Bristow High School senior completes College Degree at same time as high school graduation

While many students are just now thinking about going to college, Bristow High School senior Kinlee Snell is already a college graduate. This month she completed two years of college, earning an associate degree in Pre-Nursing from Tulsa Community College.

“I encourage high school students to take advantage of concurrent enrollment opportunities,” said Snell. “I hear some of my friends say they aren’t smart enough or that it will take away from their high school experience. I say it’s all about work ethic. I’m an average student but I was able to do well and earn my degree because I worked at it.”

She was recognized at an awards assembly at Bristow High School on May 4 and presented a special cord to wear at this week’s high school graduation and, one day later, TCC’s commencement on Friday, May 12.

Active in high school activities, she showed sheep as a member of FFA and was one of 27 livestock competitors chosen across the U.S. to be a member of the National Roper Supply Show Team. She also competed in competitions on a state level as a member of the high school choir and is a member of her church’s worship team.

“I learned to manage my time well, so I didn’t sacrifice my high school activities,”said Snell.“I even worked two part-time jobs, continued barrel racing, and devoted a lot of time to practicing for the worship team at church. It really is all about going after your goals and working hard to achieve them.”

Snell is believed to be Bristow’s first graduate through Tulsa Community College’s Dual Credit to College Degree or DC2CD, a program that allows eligible students to start college courses after the sophomore year and earn a college degree alongside their high school diploma. She also took some college courses at Oral Roberts University as a high school sophomore which transferred to TCC to complete her degree.

“We at Bristow High School are very proud of Kinlee,” said Heather Butler, College & Career Advisor at Bristow High School. “This was a goal she set for herself early in high school and through her hard work, determination, and a strong support system she met her goal! She is also a great example of what students here at Bristow High School have the opportunity to accomplish.”

With two years of college completed, Snell has been accepted at the University of Central Oklahoma and will transfer to complete a bachelor's degree in nursing with a minor in philosophy.

“I chose nursing because I have always had a strong desire to help others and I really like anything in the science field,” said Snell. “In this career, I can provide comfort to patients during a vulnerable time in their life. I hope to make a lasting and positive impact on them and their loved ones through the care I give them.”

Dual credit classes are taught by TCC faculty with multiple options for online or in-person on a TCC campus. In sharing the message, you don’t have to graduate from high school to start college, TCC offers four different dual credit programs for concurrent high school students.

“Whether you complete a twoyear associate degree while still in high school, finish up to one year of college general education requirements, or complete a few courses, dual credit is a great way to get a head start on college,” said Lissa Steadley, director of Dual Credit Programs.“The high school tuition waivers through the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education provide for up to 18 eligible credit hours for all Oklahoma seniors, and TCC also offers up to 12 eligible credit hours for all Oklahoma juniors.”

Plus, students can transfer TCC credits to public colleges and universities across Oklahoma with transfer agreements with many private and regional institutions. Enrollment is currently open for the summer and fall semesters.

To find out more information, visit www.tulsacc.edu/dualcredit. Students and parents are also encouraged to contact the college and career advisor at their high school to begin the process.