News

Lillian Croel is a second-year student at Montcalm Community College and she’s only a junior at Ionia High School.

Croel is earning college credits through dual enrollment, which allows students to take up to 10 college classes throughout their high school career. Successful completion of a college course grants them college credit as well as satisfies one of their high school graduation requirements.

Croel first enrolled at MCC as a high school sophomore and has completed two English classes and an Introduction to Film class. She said the experience has helped her grow as a student and learn what is needed to be successful in college courses.

“I have had nothing but good experiences at MCC,” Croel said.

“I have found that in taking my English-based classes, I have become a better writer,” she added. “I have seen a huge improvement in my writing – there’s a lot to learn to complete college-level work.”

She is glad for the opportunity to grow as a student.

“I have learned a lot about how to be a college student,” she said. “It’s a heavier workload than high school. I have learned to tackle my work as soon as possible and not procrastinate.”

While Croel has not yet decided her plans after high school, one thing is certain – she plans to attend community college and hopefully take advantage of the Community College Guarantee, which offers free tuition for n-district high school graduates, before transferring to a four-year institution.

“It’s basically free college, if I keep going at a community college,” she said.

Croel encourages other high schoolers to consider dual enrollment.

“Take a class that you have an interest in and will help you in the future,” she said. “You will learn a lot and it will prepare you to be successful at a larger college or university.”

Visit montcalm.edu/dual-enrollment for more information.

Media inquiries, please contact:

Shelly Springborn
Director of Communications and Public Relations
shellys@montcalm.edu
989-560-0833