Michaele Bryant

Name: Michaele Bryant

High School: Bainbridge High School

College (Current or Future): ABAC (Tifton Campus)

Major/Intended Major: Agribusiness

Financial Aid Program: Dual Enrollment

 

From picking your own peaches in Blue Ridge to bird watching in Arlington, agriculture and tourism are the state’s top economic generators according to the Georgia Agritourism Association.

Michaele Bryant, who graduated from Bainbridge High School while also working at the Pecan Ridge Plantation, hopes to master this merger between the rural and urban areas of the state.

“I’ve always had a passion for agriculture and know the importance of the industry to the economy, especially in southwest Georgia,” said Bryant. “I believe agriculture impacts every single person on some level and I’d love to educate everyone about the importance.”

Bryant used Dual Enrollment to get a head start on her postsecondary education, an idea that was sparked when Laura Brown, the Dual Enrollment advisor from ABAC-Bainbridge, came to her school.

“My mother and my guidance counselor encouraged me to investigate the opportunities with Dual Enrollment,” said Bryant.

The opportunities allowed Bryant to take college courses and receive both high school and college credit. After taking two courses during the summer before her junior year, Bryant took a full course load at Bainbridge State College for four straight semesters before this spring.

“In high school, your teachers are babying you and making sure you get your work done,” Bryant told the Post Searchlight, “but in college you’re self-reliant and you have to tell yourself to do your work.

“This is an opportunity for you to prepare for the college transition while earning high school credits and your success is dependent upon self-discipline, work ethic and dedication.”

Bryant’s dedication earned her the rare distinction; graduating from Bainbridge State College on May 10, then from Bainbridge High School two weeks later. Her motivation behind it all is something all Georgia students should strive for.

“My schedule at (Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton) will begin with major specific classes which will result in a head start in the workforce compared to others my age,” Bryant said. “I earned an Associate’s Degree without paying a dime, not even for a parking pass, thanks to (Dual Enrollment) and with this opportunity, I plan to graduate from college debt free.”