For Sebastien McRee, success is not just about earning high grades. It is about making the most of every opportunity and building skills that extend beyond the classroom.
From southern Alabama, Sebastien chose to complete the final two years of his high school education through the University of Nebraska High School (UNHS). With the support of his mother and sister, he was drawn to UNHS for its structure and flexibility, as well as the opportunity to get ahead academically.
Flexibility quickly became one of the most valuable parts of Sebastien’s experience, and he has taken full advantage of what the online environment at UNHS has allowed him to have. “I’ve really preferred UNHS compared to my previous high school. The flexibility lets me move quickly through material I understand, while also giving me extra time for what I need,” Sebastien states.
“I chose UNHS because of its accreditation, flexible course structure, and the opportunity to dual enroll with the University of Nebraska at Omaha. It allowed me to earn college credits before even starting my first year of university.”
A computer science course at UNHS helped Sebastien build a strong technical foundation that he applied directly to a real-world internship experience. “My favorite course has been AP® Computer Science A 2,” Sebastien claims. “It gave me a strong foundation that I was able to apply directly to a software engineering internship I had the same year.”
UNHS has played an important role in helping Sebastien balance both academics and personal projects. His extracurricular pursuits in technology and engineering show the same curiosity and drive he brings to his academics. From working on his home lab server to building FPV (first-person view) drones, he is constantly creating and problem solving. “Outside of school, I enjoy working on my home lab server, hosting my own applications, anything from media streamers to accessible photo storage, building FPV drones, and developing applications to solve problems or gaps I run into in my hobbies,” asserts Sebastien.
“I’d tell students that if they want the ability to work at their own pace and from anywhere in the world, this is one of the best options.”
For students considering UNHS, Sebastien encourages them to think about what kind of learning environment works best for them. Sebastien’s academic experiences have inspired him to keep looking ahead and making the most of the opportunities presented to him. “I’m motivated by my future goals and the opportunities I’ve already been given. Staying on top of my academics helps me make the most of those opportunities and prepare for what’s next.”
After graduation, Sebastien plans to attend the University of South Alabama, where he has earned a full-tuition scholarship. He will major in computer science with a focus on cybersecurity while continuing his internship with a defense contractor. He is also studying for the FAA Part 107 exam, which will allow him to fly drones commercially and work toward earning his private pilot’s license. Ultimately, Sebastien is interested in a career in offensive cybersecurity after he finishes college.
Congratulations, Sebastien! Your journey illustrates how flexibility, focus, and curiosity can open doors to new opportunities and set the foundation for future success.