Graduating Early Leads To International Opportunities

By Linnea Caswell

international

Teenagers from all over the country are completing bachelor’s degrees before their traditional counterparts graduate from high school. Need an example? Take Jordan Wilson from Idaho, who started CollegePlus! at the age of 16 and graduated with his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration one and a half years later.

International Ministry

Jordan had an incredible international opportunity starting at age 17 when he spent 5 months in Taiwan teaching English. Since he had already graduated from Thomas Edison State College, he had some extra time to invest in this terrific job and ministry opportunity. “It was a real blessing to have that freedom”, Jordan related. He shared that the time spent in Taiwan was one of the best things that resulted from his CollegePlus! experience.

Getting Started

Jordan and his parents didn’t have a formal long-term plan in place that included graduating college while still in high school, they simply jumped in when the opportunity presented itself. “I still had high school to finish up,” Jordan said, and so he combined a number of his high school courses with general education requirements. Any high school student, whether homeschooled or not, can pick some high school courses they’re good at and spend extra time studying for the CLEP test that corresponds to that particular course.

Growing Through Challenges

It’s not always easy to get going early. Jordan shared that “it was challenging right away – having to switch focus and look into the future at age 16.” His dad’s wisdom was invaluable in making the decision to work towards a degree, even if the future wasn’t perfectly clear, and to choose a General Management major. Throughout his studies, Jordan learned to go at his own pace, not to rush it, but to be content with “doing your best with your whole focus on the Lord.”

Freedom to Explore Options

While currently back at home, Jordan is pursuing his interest in law through internships and part-time jobs. He is grateful to have the financial freedom and flexibility to explore a number of different options and to consider in what direction God is leading him. The possibility of going back to continue overseas work and ministry has occurred to him, but he is open to whatever God has for the future.

Right Attitude

Finally, Jordan encourages all CollegePlus! students to develop the right attitude about the unique and challenging route you’re traveling. “You’re not necessarily better than someone else [because you’re doing college in high school] – it’s important to remember that people take the path that’s best for them.” He believes it is vitally important to maintain a humble attitude when explaining the different path God has called him to. “[CollegePlus!] is not right for everyone” but it truly has been a blessing in Jordan’s life and has led to opportunities around the world.

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Linnea Caswell is a CollegePlus! graduate and lives in Illinois with her family. She earned a BA degree from Thomas Edison State College, is a certified paralegal, and teaches piano.

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