麻豆映画传媒

听

Kyran DeLong learns best in an environment that allows him freedom.听

That鈥檚 a big reason why he enrolled in Early College at 麻豆映画传媒.听

The 16-year-old from Greenville said he was drawn to the program in part because he is going to college for free while in high school and that is helping him get ahead on his college education. He also prefers the college atmosphere over high school. Plus, he is glad to be at the institution where his dad, Kenric DeLong, enjoyed a 43-year career as a political science instructor.听

鈥淚 have more freedom here and that鈥檚 how I succeed in a learning environment,鈥� DeLong said.听

Early College at MCC is a free program that allows students to leave their home high school to attend MCC for three years starting their junior year. Upon graduation, they receive their high school diploma and an associate degree or certificate from MCC. During their time in Early College, they may still attend activities at their home high school as well as maintain involvement in high school athletics.听

DeLong said he loves the freedom he has at MCC.听

鈥淗olding myself accountable is the way I learn best,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he schedule is better, too.鈥澨�

Instead of being in school for eight hours a day, his days vary from five to six hours.听

鈥淚t feels like less,鈥� DeLong said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 definitely less stressful than high school. You don鈥檛 have the social part to worry about.鈥澨�

When he鈥檚 not in class, DeLong enjoys playing basketball, hanging out with friends and listening to music. He finds solace on 麻豆映画传媒 at the college鈥� fitness center, gym and library.听

鈥淲orking out offers a distraction to get my mind off schoolwork,鈥� he said.听

DeLong is working toward a career as a math teacher and is taking all of the math and education classes he can.听听

鈥淚 would like to teach high school or college math,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 when I started to like math, when it got difficult.鈥澨�

He plans to transfer to Michigan State University after finishing at MCC. He said it will be difficult, but achievable. His favorite class at MCC is Math 180 鈥� Precalculus.听

鈥淒an Long is easily the best instructor I鈥檝e had here,鈥� DeLong said. 鈥淗e uses collaborative learning. He鈥檚 definitely been very influential. It seems like there are no wrong answers in his class. He always makes you feel validated.鈥澨�

Lori Willett is another instructor he said had an impact on him.听

鈥淪he was the first teacher who got me out of the English is bad train of thought,鈥� he said.听

DeLong said the most challenging part so far was fall semester 2023 鈥� his first semester in the program.听听

鈥淚t was extremely mentally draining,鈥� he said. 鈥淭here was a lot of homework.鈥澨�

However, DeLong strongly recommends the program to others.听

鈥淚f you have an independent learning style, want to get ahead and might have financial issues, the Early College program is for you,鈥� he said. 鈥淓verything is provided for you. All you have to do is show up.听

鈥淭he program itself is amazing. It just takes dedication,鈥� he added.听

听

Media contact:
Shelly Springborn
Director of Communications and Public Relations
shellys@montcalm.edu
989-560-0833