Harley Marie Haley earned an associate degree from Wayne Community College before she even graduated from Charles B. Aycock High School. Because of WCC’s dual-enrollment program for high school students, she was able to fast-track her future and is now heading to veterinary school at the age of 20.
Haley’s journey with WCC began in middle school when she attended an animal science summer camp at the College. “That’s where I found out my calling in life is with animals,” she said. A few years later, she learned that she could take college classes while still in high school and took advantage of the opportunity, hoping to reach her goal of becoming a veterinarian more quickly.
Dual enrollment
WCC’s Career and College Promise (CCP) dual-enrollment program allows qualified high school students to enroll in tuition-free college classes, saving time and money while moving forward on well-defined pathways to complete college credentials. The CCP program offers a college transfer pathway and a Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathway.
Through CCP, Haley enrolled at WCC in 10th grade. “I wanted to earn my associate degree by the time I graduated from high school,” she said. “I knew that starting college early would be beneficial because then it would only take two years to earn my Bachelor of Science degree, and I could go right into my doctorate program in vet school.”
Support throughout the journey
Haley took both online and traditional seated classes at WCC throughout high school, even taking summer classes to get further ahead.
With a full academic course load, Haley received support in many ways throughout her time at WCC. In addition to her CCP advisor and high school teachers, Haley also built relationships with other CCP students who worked together and encouraged one another.
Haley’s hard work and determination paid off. When she was 18, Haley graduated from WCC one month before receiving her high school diploma.
Accelerating her dreams
Haley is currently attending the University of Mount Olive, where she will receive a bachelor’s degree in veterinary bioscience this spring. In the fall, Haley will begin making the next part of her dream come true at North Carolina State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, her first-choice vet school.
As she prepares for the next four years in vet school, Haley is grateful for the head start she received through the CCP program at WCC.
“I’m very grateful that I had the chance to take classes through the CCP program,” she said. “The people I’ve met at WCC are amazing. It’s a good community and a good college. The knowledge I’ve gained will set me up for my future career.”