MARIETTA, OHIO — Beginning college coursework while still in high school can feel daunting, but for Abbey Turner, a Washington State College of Ohio (WSCO) alum and current College Pathway Advisor at WSCO, the College Credit Plus (CCP) program became the foundation for academic confidence and long-term success in higher education.
Turner’s decision to attend WSCO was shaped by both financial and practical considerations. As a Marietta resident, the College’s proximity made commuting easy, while the opportunity to complete general education courses at no cost through CCP made higher education immediately accessible. “I knew before even enrolling as a CCP student that I would be doing my general education requirements at WSCO because they would save me so much money,” Turner shared. Familiarity with fellow Marietta High School students who were thriving at WSCO further reinforced her decision.
While at WSCO, Turner completed the Liberal Arts Transfer pathway, initially planning to major in History or English and pursue a career in teaching. That goal became more defined after taking courses with WSCO faculty, particularly Kevin Ritter, whose teaching style helped solidify her interest in higher education. After transferring her credits to The Ohio State University (OSU), Turner double majored in History and English, minored in Political Science, and was accepted into a combined bachelor’s and master’s program in History. She ultimately earned all of her OSU credentials in 2023.
Turner describes her experience as a CCP student at WSCO as transformative. “I felt like I fit in more at WSCO than I did at my high school,” she said. With a flexible schedule, smaller class sizes, and the ability to choose coursework aligned with her interests, the CCP experience encouraged both independence and motivation. “I knew this was credit well spent,” Turner added. The program also allowed her to build meaningful connections with students from other high schools, relationships she may not have formed otherwise.
WSCO played a critical role in preparing Turner for the transition to a large university setting. Her credits transferred seamlessly to OSU, positioning her to complete a four-year degree in just two years. That academic head start opened doors to graduate school, internships, and expanded her learning opportunities. “I felt much more prepared and less anxious after starting at WSCO,” Turner shared, noting the value of already having experience navigating a college campus before transferring.
WSCO’s small class sizes and personalized learning environment were especially impactful. “I don’t think I would have succeeded in larger general education courses,” she explained. Entering OSU prepared to take upper-level coursework boosted her confidence as a writer and student—an advantage that became even more significant during the pandemic, when many large lectures shifted fully online.
Today, Turner works directly with CCP students as a College Pathway Advisor at WSCO and also serves as an adjunct instructor, teaching government courses to learners of all ages, including students following a path similar to her own. As a first-generation college student at a four-year university, she understands how overwhelming higher education can feel, which fuels her passion for advising and mentoring students. “Going from a first-generation college student to helping students through the process is truly a full-circle moment,” she said.
Teaching CCP students, in particular, carries special meaning for Turner. “These courses are where I really found my passion for History and Government,” she reflected. “It’s nostalgic and incredibly rewarding to now be on the other side, helping students discover that same spark.”
One milestone stands out as a clear reflection of WSCO’s impact: earning two bachelor’s degrees and a master’s degree simultaneously. Completing her undergraduate coursework early made graduate school possible sooner than expected. “It was astonishing to walk across the stage and receive three diplomas at once,” Turner recalled. “That moment made it clear: WSCO helped get me here.”
