class. A lot of them are 18, some are even about to turn 19. But being on the Jeff State campus, there's people of all ages. All ages, right. So it's definitely had to it's forced me to get used to talking to people out of my age demographic. Yes. And getting a lot more comfortable in different situations, which I think is very beneficial for the future. Absolutely. Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 16:05

Yes, absolutely. Well, thank you, Savannah, for being here today. Uh, thank you, Rosa. We appreciate you both so much. And um, subscribe if you want to hear any more of our podcasts and have a great day. Yes, ma'am. Thank you. Thank you.