Prescott, Arizona (Nov. 17, 2025) – Graduating from high school can present its own set of challenges to any student, but for 18-year old Miriam Holyfield, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree at Yavapai College while simultaneously completing her high-school curricula demonstrates an inspiring mix of ambition and dedication.

Home-schooled for her entire academic journey, the Prescott Valley teen’s parents bought the curriculum and helped her through it, while she supplemented her education with resources like Khan Academy.

Khan Academy is an online learning tool that, according to the organization’s website, “focuses on skill mastery to help learners build the strong foundations they need to succeed in higher education and in their careers.” Subjects available for study include math, English, science, computing, economics and social studies.

“I’ve wanted to start college early ever since I was about eight, and I read some old books about young adults getting college degrees,” said Holyfield. “My parents assured me that I could take college classes as soon as I finished Algebra. So, in August of 2021, when I finished, my Mom began looking into options at Yavapai College. I have several family members who had already started the Early College program. She enrolled me, and at 14, I started my Yavapai College journey.”

Pursuing her degree at Yavapai College entirely online, Holyfield finished her high school curricula earlier this spring but is taking a few more classes through the Young Writer’s Workshop, an online community for young writers and aspiring authors. She is on track to receive her Bachelor of Science in Business degree with a concentration in Entrepreneurship in May 2026.

While Holyfield’s academic career has been as intense as it’s been rewarding, it hasn’t been free of difficulties.

“One of my biggest challenges has been the transition from self-paced homeschooler to the class structure,” she said. “There are times my ADHD brain feels like I’m flying through the material and cannot wait for the next module, and then there are other times I wish I could slow down and spend more time learning specific subjects. And taking classes as a young teen has been challenging, I struggle with time management and motivation.”

Alternatively, due to the courses she’s taken at Yavapai College, she’s become much more disciplined in time management. “I’ve learned to schedule. I’ve learned to block time. As a naturally disorganized person, I have learned how to build a functioning system that allows me to progress forward at a healthy pace.”

“We're incredibly proud of Miriam’s dedication and passion for her studies,” said Holyfield’s father, Jesse. “Her hard work and commitment to this business degree have been inspiring to watch, and we're grateful for the opportunities and support she’s received from her community and Yavapai College along the way.”

Holyfield cites the support and care she’s found at Yavapai College, specifically in the form of Natalie Inouye, Yavapai College's Early College Senior Advisor. “Natalie has been a wonderful and supportive part of my journey,” Holyfield said. “She was the one who encouraged me to go for the Business degree when I earned my Associates, and I would not have done it without her encouragement and guidance. She has helped me through several stressful situations.”

Natalie says of Holyfield, “I have had the pleasure of being Miriam’s Early College Advisor for over three years now, and she has shown herself to be a very hard worker taking college classes all throughout high school. Miriam always asks great questions and has consistently excelled in her college classes.”

Yavapai College operates seven campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers over 100 degrees and certificates, four baccalaureate degrees, student and community services, and cultural events and activities. To learn more about YC, visit www.yc.edu.