Alumni – The Gatton Academy News

Senior Reflection: Julia Gensheimer – #Memories: Reflecting on My Two Years at Gatton

June 26, 2015 | Alumni, People, Senior Reflection | No Comments

By: Julia Gensheimer

After writing a commencement speech, signing yearbooks, and making multiple #tbt collages, I’ve done a lot of reflecting on my two years at Gatton. As an avatar, I’ve enjoyed sharing my “Gatton love” with prospective students, legislators, family, friends, and random college students throughout the year. Lots of people, places, stories, and inside jokes come to mind when I think back on my two years (#dontgochasingwaterfalls). I could spend hours talking about my classes, research, and adventures abroad, but what I remember most when I think about Gatton is the community.

I see students sitting in the hallway at 3 AM working long hours to debug their code during junior year CS and CPS classes. I think of Kindergarten days, water balloon fights, and Ultimate games. I remember the late night conversations on wing and the obsession with Netflix. I remember the impromptu stops on third floor to see some of the most hilarious, hard-working, and compassionate people I had the privilege to call friends and chat about TV shows, Buzzfeed articles, funny YouTube videos, or new scientific theories. That’s not even mentioning the best staff a school could ask for. The Gatton staff are people who will buy you food, listen to your rants, give great life advice, and support you through every application, project, or exam.

As I reminisce on my time at Gatton, I’m sad that I am no longer a “Gatton kid”. However, as a graduate and alumnae (what?!?), I am excited to see what the future holds for my class and other members of the Gatton family. Coming to Gatton was definitely one of the best decisions of my life. Thanks to Gatton, I’ve become a better student and person. Now, as I prepare for what we like to call “real college”, I have the tools to make a successful transition. I’ve learned study skills, how to navigate a college campus, and dorm life. Most importantly, I’ve learned that experiences like Gatton are what you make of them. Take the advice of my childhood hero, Hannah Montana: “Life’s what you make it, so let’s make it rock.”

To future students, enroll in classes you are excited about. Conduct research. Join clubs. Study abroad. Learn a new language. Make friends. Seek out opportunities. Maximize your meal plans. Listen to the advice of your teachers and staff members. Work hard. Be grateful. Do your best. And while you’re doing all of that, don’t forget to have fun! Gatton isn’t a “prison for the intellectual” – it’s a home. Cherish the late nights, inside jokes, trips, dinners, activities, and people. It’s only two years. Make them the best they can be.

Without Gatton and WKU, I wouldn’t have the opportunities I have now. I’m looking forward to the years ahead and am grateful to know that I’ll always have a home at Gatton. To those who know this inside joke, we’ve experienced Gatton and now we’ll “fly away to real college”. It’s time to spread our wings and fly, guys. Thanks for the good times and I better be sure to see each and every one of you all at the reunion!

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Senior Reflection: Jenna Willett

June 15, 2015 | Alumni, Graduation, People, Students, Summer | No Comments

Gatton Academy: A home away from home. It even has a mom-away-from-mom, Beth Hawke! Never in my wildest dreams had I ever thought that I would find a community that challenged me frequently, yet felt like a place of belonging.

The first semester of my junior year was really imposing. What with difficult curriculum and adjusting to living away from home, it was no wonder that I felt homesickness a couple of months in. However, I made it through that first semester—with plentiful help from family, fellow students, and staff—and such an accomplishment bolstered my determination and love for Gatton.

After that first, arduous, never-ending semester, every other semester seemed to pass in the blink of the eye. There was still hard work to be done, but it was easier after learning how to deal with things. Usually help came in the form of communication with my peers and family. Sometimes it came from a tutor. Whatever the case, I learned that asking others for help was not shameful. On the contrary, it was very beneficial! I do not think I ever would have known the beauty of questions if not for attending Gatton.

The best thing about Gatton for me, over all the wonderful opportunities it provides, was the community. As I said before, I never was challenged as much in my life while still feeling an utter sense of belonging. Whether discussing new science phenomena or beloved book series, getting help on a math problem or a relationship issue, there was always the feeling that I was with “my people.” I will miss the friends made at Gatton more than anything, but I cannot help but be entirely grateful for those friendships. Gatton has helped me beyond belief.

