As our “Five Questions” series continues, we chat with Katie Rush, a second-year student from Franklin County.  Like many Gatton Academy students, Katie has taken advantage of numerous study abroad opportunities available through WKU.  Though the Academy offers a travel program during the Winter Term, many students study abroad through departmental programs in January, May, and summer.

1. Tell us a little about the project or program in which you participated?

Well, I am currently participating in the the CCSA London Summer Program, consisting of about 150 college students from across the U.S. taking classes while living in London for a month. My particular class is about Jane Austen, one of my favorite authors in the whole wide world! Not only does the class have very few actual meetings, but there are no real organized group activities, encouraging participants to sightsee in London in small groups, as well as to take weekend trips through Europe.

2. What is the part of the summer experience did you enjoy the most?

I’ve definitely loved everything about it! My favorite weekend trip was to Germany, to visit some friends that my family hosted on their trip to Kentucky my sophomore year. For our course, we visited Chawton Cottage,
where Jane Austen lived for most of her writing career, which was basically amazing. And my favorite thing about London is the amazing variety of things to do! There are a million different shows every night, a huge variety of places to visit (can I give a shout-out to free museums?), and (of course) very good places to eat.

3. How is this different from the way you think most high school students spend their summers?

Since it is a college trip, there is a completely different level of freedom and independence (especially in a city as safe as London) than such a trip organized for high school students. That being said, there is also a much higher level of responsibility expected, and I feel like I’ve risen to that challenge and had an amazing learning experience.

4. How does this research experience or internship fit into your educational and professional goals?

Most would say this has no connection to a future in math and science, but I can’t think of anything more important that seeing amazing new places and becoming a well-rounded individual. It’s been a nice break from math and science, since focusing on one area of study to the exclusion of all else can’t possibly be good for you.

5. What are you looking forward to the most about your second year at the Academy?

I’m looking forward to continuing my research with the Crawford Hydrology Lab, meeting the incoming juniors, and graduating of course!