2019-2020 Avatar: Sarah Pedersen

Hi everyone! I am Sarah Pedersen, a rising senior from Barbourville, Kentucky. I have known about the Gatton Academy since 2014, the year my two older sisters were accepted. I was only in sixth grade, but Gatton instantly hooked me. My sisters told me all about their new friends, computer science projects, and–most importantly–how much Chick-fil-a you can buy for one meal swipe. However, nothing they said could have prepared me for the real Gatton experience.  

Prior to attending Gatton, I knew I was interested in the STEM+ Chinese program. My mother was born in Hong Kong, and I figured learning Mandarin could be useful, even if I did not use it in my future career, at least I could talk to my grandparents in another language. My STEM+ classes quickly unearthed a genuine passion for Chinese language and culture. As I am writing this blog post, I am currently in a Starbucks in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. It sounds crazy, but I am living in Kaohsiung for the next six weeks as a part of the National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y). The NSLI-Y scholarship is sponsored by the United States Department of State to send American high school students to foreign countries to learn critical languages. Without Gatton, I would not be learning Mandarin, and I most definitely would not have known about an opportunity like NSLI-Y.

Before starting my junior year, I believed I was a chemistry person. My sisters love chemistry, and I believed everything they enjoyed I would enjoy too. However, very early on into CHEM-120, I realized I was NOT a chemistry person; rather, I found myself interested in mathematics. Taking Calculus I with Dr. Claus Ernst showed me that math goes beyond simple calculations and formulas. This class inspired me to pursue a mathematics-based research project. I found my fit with Dr. Ferhan Atici, researching mathematical models for tumor growth in mice using discrete calculus.

Outside of academics, Gatton has a plethora of extracurricular activities. At my sending school, I was heavily involved in Student Y, and that has not ceased at Gatton. This year, we took a full delegation to the Kentucky Youth Assembly, and I was able to continue my interest in mock court cases as a part of the Judicial Program. Furthermore, not all clubs have to be extra “work.” I found that Film Club, occurring every Saturday night, is an amazing time to just sit back, relax, and take a break from a busy Gatton schedule!

In only one year, Gatton has transformed my life. I cannot wait to see the ways in which I, my classmates, and the incoming juniors grow this upcoming year!

Sarah