For Sophia Villatoro, enrolling in dual credit courses at Lone Star College–North Harris was a strategic decision that is already shaping her academic future.

A student at Nimitz High School, located across the street from the college campus, Villatoro said the opportunity to earn transferable college credit while still in high school was a major factor in her decision.

“The benefit of dual credit is that once you take those courses here, those courses can transfer over so that you don’t have to retake them,” Villatoro said. “That definitely was appealing to me.”

Beyond saving time and money, Villatoro said the program has given her an early introduction to college expectations and systems. She noted that learning platforms such as D2L and exposure to office hours have helped ease her transition into higher education.

“I think it’s much better to test the waters now,” she said. “It’s easier to transition into college compared to someone who didn’t take dual credit classes.”

Villatoro also credits the campus environment for enhancing her experience. She said she frequently spends time in the student resource center, library and campus dining areas, finding both community and a place to recharge in between academic responsibilities.

“My favorite part about being a dual credit student here is engaging with the campus and its community,” she said. “Those moments really helped me ease tension and take a break.”

The academic benefits have also been significant. Villatoro described earning college credit while in high school as “exhilarating,” noting that dual credit courses can positively impact grade point averages and class rankings.

For students considering the program, Villatoro encourages them to explore the opportunity.

“Put your feet in the water,” she said. “Dual credit can help you figure out what draws you in and what your skills are.”

Villatoro said her success is tied closely to the support she has received from faculty, advisors, and campus leaders. She expressed gratitude to mentors, including Dr. Cathleen Tyson-Ferrol, Mr. Timothy Carter, and Ms. RaQayya Gilmore for their guidance and encouragement.

“The way they welcomed us in, especially when I first started, made a big difference,” she said. “I feel I have succeeded because of the support system here.”

She added that instructors were understanding of the unique challenges faced by dual credit students and often provided guidance for future academic pathways, whether continuing at Lone Star College or transferring to a university.

Advisors also played a key role by offering one-on-one support and structured academic planning. Villatoro said personalized guidance helped her determine course loads and align her classes with her intended major.

“They gave us a plan to continue and helped us stay on track,” she said.

Through her dual credit experience, Villatoro said she has gained not only college credits, but also confidence, clarity, and a sense of belonging, all before graduating high school.