Efficient Associate degree plan from scratch

[TINASAM]

True Story-
My mother planned my degree, chose my college, and mapped out years of my life with very little say from me. I was 17 and I couldn't afford to do it on my own so I went along with it. Dropped out on academic probation because I hate the school and hated the coursework. It was NOTHING that I wanted for myself.
Fast forward 34 years and I am on the Dean's List at a school that works for me and with a degree plan that I adore. Within two years I'll have three degrees and will be considering Master's degrees.

Help when asked, but please let it be your kid's decisions.