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Alumni Spotlight: Wayne Schmitt (Class of 2013, Montgomery County)

April 15, 2014 | 5Q, Alumni, News | 1 Comment

Can you describe your experience at the Gatton Academy?
That is kind of difficult to put into words because there are so many things about Gatton that are almost indescribable. I was challenged in ways that I had never been before. I was able to do research and have an early look at what college might be like. However, I think most of all, it provided such an incredible and open community, one necessary for the thriving of gifted students from across the state. We were able to look at each other’s accomplishments and struggles and see that we were all in this together. We were there for each other, during the good and the bad. These two years were created from the group effort of over 120 students and staff members. I made so many great friends, many of whom I miss so much. Given the opportunity, I would give them a place to stay here in Philadelphia in a heartbeat. If I had to go back, I would definitely do it again.

How have your experiences at the Gatton Academy helped you in your adult life?
Although I can say that my experiences here at the University of Pennsylvania have been much different and more challenging than at Gatton, I definitely can say that it gave me a good foundation for higher education. Gatton also gave me many opportunities to show how involved I was in and out of the classroom. It also was an opportunity to live and work with a more diverse population of students. Everyone from Gatton came from a different background, and Gatton provided us with a safe place to express our ideas and opinions. Also, I think that the Gatton Academy allowed me to be more fully responsible for myself; no longer were my parents telling me to clean my room or wake up in the morning. This definitely prepared me for the all the self-responsibility I now have in college.

Since the Academy what have you been up to?
I have been studying at the University of Pennsylvania, trying to balance school with my work study and extracurricular organizations. I hope to get involved in ecology research in next fall. Before classes started, I took part in an amazing pre-orientation program called PennGreen where I learned a lot about sustainability practices and environmental health, while also making new friends in the process. With clubs and extracurricular activities, I am involved in the Freshmen Fuerza, a Latino cultural group for freshmen, Penn Environmental Group, and some of the LGBT groups on campus.

What do you aspire to achieve in the next ten years?
I hope to go to grad school for biology and to become a research biologist/ecologist. I want the work that I do to have a positive impact on the conservation of animals, ecosystems, and the environment as a whole. On the side, I hope to have made at least a few short films along the way to show my love of film and filmmaking. I have no specific plan in mind, but of course there is still plenty of time for that.

What was your favorite memory from your time at the Gatton Academy?
There are so many great memories from Gatton, it is so difficult to pick just one. I definitely enjoyed the 4+ hour one-on-ones with my RC talking about everything from religion and philosophy to “Why does Avril Lavigne sing Radiohead at the top of her lungs?” There were definitely the beautiful days, sitting out on the Colonnade steps, and eating “Pizza Tacos” (i.e. Pizza from DaVinci’s + 2 Tacos from Izzi’s made into a delicious sandwich). However, some of my favorite memories were formed during the week before classes started my senior year. Being able to spend time with the other community developers and Avatars was such a wonderful experience without the stress from classes.

We would like to thank Wayne for taking time out of his busy schedule to be interviewed.

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Class of 2013 Survey

January 13, 2014 | Alumni | No Comments

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Alumni Spotlight: Katie Brown

September 12, 2013 | Alumni, News | No Comments

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Can you describe your experience at the Gatton Academy?
The Academy made my last two years of high school more meaningful; it challenged me academically while introducing me to a unique social environment. Being thrown into the Academy together meant that everyone already had something in common to bond over. I made some of the best friends of my life, kick-started my education with 78 college credits, and participated in research, all thanks to the Academy.

How have your experiences at the Gatton Academy helped you in your adult life?
The Academy accented my driven personality making me aware of the new academic opportunities. I loved the research I did through the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) at the University of Michigan the summer after I graduated, but I continue to interact with people who don’t even know that REU’s exist. The Academy introduced me to lots of research and scholarship opportunities that most college students don’t know about. Once I started my post-Academy undergraduate education my resume allowed me to obtain any research position that I was interested in. These research experiences and my drive to seek out opportunities contributed to me getting my dream job.

