Editor’s Note: Ahead of the Curve is a series of stories that spotlights five Rock University High School seniors who earned their associate degree two weeks before they graduated from high school. To read the other ‘Ahead of the Curve’ spotlights, go to blackhawk.edu/curve.

Andrew Hegle has taken a significant step towards realizing his dream of a career in law enforcement. At just 18 years old, Andrew earned his associate degree in Criminal Justice from Blackhawk - two weeks before earning his high school diploma from Rock University High School.

Andrew embraced the opportunity to take Criminal Justice college courses while still in high school, and the experience has provided him with a transformative learning journing that helped to shape his perspectives and cement his desire to serve as a police officer.

Reflecting on his journey, Andrew expressed gratitude towards his instructors for their guidance and mentorship.

“I have been able to learn and get experience that really has encouraged me to continue to want to become a police officer,” he said.

Learning about a field that interested him while getting college credits was the best decision he made in his high school career, Andrew said. While the workload can be difficult to handle, he would urge anyone to follow that path.

During his junior year, Andrew was working 30 hours a week while balancing a full high school workload as well as his Blackhawk classes, which was completely draining him.

“I found that I needed to stop working and focus fully on my schooling,” he said. “That was really hard to do, but I understood that it was the best option for me to succeed.”

Andrew will attend the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in the fall to pursue a bachelor’s degree. He plans to return to the Janesville area to work for the Janesville Police Department or Rock County Sheriff’s Department.

Start College in High School

High school students can earn college credit through advanced standing or transcripted credit articulation agreements between Blackhawk and high schools in Rock and Green counties,

High school students also can participate in the Start College Now program, which is open to juniors and seniors who have approval from their school district and meet other requirements.