Madison Reporter

La Follette High School senior Yonatan "Yoni" Abichu is advancing his engineering career through Madison College's Early College STEM Academy. This program allows him to earn dual credit that satisfies high school graduation requirements while also contributing toward a college degree.

Discussing the benefits and challenges of the dual credit program, Yoni noted, "Some challenges I've faced while in the STEM program would be harder coursework than at high school, having to study much more, and committing to lots of activities and programs. However, the benefits have been substantial. I have improved on bad habits like procrastination and have significantly improved my time management."

Yoni emphasized the broader range of classes available in the STEM Program and the early exposure to college life before attending a four-year university. He also highlighted opportunities for volunteering, employment, better tutoring, and numerous campus activities.

Reflecting on his skills, Yoni said, "My best and most valuable skill is problem-solving. Things can always go wrong in life, but how we handle these situations makes a better outcome." He shared experiences where he maintained calmness and understanding to resolve issues effectively.

Inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society last semester, Yoni explained his study tactics: "I perform better when I am studying in a group versus by myself because I build off my peer's ideas." He finds handwriting notes helpful for retaining information.

Yoni has identified favorite study spaces at Truax campus including Pods, lounges behind the Student Achievement Center, and rentable library rooms. The lounge offers ample space for group work with relaxation areas during breaks.

Looking ahead, Yoni plans to attend a university like UW-Madison to further his education in mechanical engineering with aspirations of becoming a mechanical engineer. Reflecting on his experience at Madison College, he stated: "Choosing Madison College was the best decision I have ever made."

Learn more about Madison College’s Early College Academies.