Breaking Barriers: My Journey to Earning an A.S. Degree Before High School Graduation

When I look back at the past few years, it's hard to even put into words what this journey has meant to me. I recently graduated from St. Dominic Savio Catholic High School in Austin — a place that has shaped my faith, my mind, and my values. But what makes my graduation story different is something no student in the history of my school has done before: I graduated not just with my high school diploma, but also with an Associate of Science (A.S.) degree.

Let me be clear — this wasn't supposed to be possible.

Savio doesn’t offer a dual-degree program. In fact, the curriculum wasn’t designed for someone to be simultaneously enrolled in college-level courses. But I didn’t see that as a stop sign. I saw it as a challenge.

I took all of my required high school courses at Savio while also attending Austin Community College — at the same time. Every semester, every week, every day was full. Some days started before sunrise and ended long after sunset. I didn’t have a typical high school experience, because I was living in two academic worlds.

And if that wasn’t enough, most of this happened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Online classes. Isolation. The constant uncertainty. Teachers and professors trying their best to keep students afloat. I had to adapt quickly, stay focused, and push myself harder than ever before.

I’ve always believed in hard work. I skipped 7th grade not because it was easy, but because I was ready to take on more. I knew what I was capable of — even when others doubted if I could handle double the workload. It wasn’t about proving anyone wrong. It was about proving to myself that I could do something extraordinary.

There were nights when I felt overwhelmed. Days when I questioned if it was worth it. But I held on to one truth: doing the right thing — the hard thing — is worth it. Always.

Now, I’m graduating with honors, with a high GPA, and with pride. Not just because of the degrees or the accolades — but because I never gave up. I refused to settle for what was expected. I carved a new path, and in doing so, I became stronger, smarter, and more prepared for whatever comes next.

If you’re reading this and facing your own impossible mountain — take it one step at a time. You’re capable of more than you think.