Duel Credit Student Spotlight: Aden Harvey
Meet Aden Harvey, a dedicated student who exemplifies perseverance and hard work. Originally from Rough Rock, Arizona, Aden now lives in Many Farms. He is of the Dibe Lizhini and Kinlichchii nii clans, and his strong family foundation has shaped his path. His parents, Argy and Melton Ray Harvey, along with his siblings Quanah, Jhett, Chase, and Jace, are his greatest supporters.
Aden’s story is one of resilience, determination, and a deep commitment to education, values instilled in him by his mother, who has been his guiding light.
Aden graduated from Many Farms High School with 25 dual credits, entering Dine College as a freshman already ahead. His achievements in the Dual Credit program were inspired by his mother, who emphasized education as a path to success.
“My mom didn’t grow up with a lot of support in her academic studies. She basically raised herself and always told me to take advantage of the opportunities she didn’t have,” Aden shared.
His mother introduced him to Dual Credit and encouraged him to prioritize education. With her support and guidance from Dual Credit staff like Francetta Begaye, Aden managed the challenges of balancing high school and college coursework.
His first dual credit class was English, after which he progressed through more advanced courses. Aden managed a demanding workload with family support and time management, earning 25 credits before college.
“It was tough balancing high school homework, college assignments, sports, and home responsibilities. But my parents always reminded me that hard work pays off. My mom would say, ‘The more you put in, the more you get out,’ and my dad always emphasized being a hard worker to earn rewards.”
During high school, Aden was also a competitive wrestler, balancing rigorous sports with his heavy academic load while still excelling in both.
“Wrestling was tough, and it added to the mental and physical strain. But it taught me discipline and how to push through challenges,” Aden explained.
Despite his busy schedule, Aden found ways to manage stress and maintain balance. He developed a passion for working out and exercising 5 days a week and discovered creative outlets such as photography and drawing. His digital photography class sparked a love for capturing moments, and he has since built a collection of photos that he often shares online. Aden is also an accomplished artist, with several sketchbooks filled with drawings, some of which he has sold.
“I also love listening to music. It’s my way of unwinding. Sometimes I’d find a quiet spot, put on my headphones, and just let the music take me away.”
Aden’s career aspirations shifted as he explored different interests. At first, he was drawn to civil engineering, influenced by his father’s construction career. However, after in-depth discussions with family members working in healthcare, especially his uncle John, Aden’s interest moved toward the medical field.
“I spent high school researching civil engineering, but learning about the medical field from relatives made me increasingly interested in healthcare. My uncle John would share stories about his job in the hospital, and I found myself asking more questions and becoming fascinated by his experiences. That’s when I recognized I wanted to pursue a career in the medical field.”
Aden now aims to become a musculoskeletal sonographer, using his curiosity and drive to pursue this specialized healthcare path and contribute meaningfully to the field.
The transition from high school to college was both exciting and intimidating for Aden. While his dual credit experience gave him a head start, the idea of living away from home and managing college-level coursework independently was daunting.
“I was scared at first. I wouldn’t have my family right there to guide me, and I wasn’t sure how I’d handle the workload. But my mom reminded me that the advisors and instructors were there to help, and that gave me confidence.”
Aden quickly adapted to college life by focusing on his studies, using strategies like Cornell notes, and consistently prioritizing his academic performance, earning high marks.
“School is my main priority. My GPA and grades come first. I’ve learned to manage my time and stay disciplined, even if it means missing social events.”
Aden’s journey has taught him valuable lessons that he hopes to share with others. To his siblings and other students, he offers this advice: “Take dual enrollment classes—they’ll set you up for success. The more you put in, the more you get out. Education comes first, and no matter how hard it gets, keep going. You’re not alone; there’s always someone cheering you on.”
For high school graduates, Aden emphasizes the importance of perseverance: “Keep striving to be better than who you were yesterday. When you feel like quitting, tell yourself, ‘I’ll quit tomorrow.’ Then do what you need to do today. Keep that mentality, and you’ll keep moving forward.”
Aden credits his success to his family, especially his mother, his greatest inspiration.
“Mom, thank you for everything you’ve done for me. I wouldn’t be where I am today without you. You’ve shown me what it means to work hard and never give up, and I’ll always be grateful for your guidance.”
He also extends his gratitude to the Dual Credit staff at Dine College and to his high school teachers, including Mr. Daniel Smith and Ms. Wartz, who provided mentorship and encouragement.
“Thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey. You’ve all played a big part in my success, and I’m forever grateful.”
Aden Harvey’s story shows the power of hard work, determination, and strong community support. He is a role model for Dual Credit students and an inspiration to others.
