For most students, high school typically lasts four years and senior year marks the end of their high school journey and the beginning of a new chapter. For junior Lizzey Meador, the traditional path was not the best fit for her. This year, Meador decided to graduate early in hopes to move out west and get a head start on the life she has always dreamed about. She plans to move out to Colorado and live in an apartment by herself by the end of this July. Read to find out more about why she decided to make this big decision and how she plans to sustain herself while trying to accomplish her goals. 

Q: Why did you decide to graduate early? Do you regret it? Why or why not?

A: I chose to graduate a year early because I have been ready to explore new beginnings. I didn’t want anything holding me back from doing what I knew I needed to do. I thought it was a no brainer. Everyday I struggle with whether I regret this decision or not, but I have started to let go of that mindset. I am ready for whatever life throws at me, I just have to pay attention to the way I respond. 

Q: Was it difficult to graduate early? What was the hardest part?

A: The hardest thing about graduating early is learning life lessons sooner than I thought I would. Never in a million years would I have thought I would be moving across the country by myself at 17 years old. I’m starting to learn how to organize my finances, without my parents across the hall from me, it’s weird. I have always been an independent person, but now it’s really hitting me what being independent truly means. 

Q: Are you planning on attending college? Why or why not?

A: Yes, I’m planning on attending Pikes Peak community college for a year as I get settled in, then I will transfer to University of Colorado Boulder after that. I will be majoring in political science with a minor in ethnic studies. 

Q: What made you choose colorado?

A: Out of all the places in the world I chose Colorado because it felt most like home to me. My brother, Austin, lives in Colorado Springs, so when we visited him for the first time 2 years ago, I knew where my heart was. Waking up in the morning to go on a hike in the mountains sounds like my cup of tea. The whole idea of starting my day off surrounded by nature is what I know will fuel me. 

Q: What are you most nervous about when it comes to moving?

A: There are a lot of emotions and thoughts going through my head about moving to Colorado. I’m most nervous about expanding my support system. As of right now my support system consists of my friends, family, nature, music etc. When I move, I won’t be able to just drive down the street to see my best friends when I’m sad, and that’s absolutely terrifying. When I come home from a bad day at work, I won’t be able to vent to my mom in the kitchen about how annoying my boss is, and that makes me sad. Nothing can explain how much I’ll miss my crew, but I’m already planning on frequently visiting back home. 

Q: What are your plans for when you move out there?

A: The general plan is I’ll be heading out to Colorado Springs. When we get there, I’ll be able to schedule appointments to look at some apartments I’ve been looking at. After we move in the apartment I’ll be ready to start taking classes on campus at Pikes Peak. 

Q: What will you miss most about living in Fishers? Why?

A: Something I’ll miss most about living in Fishers is the sense of comfort. I’ve lived in the same house, on the same street my entire life. I’ve driven the same roads for seventeen years, and now I’m just leaving everything I know, at least what I thought I knew. I’m going to miss my friends and family most, but I’m always reminding myself they are only one call away. I’m gonna miss the hidden gems that I’ve found in this town throughout the years. 

Q: What are you most excited about for your move?

A:  Despite all the mixed emotions I’m having, I have not been this excited for something my entire life. I’m most excited about starting fresh. This is an opportunity to continue to learn so much about myself, that I would’ve never known by staying in my little bubble. I’m most excited about all the daily adventures I’ll find myself in, you never know with me. 

Q: Do you recommend graduating early to other students? Why or why not?

A: Graduating early was a learning curve for me personally to say the least. I was mentally and emotionally exhausted every single day, filled with indecisiveness. Even though this choice affected my life with a hundred and eighty turn, I would not change anything. This choice helped me believe in myself in ways I didn’t even know I could reach. I have never felt more positive about my future than I do now. I have shifted my mindset and daily outlook, and I cannot wait to see what else I learn along the way. If you’re capable of graduating early, then I definitely recommend it. But if you need another year to make that big of a decision, that’s okay too. Everyone is different. It took me a while to figure it out, but it’s all about the journey. 

Q: How did you financially set yourself up to move out far?

A: In order to financially prepare myself for this move, I have had to expand my knowledge on budgeting, saving, credit and everything I basically need to know about banking. I have been saving for over a year now. I have been saving for over a year now. I have learned and practiced budgeting in my everyday life. Also, I have applied for a credit card that I’m strictly only spending for gas money that way I am far more organized with my money. I still have a lot to learn, but I feel way more comfortable about handling my finances and bills.