What if you could earn college credit while still in high school? For many Mount Tahoma students, that question leads straight to Running Start. Through my Mount Tahoma TV segment, I interviewed four Tahoma students currently in Running Start to share the real experience, straight from students living it.

At the beginning of the video, Mrs. Phillips, Mount Tahoma’s graduation specialist, breaks down what Running Start actually is. Running Start allows juniors and seniors to take college classes for free while earning both high school and college credit. The program can save students time and money while giving them a head start on life after graduation.

To understand what it’s really like, I spoke with four Running Start students who attend Tacoma Community College. I asked questions many Tahoma students wonder about: How hard are the classes? Is it stressful? Do you still feel connected to Mount Tahoma? Their answers showed that Running Start is not the same for everyone, but it can be a strong option for students ready for more independence. One student shared that Running Start helped them feel more prepared for college expectations, while another admitted the adjustment was difficult at first but got easier over time.

These honest perspectives reflect Mount Tahoma’s values of community voice, courage, and academic excellence. Instead of hearing from adults only, students get to hear from their peers, people who understand the pressure of balancing school, life, and the future.

The video also highlights that Tacoma Community College is not the only Running Start option. Other schools include Clover Park Technical College, Bates Technical College, and Pierce College, each offering programs focused on different career paths, especially hands-on and technical fields. I also explained the basic steps for joining Running Start, so interested students know how to get started.

Running Start gives students the freedom to choose a path that works for them. Whether it’s saving money, exploring careers, or challenging yourself academically, the program shows how one student can successfully balance two schools. At Mount Tahoma, we value opportunity, respect, and hope, and Running Start is one-way students can take control of their future.

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