Early college graduates ready for next steps in academic careers

Lessons learned at Edgecombe Community College and Edgecombe Early College High School are helping two exceptional student leaders pursue a glowing future on a foundation built at home in Edgecombe County.

Krystal Christopher and Zhi “Oscar” Lin received associate in science degrees and graduated from high school all in one fell swoop.

Now the two early college graduates will transfer into four-year programs at top universities to continue their academic pursuits.

Christopher, 19, plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill this fall on a Morehead-Cain scholarship, majoring in health care administration with a minor in accounting. She was one of only 75 recipients this year of the prestigious scholarship, out of 2,000 applicants, and is the first scholarship recipient from Edgecombe County Public Schools in a quarter century. She’s also only the second female recipient from Edgecombe County.

Lin, 19, of Macclesfield, plans to attend Yale University. He’ll major jointly in computer science and mathematics at the Ivy League bastion in New Haven, Conn. He carried the divisional flag during the community college’s graduate march in May, representing the Division of Arts and Sciences. The honor goes to the graduate with the highest grade-point average from each of the program’s three academic divisions: Arts and Sciences; Health Sciences; and Business, Industry and Technologies.

The Edgecombe Early College High School is a comprehensive five-year public high school located on the community college’s Tarboro campus. The school enrolls about 200 students, beginning in ninth-grade and extending through a “super-senior” 13th grade.

The early college is part of Edgecombe County Public Schools and accepts about 40 ninth-grade applicants per year. It aims to improve the college attendance rate in the community by exposing students to a rigorous curriculum, including honors courses and college courses. The goal for students is to graduate with a high school diploma and a two-year degree simultaneously.

An early college called EDGE Academy of Health Sciences is located on the community college’s Rocky Mount campus. The EDGE Academy of Health Sciences combines academics and health sciences related fields to provide students opportunities to acquire credentials and certifications in pursuit of an associate in applied science degree.

Lin noted how college classes boosted his academic development.

“Attending ECC allowed me to branch out and explore subjects of interest, while providing me with rigorous academic opportunities to prepare me for the next adventure after graduation,” he says. “The early college program provided me with the necessary tools and support that will continue to be invaluable to me in the future. It is forever a home where amazing faculty members and peers can be found.”

Looking back warmly, and whimsically, on his time at the early college, Lin recalls “the simple moments at school: hanging out with friends, chatting with teachers, preaching the greatness of pancakes and learning how to bowl at the cost of injuring my kneecap.”

He called the experience a “fulfilling high school life.”

Lin said he hasn’t solidified his career goals yet but looks forward to exploring Yale’s “serendipitous opportunities that will make me reflect on my future plans.”

Christopher, 19, a California native who lived in Tarboro before a recent move to Wilson, recounts what the early college did for her.

“Attending college classes at ECC helped me develop as a student because I had to learn how to manage my time well, set priorities and learn how to communicate properly with my instructors. These are skills that I will take with me to college and beyond.”

Post-graduation, she plans to pursue a master’s degree and perhaps medical school after that. She said she hopes one day to become an administrator for a women’s hospital and to “further advocate for women who experience misogyny within our health care system.”

Dr. Greg McLeod, president of Edgecombe Community College, said the two early college graduates are exceptional students.

“They represent the finest qualities that we seek to nurture in all of our students,” McLeod said. “I know they will continue to excel in their studies and in college life at UNC and Yale. We look forward to hearing more great things from these bright young stars.”