by Jon Warren, Academy Avatar
Yesterday marked the first day of classes for the 2011-2012 academic year at Western Kentucky University. For students in the Gatton Academy’s Class of 2013, this marked their first lectures in college classrooms. For the Class of 2012, it marks the beginning of a new year with even more challenging classes.
For seniors, increased rigor comes alongside additional flexibility in their schedule. As students complete basic requirements, they have the opportunity to tailor their interests within specific STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) disciplines and electives.
“I am excited about the flexibility that my fall schedule allows me to have,” explained Will Bickett, a senior. “I am really looking forward to learning in my courses this semester.”
Annie Wheeler, a returning senior, was equally excited about her professors in and out of STEM classes. “I am really excited about my English course with Dr. Guthrie. She seems like she is a very enthusiastic and interesting professor. I am also glad to be back in Calculus II with Dr. Neal,” she said.
Moving on with new classes often means leaving behind professors who encouraged and engaged students in their first year of study. According to senior Luke Yap, the change presents an opporunity to expand their networks and build new relationships. “I am super excited to be enrolled in another one of Dr. Lamphier’s courses and to be researching with Dr. Kessler. I am disappointed that I will not be taking classes with Dr. Ziegler, Dr. Ernst, Dr. Dahl, or Dr. Pesterfield. They were some of my favorite professors, but I am looking forward to a new semester and to hopefully find some new favorite professors,” Yap explained.
Les Wilson, a junior, was surprised at the faster pace of college courses. For many Academy students, this is one of the greatest changes to overcome in their first semester. By contrast, Wilson believes that the increased speed will allow him to learn and absorb classroom material better than at his home high school where he wasn’t challenged as much.
The environment is one very different from the one at the home schools of students. This environment can be a very challenging one for students, but the Academy staff is prepared for this reaction. Study hours are required for all juniors each evening as well as for seniors who need additional assistance in being academically successful. These study hours run from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. every evening and provide students with a designated time where they can study and work on coursework.
As the program enters its fifth year, both students and staff have a better sense of the expectations ahead. Corey Alderdice, Assistant Director for Admissions and Public Relations, stressed that every message up until this point has been about what the program will be like. At this point, the guessing game is over.
“We’re here to support students each step of the way,” Alderdice began, “but this is the moment where students become the key advocate for their academic success. We’re excited to see what they accomplish going forward.”