By Alexandria Woodruff, Rio Salado College Student Intern
Nika Bella Nabavi, a current sophomore at Desert Vista High School in the Tempe Union High School District, thrives in her school’s dual enrollment program through Rio Salado College. Through self-calculated credits and four-year planning, Nabavi plans to receive around 85-90 college dual credits, providing a head start to further advancement in higher education. With an interest in pursuing business and finance at top colleges, Nabavi hopes to save time and money through general education completion with dual enrollment.
Nabavi has her eyes set on a future career in business and finance, and is also interested in the possibility of law school later in life. With motivation to create success - fueled by encouragement and inspiration from her family - she hopes to mirror the success they created. Ultimately, Nabavi believes hard work to be her best in academics and using every resource available to get her ahead and create a stable path for her future.
Here are a few comments, paraphrased from her interview with classmate Alexandria Woodruff.
Q: What do you know about dual enrollment?
A: It's a great way to receive college associate degrees and earn credits for college, especially with in-state universities. This will allow me to complete an undergraduate degree faster to then start a master’s degree and doctorate pursuit.
Q: How did you learn about the dual enrollment program?
A: During freshman year, Rio Salado dual enrollment representatives came to Desert Vista and explained all the benefits of the program. I saw it to be a great opportunity.
Q: What motivated you to enroll?
A: I always want to excel in academics and loved the idea of getting ahead in high school for college.
Q: What motivates you as a student and individual?
A: My family came to the United States from Iran with little money and little knowledge of the language and was still able to create a great life for themselves. Through their example I want to replicate their success through academics.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years? What are your goals? How will dual help with these goals?
A: In 10 years, I hope to be completed with education and in a stable career. I hope to own a house, be in a long-term relationship, and start planning for children. I hope to maintain a good long-term work and family balance. I believe dual enrollment will help with these goals as it will allow me to get to them faster.
Q: What advice would you give your younger self or other students about dual enrollment?
A: I would get ahead as much as possible in high school and even in middle school, test out and take advantage of every resource you have. Dual enrollment is a great one to use as it is a super easy way to get credits. Even if you plan to go to Ivies (Ivy League schools) that don't take dual enrollment credits, it is a great back up for in-state so there’s nothing to lose.
Q: What is the biggest challenge you have overcome in your high school experience?
A: I am in all honors and AP classes so sometimes managing course load can be difficult. I work on better study habits to avoid procrastination and form good time management skills to maintain sports and hobbies. I hope to remember the importance of good time management and motivation.
Q: Do you have any hobbies or interests that you are able to pursue even with dual enrollment?
A: I am passionate about community service and received the Gold President Service Award (she is also an officer in her high school community service club). I value physical exercise, going to the gym daily physical and mental health, and prioritizing balance with course load, responsibilities, and everyday life.
Q: What are some benefits you hope to receive from dual or that you have already received from dual enrollment?
A: I earned 10 college credits during my freshman year of high school and am currently working on more. I hope to get my associate degree by graduation. With this, I will complete two years of her undergraduate degree.
Q: Does college scare you and how can dual enrollment help with that?
A: The scary part of college is acceptance since I hope to pursue top 20 schools and go out of state with financial aid. If I don’t get in, however, I believe dual enrollment to be a nice safety net that is cheaper and convenient to receiving credits for college by participating in high school classes I will already complete.
Q: What is your proudest achievement or accomplishment?
A: My proudest achievement academically is how I excel and maintains high grades. I appreciate my parents' demonstration of pride in those efforts.
Q: If someone asked about your success story, how would you explain that story through dual enrollment?
A: I would say that I am a person who always strove to be the best version of herself academically and otherwise. I took advantage of every resource that I had in high school, including dual enrollment, and I was always on top of my coursework, grades, and everything.
Alexandria Woodruff is a senior at Desert Vista High School. She is also a dual enrollment student at Rio Salado College.