In this article, I interviewed a student who has been attending the Running Start program. We aim to gain a better understanding of what it’s like to be a Running Start student. I met with Jorge Regalado at the Edgar Brown Memorial Stadium on May 14, 2025.
Jorge Regalado is a junior at Pasco High School (PHS) and Columbia Basin College (CBC). He applied to Running Start in his sophomore year and began his classes in his junior year. He plans to earn his Associate of Arts (AA) degree by the end of his senior year. You might wonder, “What is Running Start?” It is a two-year program offered at Columbia Basin College that allows students to save one to two years of college. After completing this program, students can transfer to a university and finish the remaining years required for a bachelor’s degree.
I asked Jorge, “Would you consider Running Start a good program? Why?” He responded, “Yes, I think it’s a good program because you can advance further in your education without having to pay anything.” Jorge is correct about the lack of costs, as the school district covers these expenses. His statement about advancing in education led me to my next question: “How has your first year of Running Start been for you?” Jorge replied, “It is very flexible around my schedule and has taught me many new things, so I would say it has been treating me well.”
Jorge’s claim that he has learned many new things prompted me to ask, “Besides the subjects you are learning, what’s something you’ve learned that you can apply in school and outside of school?” Jorge answered, “I’ve learned how to prioritize objectives and manage my time so that I can accomplish my goals.” Learning how to manage time is impressive, as many people tend to focus on small tasks and let time slip away without achieving anything significant. This skill can be beneficial in anyone’s personal life.
Many incoming students want to hear from current participants, so I asked Jorge a more in-depth question: “What do you wish you had known before starting Running Start?” Jorge responded, “I wish I had known that it’s not too different from high school; it’s just a step up in the curriculum. I still have classes to attend, and the classrooms feel like regular high school or middle school classrooms.” This information can help upcoming students prepare for what to expect from Running Start.
As Jorge is nearing the completion of his first year in the program, he is aware of the common challenges newcomers face. The last question I asked was, “What advice would you give to anyone planning to join Running Start in the next school year?” Jorge said, “You will be challenged, but do not procrastinate. As long as you make time to keep up with assignments and learn the material, everything will be less stressful.”
In the end, whether Running Start is a good program is a resounding yes. Being able to achieve academic goals and face challenges is essential for success in the real world. Remember, you are not alone on this journey; many are by your side.
