April 7, 2011 at 9:43 a.m.
Student spreads the word on post secondary benefits
Student spreads the word on post secondary benefits
Herman, 17, said attending Century full time and earning free college credit while she is still a junior in High School is "the best decision I have ever made." Herman is one of 360 PSEO students at Century.
"I was nervous at first because it is a bigger campus and I didn't know people," said Herman. "But I met a lot of great people right away and everyone was really nice."
A Wild Mountain ski instructor on weekends, Herman is accustomed to dealing with people of all ages. At Century, Herman said she enjoys having classmates who range in age from 17 to 60. "The international students, especially, have such interesting life stories." "We are all different, but we have lots in common, too. We are all there to learn and achieve some success in life.
"In high school," she added, people are there mostly because they have to be. But people have chosen to attend college. It makes a big difference."
Herman took 13 credits fall semester and 17 credits spring semester, and she has found the credit load manageable and the courses stimulating. She is taking classes in state and local government, sociology, Minnesota literature, biology and math. Herman is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and her excellent grades have landed her on the dean's list. "I love having the opportunity to participate in all the college programs and events," said Herman. "The common book author this year, David Finkel, had a great presentation and I enjoyed the workshops on Student Success Day."
Herman has found a number of study nooks on campus, and she regularly meets friends there. The new student center is also a great place to hang out between classes. "I recommend PSEO all the time to students who might be spinning their wheels in high school," said Herman. "College is definitely harder than high school in terms of studying and homework, but it is entirely do-able. The level of academics is a step up, the professors are really helpful and there are tutors available to help you."
Herman said she loves the freedom of choosing courses she is interested in. One of her favorite classes, State and Local Government, meets on Monday evenings with instructor Candi Walz, and Herman always looks forward to attending. She has become far more interested in the legislative process, and has decided to major in political science when she graduates from Forest Lake High School.
Herman is already thinking about which four-year college she will attend but knows the transition to colleges such as St. Scholastica, St. Thomas, the University of Minnesota - Duluth or University of Wisconsin - River Falls will be made far easier after two years at Century. "PSEO definitely takes discipline," said Herman. "But for the right person, it is really a great deal."
Comments:
Commenting has been disabled for this item.