Sometimes plans change. That’s what Unique Johnson learned when graduation rolled around. Her original intention was to attend Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, which didn’t pan out, but it turned out to be a great thing.

Unique enjoys life at Black River Technical College. The size of the campus isn’t overwhelming and allows Unique to work with her professors to really concentrate on her photojournalism major and marketing minor. “Everything is more personal verses being at a university,” Unique says. “With technical schools, it is easier to be yourself, get into groups and be involved in small community things.”

What’s life like on a technical campus?
At BRTC, classes are small and personal. The campus is small and very chill, but when the drama club or the choir makes a performance, it is buzzing. It is really a good atmosphere.

How are you making school work financially?
In high school, I met the requirements for the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship and the Go Grant, and BRTC offered me a scholarship, so I’m set for the next school year.

Any tips for managing the workload?
Pick your classes wisely and try to have at least one break a day or you will become overwhelmed.

What’s been the biggest challenge so far? And how have you overcome it?
A big challenge for me is just remembering my assignments. To overcome that issue, I put sticky notes on everything—I mean everything! One could also set reminders in his/her phone, something I will be doing this fall.

This option is for you if:

• You need job-specific training  
• You like hands-on learning
• You want fewer years of school

SCHOOL DETAILS
Most technical school programs can be completed in a year, but some require two years. Others can get you out in the real world in as little as 6 to 12 weeks.

COST
Tuition costs vary depending on how many classes you take, and financial aid is available.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Full-time enrollment at a technical school usually requires a high school diploma or its equivalent. Many technical students transfer to a two-year or four-year college later; doing so requires a high school diploma.

HOUSING
There are no dorms with this option, but if you’re completing a technical program at a two-year college, there might be. You may be stuck at Mom and Dad's place or have to get an apartment.