"Graduating with little to no debt was probably one of my biggest priorities – and still is. I don’t want to feel that pushing me down, weighing on me for years to come. It’s freeing to know I will not have to experience (paying off student loans) later in life." - Eric Perrin
In Fall 2022, at age 16, Eric Perrin started his college journey a bit earlier than many of his peers. He began at WCTC through the College’s Excelerate initiative, which allows qualified (and ambitious) high school juniors and seniors to enroll in a WCTC program – just like any other College student – and likely have it paid for by the student’s K-12 school district.
A junior at the time, Perrin explored the idea of attending college while still in high school as a way to maximize credits through dual enrollment, save money and get a jump-start on higher education.
In May 2024, Perrin realized his goal. He graduated from WCTC earning an IT-Network Specialist associate degree – three weeks before earning his Brookfield Central High School diploma. Last month, he started classes at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee at junior-level standing, thanks to numerous college credits he transferred into the university. And, he said, he’s on track to graduate with his bachelor’s degree in Information Science and Technology at just 19 years old, having shaved two years’ time off a four-year degree.
"It was kind of surreal, to graduate from WCTC at 17 and then graduate from high school at 18," Perrin said. "It was awesome to have that head start, especially financially, and to have 72 credits wiped off my slate. It’s been incredible."
An Eye on Future Goals
Perrin first learned about Excelerate at an informational meeting and talked with the Elmbrook School District’s director of Career, College and Life Readiness about dual enrollment options.
"Excelerate just kind of clicked with me in that it seemed like something that would match with my future goals, and I wanted to give it a shot," he said.
Once he visited the WCTC campus and learned more, Perrin was sold.
"Before I enrolled, I came here and was just blown away – especially with the IT building; it’s so high tech. And everyone is just so welcoming," he said, noting the support systems in place, such as navigators and instructors.
Prioritizing and Practicing Self-Discipline
Shifting from a high school mindset to a college mindset took some adjustment, Perrin said, and he had to discover ways to balance time for friends, family, school, work and other commitments. He scaled back on extracurricular activities and put sports on hold. He limited involvement in campus activities to open houses and career fairs, and he focused on his classes, internship at Husco (where he still works) and part-time job at Waukesha Memorial Hospital. Perrin also completed various certificates, many in cloud computing.
Prioritizing his projects and practicing self-discipline resulted in Perrin excelling academically. In spring 2024, he earned the Outstanding Student Program Award for IT-Network Specialist and he graduated with distinction.
A Smart Financial Decision
While Perrin is grateful to WCTC for providing him with a solid educational foundation and opening the door to numerous opportunities, he said he also feels fortunate to be at a financial advantage and for the peace of mind it brings.
"Graduating with little to no debt was probably one of my biggest priorities – and still is," Perrin said. "I don’t want to feel that pushing me down, weighing on me for years to come. It’s freeing to know I will not have to experience (paying off student loans) later in life."
From WCTC Impact, Fall 2024.