Since the Academy, what have you been up to?
After graduating from the Academy I interned at the University of Michigan in the Space Physics Research Lab analyzing upper atmospheric winds before starting at the Georgia Institute of Technology in the fall of 2010. I spent my spring semester abroad at Georgia Tech-Lorraine and the fall interning at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab analyzing the properties of thermal waves on Saturn. Returning to Georgia Tech, I pursued some great research which allowed me to work with micro air vehicles in disturbed wind fields and lead an inflatable wing design team. I graduated with my degree in Aerospace Engineering in May 2013 and spent a month traveling around Europe before moving to Seattle to start my job at Boeing.
Currently, with my job as a Flight Test Engineer, I have been on several flights testing autopilot and related communication systems on various Boeing aircraft. Lately, I have been preparing test plans for Boeing’s newest airplane the 787-9 stretched Dreamliner. Getting to fly on planes as a part of my job is a dream come true, an example of what a flight test engineer does can be seen here: http://www.boeing.com/Features/2011/04/bca_747-8F_roller_coaster_04_11_11.html

What do you aspire to achieve in the next ten years?
I hope to finish my private pilot’s license within the next couple months and start my Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering through Boeing by next fall. My current profession is extremely rewarding and I have a current fascination with the possibility of becoming a flight test pilot. Ultimately, I would like to become an astronaut, fingers crossed on making that happen in the next 10 years.

What was your favorite memory from your time at the Gatton Academy?
Most of my favorite Academy memories come from everyday experiences: running to curfew, crashing on the yellow couch after class, Gretchen and I almost killing ourselves rearranging our room dozens of times, tie dying on the hall, realizing coffee is my 8am savior, and the excitement that came from reuniting after a closed weekend or vacation.

We would like to thank Katie for taking time out of her busy schedule to be interviewed.

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Academy Alumni Spotlight: Chris Obermeyer

September 5, 2013 | Alumni, News | No Comments

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Can you describe your experience at the Gatton Academy?
My experiences at the Academy were the most enlightening times of my entire life. When I was there I was deeply struggling with who I was as an individual and learning to come to terms with things that I could not change. I had no clue what I really wanted to do for the rest of my life, but I knew that I had a strong ability in math and science. The person that walked through the door on the first day of orientation was almost entirely different from the person that graduated from WKU only 3 years later. My experience at the Academy was filled with laughter, good memories, and amazing friends that I will never forget. While we certainly had our hard times, my peers became the family that supported me through thick and thin. They were there and loved me even as I struggled with loving myself. They opened my eyes in ways that I can’t even begin to calculate or put into words. Many of them don’t know the impacts they had on me or the courage that I found in them. When I look back I know that I was in the right place with the right people. The experience was beautiful and one that has forever shaped my future.

How have your experiences at the Gatton Academy helped you in your adult life?
Wow, that’s a crazy loaded question. It was at Gatton that I learned how to trust others and love others. I will never forget the talks that Andrew Gott and I had about love and how it must be the most perfect thing in the Universe. Many of those talks shaped my worldview and have enabled me to become the person I am today. Seeing the love that Tim showed each of us and his family taught me what it meant to be a loving individual, an amazing dad and a wonderful husband. In my classes I was pushed more than I ever had been in my entire life. I learned that it’s okay to struggle and it’s sometimes necessary to ask for help. My classes prepared me for graduate school and teaching in high poverty urban schools.

Since the Academy, what have you been up to?
I’ve been busy since I graduated from the Academy in 2009. I finished my B.S. in Biology and Religious Studies at WKU in 2010. That fall I moved to Washington, DC to begin my Ph.D in Biological Sciences at the George Washington University. After a short time there I found myself unhappy but completely in love with teaching(I was a TA there). I applied for DC Teaching Fellows and started teaching the following summer. I received full teaching credentials to teach Secondary Biology. At my school I have been rated a highly effective teacher and have held many additional positions both at the school and district level. Last year I organized the first(or one of the first) LGBTQ Pride Day’s in a public high school. It was the first for the District of Columbia. The Mayor attended along with 25+ LGBTQ organizations and 70+ volunteers. The events are spreading this year as I seek to put the initiative in more schools throughout the region with the support of many non-profits and the District of Columbia’s Public Schools. I expect to be appointed to the Mayor’s Advisory Board for GLBT Affairs in the next couple of weeks. Soon I will be responsible for helping to implement the District’s new anti-bullying policy and will be serving on several panels to help make the community aware of the issues that students face on a regular basis. A few weeks ago I finished my M.Ed at American University focusing on Education Policy and Leadership.

