Alexys Bolden

Name: Alexys Bolden

High School: Heritage High School (Catoosa)

College (Current or Future): West Virginia University

Major/Intended Major: Forensic and Investigative Science

Financial Aid Program: Dual Enrollment

Finding the financing for a college education can be a mystery for even the smartest students, but Alexys Bolden linked her passion with her future to solve the problem.

“I want to be a forensic pathologist,” said Bolden, “because I want to help solve puzzles.”

She fell in love with the idea of being a forensic pathologist while attending a National Youth Leadership Foundation in Washington D.C. This organization has a summer camp designed to put high school students on the path towards a career in forensic science.

Bolden “loves figuring things out,” and with the advice of her high school counselors, she figured out a major benefit of the Dual Enrollment program.

“(Dual Enrollment) helped me and my family save so much money towards my college education,” said Bolden, who received her diploma from Heritage High School and an associate of science degree from Dalton State in May. “My family and I have been able to plan on paying less for college.”

“Everyone should pursue dual enrollment. It will be the best decision you can ever make in high school.”

Her associate of science degree provides college credits that will transfer to the college of her choice – West Virginia University.

“I chose WVU because they have the number one forensics program in the nation,” said Bolden. “They're very prestigious in this field.”

When it comes to college, Bolden advises other students not to wait to start solving their own puzzle.

“Make sure to submit your college applications as early as possible,” Bolden said. “Explore different colleges and find the one that you love best.”