An opportunity to change a life at early college

       This fall, 54 seventh graders started classes at Georgia College.  These students have been chosen from Baldwin and Putnam County Schools to attend the GCSU Early College program. 
    Like every student in the seventh grade, these students take classes in math, science, social studies, English, and various exploratories but on the Georgia College campus.  Perhaps you have seen them around.  Maybe you have been with them in the library, at Chik-Fil-A or on Front Campus.  And whether you realize it or not, you as a student are setting an example for these young scholars.
    These students are not little Doogie Howsers, but they are very bright kids, deserving of the finest education available.
    Unfortunately, the public schools in the area have overlooked their gifts and talents, and the private schools are no better.  In many cases, the schools have suppressed their intelligence and their desire to learn due to the circumstances under which these schools are run. These children are students that may never have had an opportunity to experience college without this program.  They have set out on a journey through Early College to break into the collegiate experience. 
    Did you know that you were a role model?  Did you know that their eyes and curiosities were aimed at you?  I will bet that you are sitting there reading this article and saying to yourself “I didn’t even know they were here”. 
    They are indeed.  These young students are looking to Georgia College students to be their mentors and role models.  It is your obligation as college students to show them how responsible adults learn and think and act.  Take the time to get to know them; they will delight you.
    If you want evidence of their being here on campus, go to Mayfair Hall and check out their photography exhibit.  The pictures that you see will be proof that these students deserve to be here.  And I will further add that several of the photographs are very reminiscent of Gordon Parks’ works in Life Magazine. 
    All of these kids are very special to Georgia College, and Georgia College is privileged to have them as students.  I believe that their presence is under appreciated, and I am showing my gratitude and thanks to the students, teachers, and faculty at Early College for all of their hard work and dedication.  I know for a fact that these kids work harder, and in many cases are smarter than many of the freshmen this year.  Early College, keep up the good work!

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Posted by Colonnade Archives on Jan 26 2007. Filed under Opinion. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry