by Charlotte Humes, Academy Avatar
Though the calendar year has yet to draw to a close, each August brings a new year to the Academy along with “new challenges and new opportunities, simply something different and exciting to the table,” according to April Gaskey, the programs Coordinator for Academic Services. “The Academy is a huge learning experience, so each new school year is different.”
She, along with a number of Residential Counselors and other staff members, weighed in on how they felt as the Academy enters its fifth year.
“I’m very excited. I have 16 new juniors, which is a lot, and I look forward to meeting and bonding with them all,” said Sue Meador, a returning Residential Counselor.
The feeling of excitement spread far beyond that one wing, however. Laura Huff, another RC, also mentioned that she was excited, and “feeling very positive. I think it’s going to be a lot better in terms of enthusiasm and working together.”
None of the staff seemed more excited than Scott Wolfe, the Lead RC, however, who spoke of “looking forward to a smaller wing and the community there, along with planning the weekend activities.”
Two new residential counselors also bring a strong sense of optimism with them. Sam Earls and Brimah Vonjo each expressed their happy anticipation of this year. “I’m really looking forward to it,” began Earls. “I’m excited to get to know everyone and I think it’ll be a lot of fun.”
Vonjo said, with a laugh, he was “most excited to see smart people get even smarter.”
Even with excitement comes a feeling of nervousness as the school year approaches with new challenges and opportunities. “I’m a little nervous about talking to parents, since I’ve never had to do that before,” admitted Earls.
Residential Counselor Rachel Stewart, who has all new residents this year, mentioned that “it’s a little scary to have all new people with very different personalities.” She maintained a positive outlook, adding “I know it’ll give me a different experience, and I’ll definitely have fun with it.”
Luckily, staff members were well-prepared by their training, and the Academy as a whole “improves with time, so we can feel better about things each year,” explained Beth Hawke, Assistant Director for Student Life.
“I’m definitely more confident this year,” declared Huff, expressing the assurance each staff member held.
This confidence wasn’t unfounded, as staffers are coming in with a plan. “I’m going for the same personal approach as last year, trying to be strongly relational without being overly nice,” shared Ian Oliver, another returning RC.
Vonjo’s methodology is similar, attempting to “be available without being overbearing.”
Improvements from years past were also reflected in their plans. “I want to let students do activities more on their own, to sometimes just support instead of lead,” said Meador.
Oliver also mentioned changes such as “creating a more concrete way to structure wing meetings and expectations.”
Derick Strode, Coordinator for Internships, Research, and Scholarships, stressed that constant improvement is always a goal for Academy staffers. “There aren’t major changes in my personal job area, but there are definitely still improvements to be made,” he said. “We’ve got a great system in place, now it’s just a matter of polishing it.”
He finished with his personal goal, one in which the staff is clearly united. “I want to be giving students the best possible experiences and opportunities.”
Charlotte Humes