What do you aspire to achieve in the next ten years?
This is probably the most difficult question to answer. Right now I’m looking to either find a non-profit to be a fiscal sponsor for my high school programs or to start my own non-profit. I don’t have any intentions of leaving the classroom but am strongly committed to creating change for LGBTQ students in schools across the country starting with DC. I’ve toyed with the idea of running for council in the next ten years but for now I’m not sure. I do know that I want to continue to change lives by having an impact on the kids that walk through my door everyday. The professors at WKU and the staff at the Academy instilled in me the importance of doing what makes you happy and helps others. The rest will take care of itself.

What was your favorite memory from your time at the Gatton Academy?
There are so many favorite memories that I have from the Academy. I could talk about trying to figure out how many marshmallows I could fit in my mouth with Katie Riley, Kaitlin Hartley or Manny Cortez while playing “I’m A Chubby Bunny”. Maybe it was playing frisbee out by FAC and having the time of my life with Luke Akridge and so many others. Perhaps it was the ski trips where I ended up just playing in the snow because I had no ability to stand up when on a slippery surface. It might be eating so much corn on the cob that I got sick just so we could make a corn pyramid to put on the conveyer belt at DUC. There are so many beautiful memories that I had at the Academy it has become impossible to pinpoint which was my favorite. I think my favorite memory from my time at the Academy is happening right now as I reminisce on how perfect the whole experience was. I was a caterpillar in a cocoon that had a transformation to undergo. The Academy was my cocoon and I have come out stronger, better, and ready to take on the world.

We would like to thank Chris for taking time out of his schedule to be interviewed.

By Gatton Academy

Academy Alumni Spotlight: Jae Lee

August 29, 2013 | Alumni, News | No Comments

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Q: Can you describe your experience at the Gatton Academy?
My experience at the Gatton Academy was incredible to say the least.The Academy provided me with various opportunities and challenges which in turn helped me grow and learn as a person.

Q: How have your experiences at the Gatton Academy helped you in your adult life?
The Gatton Academy taught me two lessons that have enabled me to lead a more productive and meaningful adult life so far. The first lesson is to manage my time more effectively through prioritizing on a daily basis while not losing sight on both short-term and long-term personal goals. Given that the curriculum at the Gatton Academy entailed taking multiple college-level science classes with labs and writing numerous pages of analytical papers for humanities classes, learning how to plan and prioritize proved to be (and continues to be) essential for achieving personal goals. The second lesson is to continuously seek out challenges and not to be afraid to try new things. By taking more challenging classes and engaging in new activities, I realized that it is during the time of difficulty and uncertainty that I grow and learn the most.

Q: Since the Academy, what have you been up to?
Upon graduating from the Academy, I continued my undergraduate studies at the University of Kentucky and graduated recently with a degree in math. I am currently a first year student in DMD/PhD program at the University of Louisville and will be taking courses through both the graduate school and the dental school while carrying out a doctoral research project for the next several years.

Q: What do you aspire to achieve in the next ten years?
In the next ten years, I hope to have completed the dual degree program successfully and work as a post-doctoral scholar at a research institution. I ultimately would like to become a dental school faculty member as both a clinician and a researcher.

Q: What was your favorite memory from your time at the Gatton Academy?
Some of my favorite memories at the Gatton Academy include listening to Dr. Gott’s inspiring seminar talks, playing soccer/tennis/chess with other Academy students, and participating in the leadership retreat in my junior year.

We would like to thank Jae for taking time out of his schedule to be interviewed.

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Gatton Academy Adventure Week: Move-In Day

August 19, 2013 | Alumni, News, Parents, Staff, Student Life, Students | No Comments

[fblike] Alex Kearns
After an exhausting yet exciting Sunday, I would like to announce that the Gatton Academy Class of 2015 has arrived! First, WELCOME to all new students not only from myself but also the other seniors and staff. I hope as you settle in, that we will act as an invaluable resource and help you adjust to the “college” lifestyle. And to the parents, relax; your student will be alright.

After an early start for community leaders, the juniors started rolling in around 8:30. If they were lucky, only 4 or 5 seniors would help them unload their vehicles. For those unfortunate others, they were met with 20 hoarding seniors dying to know who had arrived! Thankfully our enthusiasm didn’t scare anyone off. After the students had checked in at the front desk, they headed up to their new home where they met their RC’s, roommates, and newest friends. Instantly, you could see the life-long friendships forming.

