BCS Advantage Magazine Summer 2016 | Page 20

Life at Buncombe County Early College

by Hadley Buckner , a third year student
Buncombe County Early College is a 5 year program housed at A-B Technical College . Students graduate with both a high school diploma and an associate ’ s degree .
Coming to Buncombe County Early College ( BCEC ) was the most important , life-altering decision I have ever made . Before high school I didn ’ t feel like I had found my place , and it was so refreshing to come to this school and discover everything I had been missing .
At BCEC , students find opportunities to learn and feel more connected every day . It ’ s such an awesome environment where everyone wants to help us succeed ; for me , this continual support is a major reason why I love my school . At first glance , BCEC is a little intimidating . When BCEC teachers visit a middle school , they will emphasize the college level assignments and high expectations they have for us . While it is true there is plenty of work and we have to have to apply ourselves every day , the benefits outweigh the fear . I know that college seems a million years away , but it ’ s closer than you think , and having a head start on your future after high school will be something you ’ ll appreciate the rest of your life .
When students are asked why they came to BCEC , the answers are basically the same : “ I thought it was the best option ,” “ I wanted extra college credits ,” “ I wasn ’ t happy with regular high school ,” etc ., but in the end the reasons they stay are most important . We ’ ve found a place to be ourselves , we ’ ve received support from dedicated teachers , and we ’ ve become involved in the amazing groups and activities , such as our school garden , student government , and newspaper .
Students come to BCEC for the unique learning opportunities , and we stay because having access to college classes has shown us career paths we ’ ve never imagined . Buncombe County Early College is a wonderful school that has lead me to many life changing opportunities .
OPEN ! DAILY ! Market % is % conveniently % located % between % IM40 % and % IM26 % in % Asheville %
!
Retail ! Shoppes ! open ! daily !!!
! 8:00 ! to ! 6:00 !!! April !–! October !!
!
8:00 ! to ! 5:00 !!! November !–! March !
18
Thanks to Champion Credit Union for their generous support of Buncombe County Schools !
Together , we are preparing our students for their tomorrow !
Farm % fresh % produce ,% jams ,% jellies ,% local % cheese ,% honey ,% wine ,% homemade % fudge ,%
cra7s ,% fresh % eggs ,% Amish % bu : er ,% homemade % ice % cream % and % % so % much %
more !%
WNC % FARMERS % MARKET % 570 % Brevard % Road % Asheville ,% NC %% 28806 %% 828M253M1691 % www . wncfarmersmarket . org %%