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Family Matters

December 7, 2022 | 2022-2023, Avatars, Maria Pfeifer | 1 Comment

One of the challenges of coming to Gatton is staying connected with your family. Every student is different, with different attitudes toward how much they want to communicate with their family. For me, staying close to them was a huge priority.

I was born into a big family, having three older siblings. As I got older, that family grew, and I now have three younger siblings as well. I attribute everything about myself to my family, as they have shaped me into the person I am today.

TIPS FOR STAYING CLOSE TO YOUR FAMILY:

Get comfortable sharing about yourself! Whether you see your family in person or are on a phone call with them, you will get the classic, “What have you been up to?” question. Don’t shy away from it! Your family wants to hear from you!

Have the tough conversation(s) with your family. The easiest grounds for frustration come from a lack of communication on how much you want to communicate. Your parents may have their own expectations for communication that may not line up with yours.

Remember the big things…. Your family members will be so touched if you remember birthdays and anniversaries, so be sure to reach out at these times. Bonus points for grandparents.

…and ask about the small things! One of the hardest things about being away from your family is missing out on the small moments. While nothing replaces being with your family for these, make sure to ask about them, whether it be a younger sibling’s soccer game or the puzzle your dad is working on.

Set aside time for your family during closed weekends. Closed weekends are tough. Some Gatton students drive as many as 10 hours in one weekend to get home and back, while others live in Bowling Green. Either way, going home can be draining, so allow yourself a little bit of time to breathe, and then spend time with your family! The impulse is to spend time with our friends, and while that’s important, you’ll be with your family forever.

Be merciful with your younger siblings. There’s nothing like getting home after weeks of being in a new place and sleeping in your own bed for the first time only to be woken up by a five-year-old jumping on top of you. True story. Know that these moments where we find ourselves wanting to rip their heads off are moments to count to ten and smile because we have siblings that want to spend time with us.

Be active in the family group chat, and if you don’t have one, start one! Whether it’s talking about my brother’s garage band, my little sister stealing my mom’s phone to send emojis, or my dad complaining about large diet cokes no longer being $1 at McDonald’s, this group chat has been a huge source of small smiles throughout the day for me. It helps me feel connected to my family, and I know that my older siblings feel the same way.

Small phone calls! Gatton life can be busy, and sometimes it can be easier to take five minutes out of a few days each week to call your family members rather than a whole hour at once. Small phone calls can feel like passing conversations, which I love because it is almost like being back with your family. Walking to class is one of the perfect times to do this.

My older siblings were all able to come home for Labor Day and we got coffee with Gran!
My mom and sisters visited me while I completed my RIG in Steubenville, Ohio!
My brother, Paul, and I had the same spring break last year, so we went to Atlanta to visit our older sister, Annie, and her husband, Ryan! Ryan is studying to be a chiropractor, and he can be seen here adjusting Paul!
My family for Christmas 2021! It was such a blessing to have everyone in town!

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By Gatton Academy

Students Find Comfort During Academy Transition in Family at Home, Schneider Hall

August 28, 2009 | News, Parents, Student Life | No Comments

Howard Twins

by Elaine Flynn, Academy Avatar

With Adventure Week, a new class enters the halls of Gatton Academy. Within this group of students, some may feel like they packed too much, others are still finding their place, and then there are a handful of students who were prepared by an older sibling.

The 2008-09 school year marked the first occasion in which siblings attended the Gatton Academy: Jenny and Jason Ludden.  Jenny, a 2009 alumna, noted having a brother in the program did not significantly alter her experience.  “Jason and I have always gotten along really well so being at the academy with him wasn’t a big deal,” she said.  “I encouraged him to apply.”

She went on to mention how they attended a few classes together and how useful it was to be able to study with each other.  No matter how unusual for the second year of the program, no one expected what was to come next.

The entering Class of 2011 features three students with siblings that have graduated from the Academy:  Michael Bowie, Corban Coffman, and Josh “Moose” Song. This year has also taken another step or two in family relationships at the Academy by having cousins, Tejas Sangoi and Paras Vora.

Perhaps most unique of all are twins Brittany and Courtney Howard.

These sisters have both chosen to attend the Academy out of their love for math and science. Between sharing a room, class schedule, friends, and talents they love, Brittany and Courtney have an interesting year ahead of them.

Yet, it didn’t just start this week, it started during the application process. Brittany and Courtney knew that there was a possibility that only one of them would make it into the Academy. However, they hung onto hope that they wouldn’t have to deal with that situation.  They did know that if it happened they would remain supportive of each other.  When the mail finally arrived after interview weekend, Brittany’s and Courtney’s hope was rewarded with both receiving letters of acceptance.

They will now experience the challenge facing all first-year Academy students: having a roommate.  However, when asked about sharing a room this year, Brittany commented, “When we were little we shared a room, but when our older sister left for college I got her room.”

They may even fight from time to time but, “We are just like any other siblings,” Courtney expressed.

When asked about the effectiveness of familiar support from siblings, Tim Gott, the Academy’s director, believes having a family member around can provide a special, additional layer of support in the transition to life in Schneider Hall. “The biggest factor is that having prior experiences eliminates some of the fear factor,” he said.  “Parents are much more comfortable and siblings have the inside stories to help make them comfortable. Not to mention having some textbooks and materials.”

As the semester begins, all Academy students will find themselves working hard, yet having the tight relationships will continue to keep them together and strong. Whether it is a twin, a sibling, a cousin, a friend from a home school, or friends made here, if any student wishes to succeed in this atypical high school, then they will need each other.

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By Corey Alderdice