Category: Evan Hendrickson

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Midterms

November 19, 2018 | 2018-2019, Avatars, Evan Hendrickson | No Comments

First midterms are in full-swing at the Academy, and that entails late nights and several daily coffee runs. Although very stressful, there is a slight feeling of pride that comes during this “mini” finals week. We are now given the chance to showcase the knowledge we’ve gained over these past five weeks, and are able to make our parents, professors, and selves proud. At the very least, if an exam doesn’t go as well as expected, we then know how to adjust to being better prepared for the next one.

One of the best and ever-present aspects of Gatton is adjusting, and in regards to academics, adjusting to a rigor that many of us have never even experienced a fraction of. In my time here, I, along with every other student, have faced some form of academic setback. However, there is much to be learned about ourselves, our attitudes, and our potential based on how we decide to react to them. The most successful students I know have taken their failures and used them to increase their work ethic and perfect their study strategies, rather than wallow in them and make no effort to overcome.

Although this week may be rough, we are all in this together. The stress is so much more bearable when you are surrounded by a community of 200 other students that are eager to help you study, encourage you to work harder, and be a support if something goes wrong. I wish all of my fellow students luck this week, whether they’re preparing for their first Organic Chemistry exam, ballet technique evaluation, or electrical engineering group project.

 

I should get to studying too!

 

Evan

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2018-2019 Avatar: Evan Hendrickson

August 31, 2018 | 2018-2019, Avatars, Evan Hendrickson | No Comments

Hi everyone! My name is Evan Hendrickson, and I am honored to be serving as a Gatton Academy Avatar. As soon as you hear me speak, you’ll probably guess that I am from somewhere in eastern Kentucky. Nestled in the eastern Kentucky Coal Field, Daniel Boone National Forest, and Appalachian Mountain foothills, Mount Vernon is a very small town of only 2,500 people, much smaller than the 65,000 in Bowling Green! At my home high school, I was an active member of Student Council, Student Y, DanceBlue, and the track, football, and swim teams. The thought of leaving my close-knit community was initially difficult to stomach, much less follow through with. However, this adjustment was one of the easiest I have ever made thanks to the fantastic opportunities and community of friends, that I consider a second family, that I have gained here at the Gatton Academy.

 

During my first year at the Academy, I was lucky enough to continue most of the same clubs that I participated in at my home school, and even joined a few more such as Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and Gatton Academy Leaders in Education (GALE). I was also fortunate enough to research in the Biology and Chemistry Departments during my junior year. Through the Genome Discovery and Exploration Program (GDEP) and under the guidance of Mrs. Naomi Rowland, I was able to isolate and characterize a mycobacteriophage, a virus that infects and lyses bacteria. The GDEP experience has definitely been the most enriching of my academic career and equipped me with lab skills and knowledge that will serve me well in research projects to come. In addition to GDEP, under Dr. Cathleen Webb of the Chemistry Department, I also analyzed the bioaccumulation of toxic methylmercury in bald eagle organs and tissues, which continued into the summer thanks to the generous Gatton Academy Research Internship Grant. This semester, I am excited to keep working with Dr. Webb by conducting a systematic analysis of methylmercury concentrations from roosters and hens to chicks and their eggshells. Each of these projects has further cemented my interest in the STEM field and has shown me the vast potential their applications have to improve the world around me.

 

I also have had the privilege to study abroad while at the Academy, and this past summer, I traveled to England to study and analyze British Literature. By visiting the birthplaces of some of the world’s most celebrated authors and poets, I gained a profound appreciation of them and their work. This winter, I hope to travel to Costa Rica and continue my interest in research by studying the biodiversity of the Cloudforest in the Talamanca Mountains.

 

I am beyond thankful for the incredible academic opportunities and people that Gatton has brought into my life, and although bittersweet, I cannot wait to see what my final year will hold.

 

Evan

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Harlaxton Day 5: Bath and Stonehenge

July 21, 2018 | 2018 Harlaxton, 2018-2019, Avatars, Evan Hendrickson, Study Abroad | No Comments

As the Romans once said, salve!

Today’s field trip destinations were the city of Bath, the Ancient Roman Baths, and Stonehenge.

After an amazing English breakfast at Nutford House, we all sleepily packed onto our charter and began our two and half hour journey. However, we very occupied during the trip listening to the interesting presentations from students, bopping to music, and of course, a little napping. I don’t think we will ever fix our sleeping schedules.

Once we arrived at Bath, we walked through the city’s bustling, bourgeois streets that were lined with cafes and the most coffee shops that I have ever seen. Exploring this city was especially interesting since we could all visualize how Jane Austen portrayed it in Persuasion. Eventually, we made our way up to the Royal Crescent, where we enjoyed our lunches with a fantastic, scenic view. Afterward, we made our way back to the central part of Bath where we got to see a ballroom in which Austen might have met some of the English men and women who inspired her memorable characters and their dynamic personalities.

We then made our way to the Roman Baths. Upon entering the Bath, we were given audio devices that allowed us to listen to descriptions and stories of the Bath, including its religious significance, the benefit its mineral waters had, and the impressive architecture that has allowed it to stand for over 2,000 years. At the end of the Bath, we even got to drink the water. Only after it had been purified, of course. 

We then left the Bath and returned to the bus for our final trip of the day. Stonehenge exceeded my expectations; it was mind-boggling how these ancient people arranged gigantic boulders to form one of the ancient wonders of the world. Who knew that stacks of rocks could be so interesting?

After a long day of sightseeing, we still had a nearly 3-hour bus ride back. After the final presentations were given, most of us talked about our favorite parts of the day, what we would do with our free time when we got back to London, and at least for me, rested the entire way back.

Back at Nutford House, we had just enough free time to get dinner in the city. Now we are all preparing for our quiz, class discussion, and plans for free time tomorrow!

Here’s to another two weeks!

Evan

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