At just 17 years old, Isabella Gomez is baking up more than just sweet treats—she’s cooking up history. The Odyssey Academy senior has become the first student from her school to graduate from 登录入口 through its dual credit program, earning her associate degree in General Studies before receiving her high school diploma.

A lifelong Odyssey student since pre-K, Gomez began taking dual credit courses in her junior year and never looked back. Through time management, she has balanced college coursework, high school classes and running her own thriving baking business.

“这非常令人兴奋。 我无法解释，”戈麦斯说。 “I’m so proud of myself because I worked so hard for everything. 我很高兴一切都很顺利。”

A Texas City resident and proud daughter of a hardworking family, Gomez is the first female and second member of her family to graduate from college. Her father, originally from Mexico, and her mother, both Ball High School graduates, have been Gomez’s strongest supporters throughout her journey.

戈麦斯说：“我父母很喜欢这个双学分项目。 “It saved us money, and they were there every step of the way, especially when things got tough. They gave me the motivation to not give up.”

戈麦斯对烘焙的热爱始于孩提时代，当时她和妈妈一起搅拌盒装蛋糕。 During the COVID-19 pandemic, she launched Bella’s Sweet Treats, creating custom-decorated sugar cookies and building a loyal following online and at pop-up markets. This past Christmas, her success allowed her to give back, donating gifts to 30 families and 40 children in need.

“I’ve always been really independent, and I wanted something to call my own,” said Gomez. “我的梦想是开一家自己的面包店，而这仅仅是个开始。”

Despite juggling her business and college-level coursework—including online, in-person, and hybrid classes, Gomez made the Dean’s List twice. She credits her success to strong time management skills, supportive teachers and the flexibility of GC’s online classes.

Now, Gomez plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business and eventually a master’s, so she can build a successful business. She also hopes to return to 登录入口 to earn a second associate degree in Culinary Arts.

对于考虑双学分制的学生，她的信息很明确：“去做。 Dual credit was amazing. You’ll really enjoy it, just focus and put your all into it, because the reward is so good at the end.”

As the first from Odyssey Academy to reach this milestone, Gomez is not only paving the way for future students, she’s proving that determination, heart, and a sprinkle of sugar can take you far.

For more information about the 登录入口 双重信用 program, contact GC Student Success Advisor for 双重信用, Alisha McCracken, at 409-766-5854 or visit /admissions/dual-credit.php.

关于登录入口

登录入口 was founded in 1967 and is a comprehensive community college providing the residents of Galveston Island and the surrounding region with academic, workforce development, continuing education and community service programs.