Why Choose Running Start?

Before being involved in running start, I felt very out of place in my educational life. After engaging myself in this academic opportunity, I feel I have truly found an environment in which I thrive in personally, mentally, and educationally. I have been introduced to a whole new world of academic possibilities, giving me the opportunity to explore different courses, clubs, and school involvement. Since beginning running start, I have found myself thriving academically and personally, with my grades at an all-time high and support services to help me succeed. I feel as if my goals are achievable, and my future is full of opportunities for success. Through this program I have grown comfortable with my educational career, making my life and academic goals a reality.

The best part of the program for me was the fast-paced classes. While the quarterly schedule may seem intimidating, it helped me strengthen my time-management skills and earn high school and college credits simultaneously, preparing me for future success.
Running Start opened a new chapter of independence. Transitioning from high school to college required adjustment, but I discovered the benefits of flexible schedules, greater opportunities, and valuable insights gained by collaborating with students from diverse backgrounds.
My biggest tip for students is to explore all available resources. Running Start offers textbook lending, lunch assistance, and tuition waivers, but don’t overlook general Olympic College services like the IT HelpDesk, device checkout, computer labs, food pantry, counseling, and the resource center. Taking advantage of these can make the experience smoother and more rewarding.

Making new friends while building stronger connections with professors and faculty helped me step outside my comfort zone. I was able to achieve goals I could not have done without their help.
I am most proud of joining clubs and using the resources available to me; it made the biggest difference in my journey. With the help of those resources, I was able to apply to colleges and secure an acceptance.
Do not be afraid to fail; pick yourself up, learn from those mistakes, and apply them to your future. The challenges and setbacks help build your character without you realizing how much you're growing. I am happy with all my accomplishments and how much they guided me through tough times.

Running Start was an easy entry into life, the flexibility that it offered allowed for a strong sense of independence which really helped me get a Running Start into adulthood, along with a Running Start in my education.
Earning my AA-DTA right out of high school and tuition free was by far my most proud accomplishment in the program. The benefit it had when transferring to a four-year university was significant!
I really enjoyed the amount of likeminded individuals at Olympic College, specifically within the Running Start program. When you’re in High School, everyone has to be there, and not everyone wants to be there, and sometimes that can show. But at OC, everyone has made the decision to be there, which really allows for a great, likeminded learning environment.

The wide variety of educational classes allowed me to choose and cater to interests that I had personally but also to further help me grow in aspects I once may not have approached before Running Start.
I am most proud of accomplishing several placements on the quarterly President’s List. I had placed on the list on some of my hardest quarters and it made me proud and motivated to continue through hardship.
Running Start was one of the best decisions I made for myself. Running Start gives you that boost into adulthood and helps you understand the world a little better while still continuing the education you need. Running Start has a great atmosphere on the OC campus, and you can really find your passion. If possible, for anyone Running Start should be a top choice because it does help and gives a purpose within those 2 years.