After graduating high school, Kyle Harvey wasn't sure which four-year university he wanted to attend. In the year he took to decide where he wanted to go, he chose to attend classes at Forsyth Technical Institute and Community College.
And what a year it was.
Instead of taking the common two-year approach toward an associate degree, Harvey earned his in just one.
"If I was going to be home for a year, I thought I'd get as much done as I could," the 19-year-old said.
It took Harvey a total of nine months to receive his associate degree in arts.
Harvey enrolled in Forsyth Tech's fast track program in August 2008 after graduating from North Iredell High earlier in the spring.
During his junior year at North High, he participated in the Huskins program, in which he completed six credit hours at Mitchell Community College.
During the fall semester, Harvey completed 31 semester hours and another 27 in the spring. Typically, a full course load tops at 18 credit hours per semester.
Harvey spent three days a week on Forsyth's campus, but the majority of his classes were online.
"It was easier than I thought it was going to be," he said.
He graduated from Forsyth with a 3.62 grade point average and high academic honors. He also chose his next school.
He will be a junior in the fall when he enters Appalachian State University to major in criminal justice.
"Education is important because the higher education you get will prepare you for life and a better job," he said.
Harvey said he isn't planning to fast track his way through Appalachian, but will take his time and fully enjoy the college atmosphere. He plans to graduate at 21.
Kyle's father, Robin Harvey, the associate dean of arts and sciences at Forsyth, is proud his son finished in "record time and was recognized for high academic honors."
"To complete two years of college in two semesters is quite a feat," Robin Harvey said.
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