From freshman fear to future leader: Aaliyah Ordorica earned an associate’s degree in high school
When Aaliyah Ordorica first stepped onto the Academia Preparatoria ASU Phoenix campus as a freshman, the idea of graduating with a college degree seemed like a distant, perhaps impossible, goal.
This year, that “impossible” goal becomes reality.
Aaliyah is one of almost two dozen seniors at ASU Prep Phoenix graduating with both her high school diploma and her Associate of Arts (AA) degree from Arizona State University. Her journey highlights how college prep programs, college credit opportunities and college-level coursework can help high school students accelerate their path toward higher education and future careers.
This achievement follows the school’s recent national recognition as ACT’s 2025 School of Excellence. ASU Prep Phoenix is the only school in Arizona and one of only 26 schools nationwide to receive the honor.
Today, Aaliyah talks about the grit required to balance two worlds, managing high school responsibilities alongside rigorous college classes, and how a single project management course changed her career trajectory forever.
Redefining expectations
The jump from middle school to a college preparatory environment is significant. For Aaliyah, the realization of what she could achieve did not happen all at once, but rather through the steady opening of doors and opportunities connected to college readiness and higher education.
“When I was first introduced to the courses, I was excited about the thought that I would have a college experience while in high school,” she said.
As a freshman, Aaliyah was introduced to college-level coursework, college pathways and opportunities to earn college credit before graduation. Like many high school students, she quickly learned the importance of balancing coursework, maintaining a strong GPA and preparing for future college admissions opportunities.
When I look back at my freshman self starting at ASU Prep, I never imagined I would have so many opportunities presented to me or that I would have an associate degree while completing my high school classes.”
ASU Preparatory Academy, Arizona’s only ACT 2025 School of Excellence, helps students prepárate para la universidad well before they graduate by offering:
- College-level coursework and university course access
- Financial aid guidance and tuition-free college credit opportunities
- Personalized support for college applications and admissions timelines
- Hands-on career exploration and university-connected pathways
- Resources and support from ASU, a world-class university ocupa el puesto #1 en innovación for more than a decade
Finding a sense of belonging
While many students utilize the proximity of the ASU Downtown Phoenix campus for in-person lectures and college classes, Aaliyah found her “lightbulb moment” through the ASU Summer Experience Program.
This immersive week helped her bridge the gap between being a high school student and a future Sun Devil.
“After my freshman year, I attended the ASU Summer Experience Program in Downtown Phoenix,” she said. “Through this program, I experienced a week in the life of a college student at ASU, and this gave me the confidence to push early on to work and study hard to be accepted into ASU.”
Overcoming the junior year hurdle
Balancing lab reports, project management assignments and high school extracurricular activities is a marathon. Aaliyah credits the support system at ASU Prep, especially school counselor Serina Trevino, for helping her navigate one of the most demanding stretches of her academic journey.
“The most challenging moment that I faced trying to balance my high school responsibilities and college-level coursework occurred during my junior year when my physics course and project management course were extremely time-consuming. This challenge helped me learn how to balance both along with my other courses,” Aaliyah said.
With the guidance of my counselor, I learned to stay focused and balanced. She reminded us of our capabilities and constantly encouraged and supported us to finish, knowing we would go far with our achievements.”
Discovering a passion for leadership
For many college students, finding a career path can take years. Because of ASU Prep’s partnership with Arizona State University, Aaliyah discovered her passion before she even turned 18.
A single course, PMG 240: Introduction to Project Management, sparked a new professional ambition and helped shape her future goals.
“I was unsure of what career path I wanted to choose, but I learned more about the fundamentals of project management. I grew to be more intrigued about it, as it also taught me how to be a leader in a project, which was always something I was comfortable doing, and influenced my decision to major in this,” Aaliyah shared.
Looking ahead: The road to Tempe
By earning her AA degree now, Aaliyah has saved years of time and thousands of dollars in tuition costs while completing high school graduation requirements.
This fall, she will attend the ASU Tempe campus to pursue a degree in Organizational Leadership and Project Management.
“After graduating, I plan on becoming a Data Project Manager or a Data Analyst,” she said.
When asked what advice she would give students following in her footsteps, Aaliyah keeps it practical and relatable for future high school students navigating college prep programs and advanced coursework:
“Time management is extremely important because time flies by and sooner or later the due dates will arrive much quicker than expected.”
Ready to help your student explore what’s possible before high school graduation?
En Academia Preparatoria ASU, students gain access to personalized learning, college-prep opportunities and real-world experiences that help them build confidence and prepare for higher education success. From college credit opportunities and advanced coursework to mentorship and career exploration, ASU Prep helps students discover their strengths and accelerate their future.
Explore how ASU Prep supports students from preschool through grade 12 with personalized academic programs, hands-on learning opportunities and a supportive community focused on college readiness and long-term success. Register for a virtual information session, attend a campus tour o schedule a conversation with an advisor to learn how your student can start building toward the future they want today.
Want to hear more inspiring stories?
- Learn how school counselor Serina Trevino helped ASU Prep Phoenix earn national recognition for college access.
- Read how ASU Prep Phoenix student Omar Sabori Santos discovered his passion for medical laboratory science.
