In 2019, the inaugural class of Royal Early College High School graduated! These students earned both a high school diploma AND an Associate of Arts Degree. These students are off to four year universities where they will major in many different fields. Here is where they are going and what they had to say about being an early college high school study. 

Angela Castillo, Texas State University, Major: Animal Science

Being in the early college high school has taught me so much. It has helped me prepare for higher education. My experience in the early college has helped me become more responsible with my work. Although the best thing about it is that I have made long lasting friends. The biggest lesson I learned is to never give up. I struggled tremendously at the beginning, but I pulled through with the help of my wonderful professors. I know that if I had not been in the early college high school I would not be the person I am today. This experience has been a part of who I have become.

Alexis Contreras, Texas A&M University, Major: Architecture

Hello, my name is Alexis Contreras and I am a student of the Royal Early College High School. I was blessed to be a part of the Early College High School program when the program was introduced to my school. It was agreeably the best decision of my life, not only did I save time and money but it helped me transition into college work. Being a first generation college student, this program has helped me and my family every step of the way and prepared me for a four year university.

Shauna Odum, Trinity University, Major: Neuroscience

I would say that Early College High School (ECHS) has been a very valuable experience. Although there have definitely been some struggles, I would never change my experience. Being in ECHS has certainly changed me for the better. Of course being in ECHS has prepared me academically for my future in higher education, it has also allowed me to make some of the best friends I could ever ask for. Going through such a unique and challenging experience together has forged our bonds even stronger and I am proud to say I am walking out of this experience not only with my associates degree but with an amazing group of friends that have supported each other through everything. I feel like I could honestly say that my fellow students are no longer just friends, but a true family.

Joining ECHS has also given me an invaluable glance into what higher education is like. I have learned what level of work is expected from students and also what the college classroom is like. This has prepared me for attending a four-year university because I will not have to play catch up my freshman year learning good study techniques and what is expected of me. Instead, I will be arriving on campus already knowing this and ready to face whatever is thrown at me.

I think that the biggest lesson I have learned is good study techniques. Especially taking Biology, I have realized that you cannot begin studying the night before a big exam. Studying is something that should happen every week, not just when a test is coming up. If you only study before an exam you will have no time to ask questions and to actually understand the material. Studying every week allows you to do less work when the actual exam is looming.

Jenny Pierce, Texas A&M University, Major: Biomedical Science

My name is Jenny Pierce, and I am Senior at the Royal Early College High School. My experience has been unbelievable to say the least, as it has undoubtedly prepared me to succeed at the higher level. I will be attending Texas A&M University this fall to study Biomedical Science. Without my experience at Lone Star College, this next chapter in my life would definitely be very different. Through the help of Lone Star, I have had the opportunity to learn study management skills, and I now know my personal routine better. I believe this skill will help me on the next level of education, and I personally cannot wait. The biggest lesson I learned was to always keep a planner of assignment due dates that you completed with the syllabus at the beginning of the course. This is important when you are enrolled in several classes as it is very easy to forget about assignments when you are stretched thin for time. Although I believe I would have still succeeded on the high school level without being a member of this program, I would not be as prepared for the University level as I am today.

Epiphany Wilson, Texas A&M University, Major: Biology

My Lone Star College experience has prepared me for furthering my education. The biggest lesson that I learned is the lesson of hard work. With Lone Star I now know that anything is possible when you work hard. Without this experience I would not be the person I am today. Instead of being more education based, I would focus on a different aspect of school.