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Emma Reed

By: Emma Reed

Today we left the bustling city of Athens and headed north to the small town of Kalambaka. We loaded up the bus and were on the road by 8am. We watched as the light industry of Athens gave way to the snow covered olive trees and vineyards of the Grecian countryside. Eventually, the snow picked up and many of us were reminded of winters at home. Many of us were excited to listen to the stories our guide told us about the Persian wars and the myth behind marathons. Others of us were excited to catch up on sleep.

After an adventurous drive through the snow and a stop at a cute restaurant, we finally arrived at our hotel, the looming rocks of Meteora in the skyline. We waited as our driver took off to check out the mountain before we made the trek ourselves. After having declared it safe, our group started our journey into the beautiful peaks. I found the history behind the peaks particularly intriguing. The monks began to climb these peaks over 1300 years ago. They sought a place to be closer to god and found that unclimbable mountains did the trick. It was beautiful to see these lovely churches and houses, precariously perched on the high peaks.  As the bus climbed further and further up the high rocks, we stopped at the convent of St. Stephen. As the wind whistled around us we trekked into the larger of the monasteries.

Eventually we came down these hills to the small town of Kalambaka. After a warm dinner, many of us ventured out into the cold to a small bakery down the street while others of us perused the small souvenir shops along the main drag. All in all it was a great day full of beautiful views, tasty treats, and enriching stories.

2016 College Visits

October 3, 2016 | 2016-2017, Avatars, Emma Reed | No Comments

Emma Reed
Emma Reed

By:  Emma Reed

Tis the season…for college visits. From small liberal arts schools to huge state universities. Gatton gets visits from near and far.

We had visits from returning favorites such as Washington University and Vanderbilt. These institutions are popular for Gatton students. Wash U’s high medical acceptance rate makes it a personal favorite of medical-school-bound graduates and Vandy’s close proximity and research facilities make it another top pick for Gatton alumni.

Alongside the recurring favorites, we also had visits from lesser-known universities including Sewanee: University of the South and a trio visit from Carleton, Middlebury, and Macalester Colleges. I personally enjoyed learning about the traditions of Sewanee. Including the fact that they dress for class. As someone who loves PJ’s a little too much, I found this fascinating.

As well as returning favorites, we also got to see some new faces. We met the new representative from Northeastern University. As a flexible university with a belief in hands-on learning, this is another favorite for Gatton students looking for a New England education.

We also got a visit from MIT. Gatton has never received a visit from MIT in the past. We were excited this year to open our doors to Dan and Theresa Nolet, both graduates of MIT.  It was fun to hear their stories of the “hacks” that took place as well as their lives after college.

It is always a pleasure to see so many faces in the Gatton lobby. While we can’t apply to all of them (some have tried), I know that I really appreciate these colleges taking time to come and visit. It’s fun to learn about the traditions and opportunities that these school have to offer us.

Hands Up for the Weekend

August 22, 2016 | 2016-2017, Avatars, Emma Reed | No Comments

reed, emma 21By: Emma Reed

Saturday began as most Saturdays at the Academy do, a quiet sleepiness blanketing the Academy. The only difference was that this week instead of recovering from classes, we were exhausted from the endless tasks of GROWeek (Gatton Residential Orientation Week). The juniors were ready for some sleep after a week of constant information including Beth’s famous handbook talk, a research fair, and many other events. For the seniors, the sleep was more in preparation of the college apps and the challenging classes of the coming semester.

Around noon the Academy began to awake and by three, the vibrant sounds of laughter and fun were floating down the hall. Despite the rain, some ventured out to the mall and other shopping destinations. As evening grew near, the camaraderie only grew stronger with music and ping pong in the fourth floor commons, conversations throughout the building, and the ever present piano in the lobby. As we closed the day with the ever popular karaoke, I thought back to my own adventure week (GROWeek).

It’s hard not to have fun in a place like this. I remember the endless lectures of adventure week that left little time for free time. I remember as the weekend came, we finally got the chance to explore the world around us. While the first weekend is a rush to finish errands and prepare for the returning seniors, I have enjoyed watching each junior grow into their freedom even in this short time. I can only hope that I get the pleasure to watch as the semester goes on.

2016-2017 Avatar Intro: Emma Reed

August 16, 2016 | 2016-2017, Avatars, Emma Reed | No Comments

reed, emma 21Whenever I post a picture to social media about Gatton I use the hashtag #tggadventure. This stands for The Great Gatton Adventure. It’s true to call our time here at Gatton an adventure. From figuring out how to grocery shop for the first time to surviving the infamous CPS, we experience plenty of ups and downs here. Despite every down, I wouldn’t trade this place for the world. As someone who went to a large high school, the community at Gatton was a big adjustment. Living in a place full of unique and enigmatic people. It was great to meet people who wanted to know your name and life story.

Speaking of life stories **wink wink**, my name is Emma Reed. I attended Highlands High School in Fort Thomas, Kentucky. At Gatton, I have taken the infinite possibilities motto very seriously. From participating in Speech and Debate and Yearbook, to traveling abroad in Italy, I have filled my days with a variety of activities both academic and nonacademic alike. I also fill my days with STEM+ Chinese and other academic classes.  In my first semester, I discovered that I like computer science and now am developing a game that encourages young girls to pursue coding. I also enjoy biology and medicine. For me Gatton is a place to explore my passions to the greatest extent. I am excited to share with you about the goings on at Gatton as we kick off what is sure to be the best year yet.

2016 Gatton Move-In Day

August 15, 2016 | 2016-2017, Avatars, Emma Reed | No Comments

reed, emma 21By: Emma Reed

The decorations were set and the commons rooms were spotless for probably the last time this year. All thirty senior leaders were sitting on the wall outside of Florence Schneider Hall eagerly awaiting the arrival of the new juniors. We had already received a lecture about not swarming the car, but our excitement overtook us as the first car pulled up. Within minutes the student’s stuff was in their room and ready to be unpacked. As more cars pulled up we treated them much the same way, eagerly greeting each one wanting to find wing-mates and friends alike.

With the exception of waiting for lunch, most of us kept this enthusiasm about our new friends for the whole day. Soon as we could blink, every student was moved into Florence Schneider Hall. Then the magic began as we watched the juniors turn their blank walls into expressions of themselves. From the nerdy but beloved posters and the traditional signatures from friends back home to even the unique goose, we watched in awe at the creativity and imagination.

After a crash course on being a Gatton resident for the juniors and well-earned nap for the seniors, the bustle began with floor meetings, meal swipe tutorials, and more bonding. It’s finally beginning to feel like home again. With chatter and laughter in every room and a potential friend around the corner, Florence Schneider has become as much of a home as Bates Runner was to us. I for one can’t wait for the adventures all of us have in store.