(This post was written by our HS4CC 11th grade Intern, Jasmine. Jasmine is Homeschooled for College Credit in Texas.)
When I started dual enrollment, I spoke to no one except my professor and the homeschool friend I went with…
When I started my Dual Enrollment journey a mere two years ago, I was focused on only one thing: academic overachievement. I wanted to advance my education and learn. Socializing was the last thing on my mind, especially since I was a scared kid surrounded by unfamiliar faces. In my first year doing dual credit, I arrived on campus, went to class, left class, then left campus. I spoke to no one except my professor and the homeschool friend I went with. Honestly, I couldn’t tell you squat about that campus except how to go from the parking lot to ENGL1301.
The next year, however, I picked up a few more classes and switched to a different campus. I decided to check out some of the clubs. As an avid chess player, I was thrilled to discover they had an active chess club. I was intimidated and terrified to walk up to a bunch of tables surrounded by full-grown adults but I knew I had to do it. When I decided to try out my college’s clubs, Dual Enrollment became much more than academic and necessary. It became fun and even the highlight of my week. I joined the community, became more comfortable with the campus, and ultimately made connections with classmates and professors alike. I have grown a lot through my experiences this past year and I’ve had the privilege of finding a safe, creative community to destroy in chess.** Thanks to that wonderful club (and the people I met along the way), I am proud to say that college is my favorite place for more than just a love of learning.
That being said, let’s look at some advantages and disadvantages of getting your student involved in clubs.
Advantages:
- Students can be incentivized to go to school and enjoy it by participating in a community that they relate to.
- Joining clubs will allow your student to make valuable connections with students as well as professors. This means friendships as well as positive career-related connections!
- Your student can learn a lot from experts in their hobby or interest.
- Students can be creatively encouraged, socially included, and academically elevated.
- Clubs also allow students to learn how to navigate different social and professional settings.
- Clubs can help your student be more active in their school’s community. This way your student will be informed of events, elections, and important school changes they’d otherwise miss.
Disadvantages:
- Due to the delicate nature of DE, I advise making sure the clubs meet in an open area for safety. A counter to this is staying in your student’s general vicinity.
- Your student will need to be responsible and vigilant enough to act safely in a predominantly adult setting. A counter to this is finding out if your school has DE-specific clubs.
- Some clubs can be unorganized or inactive.
- Your student’s desired club might not meet at a convenient time or location for your school schedule. This could be an opportunity to start a new club.
It is vital that you, as a parent, weigh your options and decide what’s best for your family. It is also important to consider the specific location and area your student will be exposed to. Some colleges will be safer than others and some will have more opportunities. Similarly, some students will be more equipped than others.
Ultimately, DE can be rewarding for your student’s academic career and social, creative life.
**Actually, I’m one of the worst players. They usually steamroll me (both in-game and with banter), but it’s so fun.
