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. Trayvon’s story is the first in this series.

Choosing to be an educator isn’t something that Trayvon Crain decided to just do one day out of the blue. 

“Without the guidance of my teachers and other important educational staff, I wouldn’t be on this path right now,” he said. “Connections between students and teachers are what allowed me to overcome obstacles and challenges.”

And for Travyon, it’s been quite the accelerated path. On May 20, Trayvon earned his associate degree in Foundations of Teacher Education from Blackhawk - two weeks before earning his high school diploma. 

Being able to take college courses as a high school student gave Trayvon a leg up on other students his age and has given him greater insight into his field.

“I’ve learned a lot more about the educational field, including how it is structured and the many different other important aspects that I wouldn’t have known about otherwise,” he said.

As a high school student taking higher education classes, Trayvon found it was important to learn how to effectively manage his time and to never be afraid to communicate with his instructors and ask for help.

“My teachers helped me through and took time out of their days to help guide me,” he said.

Getting involved in clubs also has helped Trayvon. He has been part of the Student Leadership Council and eSports clubs. He also has helped tutor his peers in math, chemistry and psychology.

In his free time, he enjoys playing video games, drawing, writing, reading and sleeping.

Trayvon plans to attend the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater to earn a bachelor’s degree and eventually teach middle school math.

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.

Learn more about the options at blackhawk.edu/startcollegenow.