College at 17?
By Ashlin Wemple
Staff Writer
Britni Wilkinson is just one of 2,324 students between 16 and 20 who attend North Lake
Britni Wilkinson graduated from high school early and started North Lake at age 17 with high hopes of what college life might bring her.
And North Lake was ready for her. “Our 16 to 20 population is increasing,” said Teresa Isbell, director for instructional research for the college.
According to the District’s Web site, North Lake has seven students under the age of 15 enrolled this spring, and 2,324 students between the ages of 16 and 20.
Britni’s education started out like any other normal child going into public school. Then, when her family moved to Texas, her mother, Terri, home-schooled her until fifth grade.
“Britni has had somewhat of a different schooling life,” said
Mrs. Wilkinson.
Wanting to be a part of a regular school again, she began attending Spring Creek Academy. This private school was designed for children like Britni to go to school for a short period of time in order to train twice a day in a specific sport. Britni’s sport was gymnastics.
After completing level 10 and beginning to train for the international elite level, Britni, after 11 years, decided to give it up. She left Spring Creek Academy with a 4.0 GPA and a membership in the National Honor Society.
Beginning a public high school her junior year was a new adventure for Britni, said her mom.
“Her grades began to fall, she lost her NHS membership and felt alone at times,” said Mrs. Wilkinson.
Now 18, the North Lake student takes just two classes but is already ahead of her friends who still attend her previous high school.
“There were so many rules in high school and hardly any freedom,” explained Britni.
Going back to Marcus High School to teach a dance class, Britni faced those hyperactive students that she had remembered leaving.
“Most of them were freshman,” said Britni, “It’s just something I didn’t want to be around anymore. I could see how much I had changed in such a short period of time.”
On her free time she enjoys hip hop dancing, spending time with her friends and taking Taekwondo.
This energetic student plans to transfer to a major university but is undecided on her major.
Close friend Rachel Neese also graduated a semester early with Britni. “It was just a bonus that I got to graduate early and start the college experience with a close friend.”
College has been fulfilling for Britni, said her mom.
“She has truly enjoyed going to North Lake, and we could not be happier for her,” said Mrs. Wilkinson. |