Once the students were more or less moved in, they were taken to Mass Media for a final meeting with their parents, staff and community leaders. Topics discussed included: study abroad trips, a few research opportunities, and homesickness. As the session concluded, parents were asked to say their goodbyes to their students. And after a few tears, the parents left their students to begin their new adventure.

The day ended on a perfect note as Gatton students attended the Andy Grammer concert and enjoyed a pizza party.

We will keep you posted throughout the week on all the activities here at Gatton.

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5Q Alumni: Nilesh Sahi

February 28, 2013 | 5Q, Alumni, News | No Comments

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Can you describe your experience at the Gatton Academy?
I was fortunate to be a part of the first class at the Academy. It was truly a unique experience that helped me academically and professionally. The Academy helped me to transition from high school to college with the support of the residential counselors, faculty, and staff. I was able to participate in a plethora of extracurricular activities such as research, clubs, and intramural sports that helped me grow both academically and socially.

How have your experiences at the Gatton Academy helped you in your adult life?
The Academy helped me to build strong relationships and friendships. No matter how far away we are from each other or where we are in our academic and professional lives, we still take time out of our schedules to get together and have fun. On a more academic level, my experiences at the Academy helped me to enhance my time management skills. I was able to efficiently determine when I needed to study and when I could have fun.

Since the Academy, what have you been up to?
I graduated from Western Kentucky University with a double major in Biology and Chemistry. I have just completed my first semester of graduate school in Biotechnology at Columbia University in the City of New York.

What do you aspire to achieve in the next ten years?
I have realized after coming to Columbia University that there are so many paths and intriguing opportunities out there. From groundbreaking research to healthcare, and even biotechnology start-ups, I know I will be doing something exciting after I earned my degree. For me, as long as I work to make society a better place, I will have achieved something.

What was your favorite memory from your time at the Gatton Academy?
I think my favorite memories at the Academy were when I used to go to DUC for dinner with my friends. Those were the times when we would get together and reflect on the classes for the day.

We would like to thank Nilesh for taking time out of his schedule to be interviewed.

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Alumni 5Q: Rebecca Morgan

February 10, 2013 | 5Q, Alumni, News | No Comments

[fblike]Can you describe your experience at the Gatton Academy?
My experiences at the Gatton Academy included running a half-marathon and completing a sprint triathlon with the Gatton team, physics “study parties”, and growing as a community with my peers.

How have your experiences at the Gatton Academy helped you in your adult life?
Being in a community of individuals seeking to do well in school helped me to grow academically and to develop stronger study skills. I also learned the importance of having a community of friends to grow with academically and personally.

Since the Academy, what have you been up to?
I am now a senior at Western Kentucky University graduating in May 2013 with degrees in Biochemistry and Religious Studies. Over the past 2 years, I have been very active in the Brothers Big Sisters mentoring my 12-year old sister, Dora. Also, I have been blessed with the ability to serve on two mission trip team: one to serve at orphanages in Honduras (winter 2010/2011) and the other to serve in a medical clinic in Kenya (summer 2012). Currently, I am Discipleship Cluster Leader at the Baptist Campus Ministry at WKU and work at the Gatton Academy as a desk clerk.

What do you aspire to achieve in the next ten years?
I aspire to go to Berlin for a 2-year mission trip working with an organization that seeks to end sex-trafficking. After that, I plan to return to Kentucky to work on both a Masters in Theology and a degree in Osteopathic Medicine becoming a pediatrician. Ultimately, I hope to become a medical missionary to serve wherever God leads me to go and to serve whoever He needs me to serve.

What was your favorite memory from your time at the Gatton Academy?
My favorite memory is from the January (I think) of my senior year. A group of my friends and I went to Hospital Hill to go sledding. During our snow shenanigans, my friend Katie Brown sprained her ankle. Since the roads were so bad and we promised the Residential Counselors before we left that we wouldn’t ask for a ride back to the Academy , we had to switch off giving Katie picky-back rides all the way back in the snow. Thankfully we made it back in time for curfew!

We would like to thank Rebecca for taking time out of her schedule to be interviewed. Next week, we will spotlight Mr. Nilesh Sahi who is currently in graduate school at Columbia University in New York.

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