Joshua Cherian
Name: Joshua Cherian
High School: Home Schooled
College (Current or Future): Georgia Southwestern State University
Major/Intended Major: Pre-Engineering - Regents’ Engineering Pathway
Financial Aid Program: Dual Enrollment
Whether you are creating something to fly the friendly skies or soar into outer space, a fast takeoff is required. Joshua Cherian, an aspiring aerospace engineer, used Dual Enrollment to get a head start on his postsecondary education.
“My parents heard about the dual enrollment program through my home school group and we thought, ‘Why not?’” said Cherian, who took courses at Toccoa Fall College and Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) before enrolling full time at GSW where he is currently completing his junior year.
With the additional classes taken via dual enrollment and earning the Zell Miller Scholarship, Cherian has not had to take out any student loans and remains free from educational debt. He is currently undecided about his career goals, but is considering corporations like SpaceX, where engineers are developing technology to explore the stars by designing, manufacturing and launching advanced rockets and spacecraft.
“I’ve always wanted to go to Brazil. They have a great space program,” Cherian said, “but I would have to learn Portuguese first.”
His advice for all Georgia high school students is to take advantage of Dual Enrollment.
“It gives you a great head start financially and academically,” Cherian said, “prepping you for college before you even go while making you a stronger student once you’re fully enrolled.”
Once enrolled, students can indulge in their hobbies. Cherian, a Rubik’s Cube enthusiast, recently organized a regional competition on the GSW campus. Participants from surrounding states competed for prizes provided by the gaming website, TheCubicle.us.
“Georgia has a pretty strong speed cubing contingent compared to a lot of other nearby states,” Cherian said. “There are competitors who average under 10 seconds, easily.”
