Going off to college can be a stressful time for anyone, but it can be even more difficult by graduating early and starting college in the spring semester. Senior Nick Byrne will be graduating at the end of the semester, and from there will be going to college to start taking classes and get a head start on football.

Byrne will be attending Louisiana Lafayette starting in the spring semester of 2013. Byrne applied about three weeks ago.

“I haven’t really been accepted yet, but they offered me a scholarship for football,” said Byrne.

Graduating early is a huge weight and responsibility for students, because it’s imperative that students have enough credits to graduate early.

“I’m getting a head start on all the other recruits that are going to come in,” said Byrne, “and I’ll have a whole six months on them, to get prepared and get ready for it.”

After the stress of making sure one has all of his or her credits, the pressures of graduating early turn to the pressures of preparing for college.

As far as being ready to go off to college, Byrne admits, “I’m not ready at all.”

Starting classes in spring semester is a scary thought for most, but Byrne already has a few ideas about his college career.

“I know my major is going to be business management, but I don’t have my classes set up or anything,” he said.

Byrne has also been preparing to live in Lafayette.

“Football wise, I’ve been working out and getting ready,” said Byrne. “Classes wise, I’ve been trying to study and keep my grades up here. Hopefully that’ll get me ready for it.”

Getting out of Arkansas and away from the familiarity of home can be a blessing or a curse for students going off to college.

“It’s going to be a huge job, and I really don’t think I’m prepared for it yet,” said Byrne. “Lafayette just worked out best for me.”