Emily Masters
When interest surveys paralleled personal enjoyment, Emily Masters knew that her career goal would include helping others. Now, she will be graduating not only from Grundy County High School but also from Chattanooga State with 64 college credits under her belt and a 4.0 GPA. In May, Emily will receive her Associate of Science degree as a general transfer student before she receives her high school diploma. This gives Emily a distinct advantage and advanced standing placement as a college sophomore or junior at one of the five colleges where she already has been accepted.
Chattanooga State’s Early College program has grown in popularity and is offered throughout high schools in its service area.
The program is known for its quality and the ability to save thousands of dollars in tuition and expenses while accelerating students toward degree completion. “Early College is a great bargain,” shares Emily. “It allowed me to take classes at a significantly lower cost than at a four-year college or university,” she adds.
“My parents pushed me to take these classes, but I’m glad they did,” said Emily. “It has challenged me and I would encourage everyone to take these classes because it really will prepare them for life after high school,” she comments. Emily also received assistance from Chattanooga State’s high school program coordinator Juliette Biondi. “Juliette was especially helpful to me in answering all of my questions and making sure I was taking the right classes to get my degree,” stated Emily.
Emily’s goal is to start a company that designs curriculum to run workshops across the country to promote self-respect and a better body image in teenage girls. Her employment and volunteer choices reflect this long-term goal. Emily works the front desk and kids’ zone at Tenacity Adventure Fitness in Tracy City. She is an active volunteer with a local youth group in the Sewanee area focused on faith, called Fire on the Mountain. Activities include delivering cookies to shut-ins and hosting Halloween parties at Blue Monarch long-term residential program for women and their children recovering from abusive situations. She volunteers on the Community Action Committee to help raise funds for the March of Dimes through her high school Business Leaders of America Club.
While her current hands-on employment and volunteer experience have helped prepare her for the career goal she set, her educational plan to major in English will ensure mastery of communication and critical thinking skills.
For more information about the Early College program and its benefits, see http://www.chattanoogastate.edu/high-school/early-college or call 423-697-3349.