Dual-Enrollment Students Juggling Life in the Pandemic

It was a sunny, spring day in March 2020. Lehighton Area High School (LAHS) students were going about their daily after-school activities. What seemed like a perfect, breezy day quickly turned into the final day students were mask-free for the foreseeable future. Once the COVID-19 pandemic hit, it would test the grit and determination of all students, especially those enrolled in dual-enrollment courses.

Since 2017, LAHS has been offering classes to high school students who wanted to take their education to the next level prior to graduating. Through LCCC, dual-enrollment students have the opportunity to earn college credits towards an Associate’s Degree or to transfer to a four-year college while still in high school.

LAHS principal, Mrs. Howland, has been at the forefront in making this possible. Over the past few years, the number of dual enrollment students at LCCC has increased.

“Due to students’ desire to accelerate their learning and experience a college-level course, many Lehighton Area High School students take advantage of the opportunity that LCCC has to offer, either directly at LAHS, on their online platform, or at LCCC campuses,” said Mrs. Howland.

Abby Buffington, like a small number of other high school students, has pushed herself to do more than the average senior. Instead of filling up her time with parties, Abby is trying not to let the pressure of her busy schedule filled with honors classes, LCCC classes, varsity sports practices, and college visits overwhelm her.

At first, she was trying not to get too stressed out with her workload, just like any normal person.

“It was a little difficult, but once I got into a routine, it was easier to control,” she said. “I normally write things down so that I can see what needs to be done. I just go from the top of the list and work my way down until it is finished.”

If you are a high school student interested in giving yourself a head start to college, check out how you can get involved at LCCC through your local high school.