Cove High grad experiences personal growth and academic achievement at Central Texas College

KILLEEN, TX (May 26, 2025) — When Copperas Cove High School 2025 graduate Ja'Nay Brown Drayton enrolled in classes at Central Texas College,  she initially struggled with the demands of college-level work. Learning to manage her time, take personal responsibility, and meet expectations without constant reminders was a major adjustment. Her early grades reflected those challenges, but instead of giving up, she learned from her mistakes, pushed forward, and ultimately finished strong, earning her associate degree while still in high school.

Brown Drayton agrees the journey was not without challenges, but that the experience proved transformative both academically and personally.

“When I first started college courses, I thought it would be just like high school,” she said. “I quickly learned that wasn’t the case. I had to learn how to hold myself accountable. Professors don’t chase you down. They tell you what’s expected, and it’s up to you to meet those expectations. That was a big shift for me.”

Brown Drayton credits CTC with helping her grow into a more mature and independent student, skills that will serve her well as she takes the next step in her education. This fall, she will attend Texas A&M University in College Station to major in psychology, with the long-term goal of becoming a child psychologist.

“This has been my dream for as long as I can remember,” she said. “I know I’ll be challenged there, and I’m ready for it.”

One of the most meaningful aspects of her time at CTC was the differences she encountered in the classroom. Brown Drayton was inspired by the wide range of ages, races, and life experiences among her classmates.

“There was so much diversity—people from different cultures, different walks of life, and all ages,” she shared. “One of my classmates was 59 years old, and hearing his story really stayed with me. It opened my eyes to the many paths people take in life.”

Brown Drayton encourages other students to take advantage of dual credit opportunities. She believes her early college experience gave her a clear advantage, not just academically, but also in terms of personal development and college readiness.

“For anyone considering it, I say go for it,” she said. “It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything.”