Shailee Makosky

Student

Thanks to Bay College’s early college program, Bay freshman Shailee Makosky said she was able to get a head start on her college education while saving money in the process.

Shailee began taking classes at Bay during her junior year of high school. Graduating from Escanaba Senior High School in 2021, she became a full-time Bay College student that fall.

“I dual-enrolled during high school, and that’s when the early college program started up. I used it to get my first year of college for free – it was kind of a no-brainer,” she said.

In the early college program, students sign up for college courses at Bay while they are still in high school. Participating high schoolers take a fifth year of high school but focus on Bay classes during this time. Students can save money on college and graduate from higher education ahead of their classmates by getting involved in the early college program.

Shailee said things have been going well during her first “official” year at Bay and that she got all A’s during the fall 2021 semester.

“It’s nice, being in my hometown for that transition into college. It’s a lot, but everyone is very kind and understanding,” she said.

As a Bay student, Shailee is majoring in liberal arts. However, she plans to switch her major to psychology later on.

“I’ve been taking psychology classes through Bay, but they don’t have a psychology degree,” she said, noting she is also using her time at Bay to take care of various general education credits.

Her interest in psychology began well before she became a full-time college student.

“I always enjoyed listening to my friends and giving them advice. It kind of blossomed from there,” I guess,” Shailee said.

Shailee plans to head to another college after completing the winter 2023 semester.

“Once I get my associate degree, then I’ll transfer,” she said.

She has not yet decided what school she wants to attend after her time at Bay. However, she hopes to do so after completing the winter 2022 semester.

“My boyfriend’s in the military, so I’ve been looking at different options like possibly taking classes online,” Shailee said.

Shailee recommended Bay to any local high school students who are set to graduate soon and are not rushing to leave Delta County behind.

“For people who are considering staying here, I think it’s a great option,” she said.