I chose to graduate a semester early and do dual enrollment at Irvine Valley College because I wanted to start my career path sooner. I’ve known that I wanted to be an OB-GYN since I was four or five. It’s been really exciting getting to pick my own classes, follow my passions and feel like a grown-up early. I’d say the most important part about high school is truly learning the material, learning to love the material and to have fun.       

— Samantha Otten, Class of 2023

I want to take a gap year, and I thought the best way to do that would be to graduate early. When I turn 18, I will probably go abroad and get college credits while I’m traveling. I want to find my purpose, broaden my horizons, know more about myself and know about more cultures. I want to find a career that I would love, and I’m trying to be open-minded.

— Abigail Wu, Class of 2024

The culture at Northwood was very competitive, and it didn’t allow for a lot of creativity. Graduating early has definitely given me the freedom to explore the world more and have time to go out late, enjoy myself and have meaningful conversations with friends. My advice to high schoolers is to relax. Don’t apply your grades to your self worth.      

— Corey Okamoto, Class of 2022

My older sister graduated early, so I’m just following in her footsteps and graduating this year. One of my best memories at Northwood was doing a sport and getting to collaborate with my friends. After high school, I plan on going to a community college and then transferring to a four-year college. I want to do biochemistry and then become a dentist.

 — Chris Vien, Class of 2024