Northeast State and its High School Programs Department team salute our dual enrollment high school students graduating this spring. These students will graduate from high school while earning college credit hours through the career and technical education and university parallel pathways.
Christopher “C.J.” Helle is a Middle College student and senior at Hampton High School in Carter County. He has been earning college credit hours through the university parallel program. Christopher shares his thoughts and experiences about the Middle College pathway and Northeast State.
What got you interested you in pursuing the Middle College pathway?
You can get an associate’s degree before getting a high school diploma. You’d be putting in the work of a regular high school student, but also get ahead of the game. I want to go into the medical field specifically and this will help me get ahead in life and progress through life more easily while achieving my goals.
What have you most enjoyed learning as a Middle College student and why?
I loved the bonding experience with all of the students and the professors, too. They helped us understand the material and helped us improve ourselves. It helped us build our self esteem up, too. Having Mr. Brandon Bragg as our Communications instructor really helped me a lot.
What has been the most challenging college course you had as a Middle College student?
Anatomy and Physiology was really difficult and I was incredibly relieved when I saw that I made an A. It felt like a glorious moment!
Given your experience, what is the best advice would you give a fellow student thinking about entering the Middle College program in high school?
The best advice that I could give is no matter how difficult, rigorous, challenging, etc. the courses may be, don’t look down—keep your head up! You’ll learn that taking small steps can help you overcome big challenges.
What are your plans after graduating from Northeast State?
My plan is to go to ETSU for undergrad and specifically major in Health Sciences and I’m hoping to take summer classes to speed things up. I plan on going to med school, but I’m not sure which med school yet.
What are your favorite things to do as hobbies or interests?
Outside of Middle College, I like to go hiking with my brother. I also enjoy working as a CNA at a nursing home.
Great job!what fantastic accomplishments! You’ll do great !