Senior Avery Pickrell walks through the hallways of Legacy, wiping her teary eyes and warmly recollecting the past two years of her high school experience. Pickrell won’t be graduating with her peers in 2024 because she is part of the one percent of students who have skipped a grade level. At only seventeen years old, Pickrell will graduate high school with the class of 2023.
“When I realized I only had one credit left to qualify as a senior, I knew I had to take a step and get a head start on my college journey,” Pickrell said.
As a student who has been involved with college-level classes since sophomore year, Pickrell has grown to love the college system and how it ultimately sets up students to become more self-sufficient.
“I really like the way college is set up; I enjoy being at the college campus, the way the professors teach, the way the classes are very lecture and discussion based,” Pickrell said. “I enjoy the structure of college a lot more than high school. There is a lot more independence and responsibility that is put on you that helps me feel more mature.”
With an interest in pursuing medicine, Pickrell has competed in SkillsUSA’s Medical Assisting contest, a competition that assesses a competitor’s professionalism in medical assisting. After advancing to nationals, Pickrell believes she is ready to study alongside the diverse groups of adults in college.
“Going to SkillsUSA nationals was a big deal to me–especially since I was the youngest competitor and still placed fourth,” Pickrell said. “That just really showed me that I can be in college with people who are way older than me, and not feel behind or incapable just because of my age.”
In college, Pickrell is hoping to major in pre-med studies and eventually gain admission into medical school.
“When I’m older, I really want to become an oncologist and travel around the globe to volunteer at underdeveloped hospitals,” Pickrell said. “I think a big factor of me wanting to graduate early was the fact that I know medical school is long, and I just don’t want to be too old when I get to travel and help around the world.”
.
After observing Pickrell’s accomplishments since elementary school, freshman Cade Pickrell, Avery’s younger brother, feels inspired to follow his sister’s footsteps and also be part of the demographic of students who graduate early.
“Avery has a great work ethic; she loves school, she loves to study, she loves getting high grades on everything,” Cade said. “I would also like to graduate early like her, I’m not sure what will happen, but all I know is that I am very proud of Avery and I’m cheering her on every step of the way.”
Although many believe it is exciting to leave high school earlier than anticipated, Pickrell advises aspiring early graduates to learn the importance of balancing both academics and the fun.
“It’s important to work closely with your counselor and keep your grades up, however, it’s even more crucial to take care of yourself and remember the balance between school and having you-time,” Pickrell said. “Yeah, it sucks that I won’t be graduating with my friends, but I just have so many things ahead of me and looking to the future makes me feel so positive and comforted with the decision I have made.”
