Ruby Gundrum, 17, made Galveston College history when she graduated this month with an associate’s degree in General Studies. Gundrum, who attributed her achievement to determination, planning and a passion for learning, graduated from the college before finishing Ball High School, making her the college’s earliest dual-credit graduate.

Gundrum, originally from Illinois, will begin the school year at Ball High School as a senior. But through the school’s dual-credit program, which allows high school students to take college-level courses, she managed to earn enough credits to graduate from Galveston College with an associate’s degree.

“It’s definitely surreal,” Gundrum said. “Graduating from college before high school is not something I ever imagined, but the dual-credit program made it possible.”
Gundrum’s academic journey began in her freshman year with honors classes. During the summer after her freshman year, she began her accelerated studies, Gundrum said.
She took a foundational psychology course, Texas government and art appreciation, all of which counted toward her college credits.

By sophomore year, she was taking college-level English, biology, government, speech, history, technical writing and British literature among others. She chose courses that could be transferable to most universities so she wouldn’t have to retake them, Gundrum said, “My mom was a big push behind me taking those summer classes initially,” Gundrum said. “I wanted to get ahead, and she helped me see the value in starting early. It wasn’t easy but it was worth it.”

Read more on the Galveston Daily News.