Last year, during my junior year of high school, I decided I did not want to attend the entirety of my senior year. I felt that high school had nothing more to offer me, and I was ready to journey into adulthood a bit earlier than my peers.

A few students do it every year, said South Principal Keith Richard, for a variety of reasons. I wasn’t sure how long the process of graduating early would take, so when I decided, I went immediately to my guidance counselor. She tried to sway me against it, but my mind was set, and I was finally told that it was possible to graduate a semester early: January 2016 instead of June 2016.

When I tell people this, they assume I am an amazing student and that’s why I got to do this. In truth, while I get good grades, the reality is that most seniors can graduate early. Nashua High School South requires 27 credits to graduate. With eight classes a year, one credit per class, most students will have 24 credits by the end of junior year. Get the senior requirements (English 4, etc.) out of the way first semester, and, well …

As easy as it seems, the process took a while. I had to write a letter stating why I wanted to graduate early, my mom had to write a letter saying it was OK, and then my guidance counselor had to write a letter. I later met with the principal, and he made the final decision. I left school in January but will march with my class in June.

I’m often asked if I regret graduating early. I know this decision is not for everyone, but I don’t regret it. I’ve never been involved in extracurricular activities at school. The only school event I’ve gone to was my freshman semiformal. Even with leaving early, I will be able to participate in all senior week events.

I’m also asked if I miss my friends. My friends and I never had the same classes, and most of us live in the same neighborhood. I see them just as much as I did while in school.

Graduating early doesn’t have many cons, for me. My only fear is that it will be hard for me to get back into the routine of school once I go to college.

Overall, being out of school has made me a lot happier and less stressed. I can work full time and save money for college. It has given me time to focus on my future and find what I’m really passionate about. I’ve reached goals that would not have been possible without this opportunity.

As stated earlier, graduating early is not for everyone. But I can say that it is for me. It is one of the best decisions I could’ve made for myself.

Caitlyn Boucher will graduate with the Nashua High School South Class of 2016.

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