At CEC, we believe the success of our students extends far beyond graduation day, and we are proud to highlight the achievements of our alumni! Our graduates continue to inspire us as they pursue college degrees, launch careers, serve their communities, and follow unique paths shaped by the confidence and skills they developed during their time at Colorado Early Colleges. We’re thrilled to celebrate their journeys and share the impact they’re making in the world.
Today’s Alumni Spotlight is Caterra Caudle, CEC Castle Rock graduate of the class of 2025:
1. Before enrolling, what made you choose CEC Castle Rock?
Before enrolling, I first heard about CEC Castle Rock from a friend who was already attending and highly recommended it to me. After doing some research, I learned that students had the opportunity to graduate with an Associate Degree. As a first-generation student, this felt like an incredible opportunity and a chance to get ahead academically.
2. What degree or certification did you earn?
I earned an Associate of Science Degree and graduated as the Valedictorian of my class at CEC Castle Rock.
3. Tell us about your career journey since graduating from CEC Castle Rock?
Since graduating from CEC Castle Rock, I currently attend Colorado School of Mines, where I am majoring in Mathematics and will be graduating two years early this coming May. I am planning to pursue my Master’s degree here at Mines and ultimately become an Actuary as my career path.
4. What did you most enjoy about your CEC experience? Please share any favorite memories from your time here.
Something that I enjoyed most about my CEC experience was the close-knit community. Because it was a smaller school, I felt I was really able to build meaningful connections with everyone in my classes. I also appreciated the supportive teachers and staff who were always willing to help and genuinely cared about my success.
5. How did CEC Castle Rock help shape your personal or professional development?
CEC Castle Rock helped shape my personal and professional development by giving me the opportunity to begin taking college classes early on. This experience encouraged me to think about my future much earlier than I might have otherwise, while also helping me save money and setting me up for success as I transitioned into college.
6. What are some of your favorite memories from your time at CEC Castle Rock?
Some of my favorite memories from my time at CEC Castle Rock included meeting some of my closest friends, many of whom I am still close with today. I particularly enjoyed our lunch conversations or being in class together. I remember always being able to glance at my best friends and see them smiling back at me whenever a professor said something funny or totally random. I also really enjoyed the senior sunrise and senior sunset events as a way to celebrate and remember our class.
7. What classes or extracurricular activities had a significant impact on you?
Some classes that had a significant impact on me were my science classes. I remember being able to pick my lab group and being able to enjoy the hands-on labs we did together. I also really enjoyed both my history and psychology classes. Both my professors made the material engaging. Outside of the classroom, being part of the National Honor Society also had a big influence on me as it helped me to stay involved with the community and uphold a strong academic standard.
8. What advice would you give future students at CEC Castle Rock?
Some advice I would give to future students at CEC Castle Rock is to take full advantage of the dual-enrollment opportunities, as it is a great way to give you a sense of direction for what you are interested in. I would also encourage students to enjoy their time in high school with friends, embrace the experience, stay involved, and enjoy being young before responsibilities increase. Try not to be too hard on yourself and take the time to make the most of every opportunity that comes your way.
