Jumping Right into the College Experience

Wayne County High School and Dual Enrollment Student Willie C. Vaughn IV

For Willie C. Vaughn IV, the Dual Enrollment program offered at the College of Coastal Georgia gave him the different and unique learning experience he needed. The 18-year-old Vaughn is a senior at Wayne County High School and is spending his senior year as a dual enrollment student at the College.

The Dual Enrollment program (formerly Move On When Ready) at the College of Coastal Georgia provides high school students the opportunity to earn college credits. Students in the program enroll in courses at the College and earn credit toward high school graduation or home study completion. It was just what Vaughn needed to challenge him in his final year of high school.

“My high school offers Advance Placement classes, but I really wanted to get the hands-on, college experience as early as I could,” Vaughn said.

Vaughn jumped right into the vibrant collegiate community and joined Seaswells, the College’s literary art magazine. He serves as one of the editors of the magazine. In the process of bringing the magazine to life, Vaughn just may have found his future career.

“I want to be the one creating something. I want to go into storyboarding, maybe write novels, comics, or go into the entertainment business,” Vaughn said. “I want to write things that make people feel the same way I do when I read something phenomenal or watch a great show. I want to develop something complex and fun.”

Vaughn’s concentration at the College is English. After graduating from high school in May, Vaughn will return to the College of Coastal Georgia in the fall to finish his associate’s degree in English. He plans to continue his college career at either the University of Georgia or Georgia State University, to major in English or creative writing. He credits Seaswells with keeping his interest in creative writing alive.

He’s also benefitted from meeting with professors who are very knowledgeable about their specific academic areas and research. He fondly talked about Dr. Catherine Culver, assistant professor of philosophy and discussing classic literary figures with Dr. David Mulry, professor of English.

He’s felt a sense of freedom being on campus and, in particular, in his classes.

“In college you become more self-aware. You’re going to be treated like an adult and that teaches you responsibility,” Vaughn said. “If you feel like you’re ready for that responsibility, then do Dual Enrollment. And even if you’re not ready, try one class through the program and see if college life is for you. The benefits are tremendous. Not only do you earn college credits, which saves money, but you will meet driven, motivated people who have so much positive energy.”

He reassured hesitant students that professors and tutors are available and willing to help with classwork.

“It’s fun to step onto an actual campus and be a part of the life here. Being a part of the community here is great. You’ll find something, such as a club, that pertains to what you want to do. There’s so much diversity in college that you don’t have to worry about fitting in. There will be a group where you will fit in,” he said.

The Dual Enrollment program at the College of Coastal Georgia is offered during the fall, spring, and summer semesters.