We had the pleasure of doing a Q&A with Elizabeth Blevins, 2021 Valedictorian of Community Christian School (CCS). She also just finished her associate’s degree with Weatherford College utilizing a program that CCS encourages to their students. The program is led by the Special Programs Director of CCS, Naomi Lemons. Elizabeth is the 8th student from CCS to receive her degree before her high school graduation. In 2016, Jordan Mazik of CCS was the first high school student to achieve an associate’s degree from Weatherford College. Elizabeth was very determined to complete this program and be to top graduate of her high school class, even going so far as to attend school during summer break to achieve her goals.
What made you decide to take college courses while in high school?
“I thought it was a really good use of my time. I just thought it would be a really good opportunity to get ahead. Then, when I get out of high school, I can really pursue what I want to do. And I don’t have to worry about all the extracurricular stuff that comes with the first two years of college.”
What was the learning process?
“Most of the classes were done online through the Weatherford College Canvas website. We had discussions and quizzes that we would do. If I ever had a test, normally, I would just come back here (CCS), and Mrs. Lemons would Proctor it. That’s how it worked for most of the time until we had COVID restrictions, and then it was totally online. When we had tests that we’d have to do, we would have to scan our rooms (with the webcam) to ensure that we weren’t cheating and then have a camera on to Proctor. It was mostly online. A couple of the classes (we had here at CCS) either Mr. Jefferson or Mrs. Lemons taught.”
What are your future goals?
“Well, I’ve been accepted to the University of Texas in Austin. So I’m going there next fall, and I’m going to work on a Bachelor’s of biology. And from there, I really want to pursue a career in medicine, specifically dermatology. And I think that biology would be a really good foundation for that.”
Why are you interested in that field?
“Skin is like the biggest organ, and there’s a lot of things that go on with it. So being able to help people with that seems like another way to really help people with how they feel about themselves. I really want to help people. I think that’s a different way of doing that.”
What would be your dream position in that field?
“Being able to work in a hospital as their dermatologist or opening up a practice of my own where I can have other dermatologists that I oversee.”
Who’s your role model?
“Definitely my sister because she’s very determined. She’s accomplished a lot that I haven’t seen before. She’s doing really well now. She’s always been there for me.” (Elizabeth’s sister is Rachel Blevins, a news correspondent for RT America in Washington DC.)
It was really a joy getting to learn more about this program and how it has helped Elizabeth get a head start in her future. We wish her the best of luck and congratulations!
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