By Aares Williams | Talon Staff
17-year-old Molly Jones will be graduating from high school with her friends in May. But when many of them are in their first semester of college, she will be taking the last two courses she needs to earn her AA at Tallahassee Community College this Fall.
Molly credits her academic success to staying organized and managing her time wisely. She said she plans her personal life around school, which gets priority. Work, athletic hobbies, friends and family each get their own turn to have Molly’s undivided attention.
Molly’s accelerated schooling has not been easy. She’s had her fair share of problems handling the pressure of everything at once.
“There’s been times where I’ve had multiple mental breakdowns,” Molly said. “Sometimes it can be a little much.”
However, Kyle Jones, who is Molly’s father, said she is determined to succeed at whatever she puts her mind to.
“The significant contributing factor is her unusual determination,” said Kyle Jones. “She has such an incredible drive to accomplish any task put in front of her.”
Molly has been on her school’s weightlifting and cheerleading team since she was a freshman at Wakulla High School.
Kyle Jones said Molly was never a naturally gifted athlete, but it’s her drive to learn that causes her to succeed. Her burning desire to do well has led her to become the captain of the varsity cheerleading squad.
After earning her AA from TCC, Molly said she plans on transferring to FSU to major in communications.
“I really just want to be successful if I’m being honest,” she said. “I want to make it.”
