GEW ’09: “Land of Tomorrow” by Elaine Flynn

by Elaine Flynn

Kentucky is derived from an Iroquoian word, “Ken-tah-ten,” which means “land of tomorrow.” Yet, as a state are we striving to keep that as our goal? Are we giving the future generations the right tools to keep us moving toward tomorrow? From the outside, it may seem like Kentucky isn’t keeping to its name, but Kentucky is doing a lot. As a state, Kentucky is working on creating a bright future.

To create this bright future, Kentucky has figured out an equation, and has started to solve it. What’s the equation? It’s really a simple one.  Let’s say K+u=f, where K is Kentucky as a state, u is students, and f is future. Now if we want a bright future (bf), then we must multiply all parts of the equation by b. So, b(K+u)=b(f). By distributing, bK+bu=bf, or in words, a bright Kentucky and a bright you equals a bright future.  But how do we get b in real life? We already have K+u=f, but to get b? Another simple problem, we create ways.

As we celebrate Gifted Education Week in Kentucky, I look at what opportunities the state has created for its students. We have numerous weekends and summer experiences for those who just want to learn and are willing to take time out of their breaks.  Our colleges have honor programs that really mean something to the students, AND we have an academy for juniors and seniors who are gifted in mathematics or science. What other state has all this? Very few,  indeed. We are blessed.  Kentucky is really trying to live up to its name.

As a student at Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science, I see firsthand what some of the state’s money is going toward. It’s helping the youth that will eventually turn around and give back to the community. We are all so thankful to the state for the funding so that we can reach our potentials. Before the academy, most of us sat in classes just because we had to by law. We could easily have moved on to higher courses, yet due to availability of those courses we could not. Now we get the challenge while also preparing more for the future.

We have the chance now to excel past the point that we could have reached without this opportunity. National recognized universities are finding out more about us and they are excited! We have the chance to become the brighter side of tomorrow! Without this academy, we wouldn’t have been given this great jump toward our future. Without Kentucky, the academy wouldn’t be.  It’s just so amazing how we get this opportunity. Other states have academies, but none have an academy where students are taking ALL college courses and getting the same experience as us. Kentucky has solved for b.

Kentucky wants its future to be bright. The legislature is taking many steps that are needed for this future and are working hard so that the students can perform and excel in all they do  Without the activities and gifts Kentucky gives to its students, we wouldn’t see a “land of tomorrow” that is bright, but a dull tomorrow. Thank you, Kentucky!