by John Salazar, ABHS Senior

Upon entering an expensive hotel, treating myself to cheese and crackers, it is finally time to settle down. Opening the door to a large room, with many seats arranged to face the front, my nerves start to kick in, I can’t believe me and my fellow classmates are presenting at Governor Richardson’s Higher Education Summit 2008: Rising to the Challenge of Access and Student Success. We were introduces as the “pioneers” of being dually enrolled in high school and college. Being positioned in the front, looking toward the audience, gave me confidence that these educational experts actually want to hear about what we, high school students, think.  We shared the many benefits of our firsthand experience and then, a question arises. “You must be the cream of the crop and the top of your class?” My fellow peer replies, “ We’re not anything close to that. We are just average high school students and because we are given this special opportunity with the right support, we are successful.” I am learning what to expect when I leave my fish tank and enter the ocean. Not only I thankful to be part of this new revolution requiring all New Mexico high schools to offer this experience, but I am thankful for the invitation to speak about my personal experience and how this opportunity has helped me grow.