Students Shift Gears in Transitioning to Life at the Academy

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by Rachel Metcalfe, Academy Avatar

Unlike any other high school experience, moving into a residence hall and taking challenging classes is what all the juniors and seniors at the Gatton Academy are asked to take on–two years earlier than expected. Along with this huge responsibility comes major change and some of the students share just what the transition means to them.

In terms of academics, the rigor of college classes seems to be at the top of everyone’s major transition list.

“I really like the challenging, unique, and different environment,” reports Hannah Pennington, a member of the Class of 2013.

Alonna Ballinger, who has been at the Academy only a couple of months, reflects on her time at the academy so far.  Ballinger explained the support systems in place for students are extremely beneficial.

“I like that people are always around me that can help me with my work,” Ballinger said. “If I am ever in need of assistance, I can just ask any of my friends that I now live with, as opposed to having to wait until I got back to school to ask the teacher.”

Other major transitions that students noted include living with new friends, having a roommate, and managing their time effectively.

Cecily Allen, who is also a first-year student, said she really enjoys having complete independence to make her own schedule and figure out what works best for her. “Not having class from the normal eight to three every day is really nice,” Allen said.

Similar to the juniors, some seniors discussed how, although they are already accustomed to the academic lifestyle of the Academy, there are still transitions they are making.

Allie DeCarlo remarked that her biggest change has been both and mental and role shift in becoming a senior member of the student body.  “I was really good friends with some of the seniors last year, and now that they have graduated and I am a senior,” she said. “I have had to transition into meeting and making friends with the new juniors.”

Overall, the students at the Gatton Academy are finding their own ways of adjusting to their new lifestyle, whether it be seeking out tutors for academic help, talking to Pokey if they are stressed, or making new friends to take a break and play Ping-Pong with. Each new school year brings new challenges, and the Gatton Academy students are stepping up to the plate, taking on those transitions as if they were simple derivatives.

 

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