In the middle of last year, Senior Rachel Giordano decided she wanted to finish high school early and move on to college.
“I really don’t have a good explanation for why I wanted to graduate early,” Giordano said.” I want to challenge myself by taking college courses very early.”
Rachel was very stressed last year because of the classes she was taking. Some days she did not want to go to school because the work load was too much.
“I had to take English 11, English 12, and two online classes.” I had no time for anyone or anything. I had no social life at all,” Giordano said.
In February Rachel received a letter saying she was accepted into West Virginia University which was her first choice on the list of colleges she wanted to go to.
In early March, Rachel visited the campus. She stayed in a hotel by the college for a weekend.
“I loved the atmosphere and the people on campus. They made me feel like I was at home.” Giordano said.
Rachel is the only person in her family to go to college early, and the first to go to West Virginia University.
“My birthday is in August and I’ll be turning 17, so it’s a little intimidating to go to college at such a young age. But I knew I could do it,” Giordano said.
In December, Rachel bought an expensive class ring.
“I got to choose the design for my ring and it cost $800,” Giordano said.
Rachel will be here all summer, and then in September, she will be going off to college.
“I’ll miss all my friends that will still be here at South Lakes, but I am so ready to leave high school,” Giordano said.