ST/Star BeaconHARBOR HIGH school student Doug Roskovics pays close attention to what gives in English class at the Kent State University Ashtabula branch. Natalie Rich (back) is also a pre-admissions students.
By STACY PUZO
Post-secondary enrollment in Kent State University Ashtabula Branch's pre-admissions program has reached an all time high.
Fifty-five area high school students are attending the university as part of a program offered by the two institutions.
Kent's assistant director of Student Services, Edward Robinson, says, "The program was instituted in 1991 and 55 students is the most we've ever had...this year has doubled any other year."
On the topic of the program itself, Robinson had this to say: "It is a great program. I wish it would have been around when I was in high school because it really gives you that step above a regular high school education. And, when students who have participated in the program graduate from high school, colleges can see that the students are able to perform at that level. It really gives the students an extra boost."
Each high school sets a different set of requirements to participate in the program.
Once accepted, you must maintain a "C" average and the classes that are taken at Kent are worth credits in high school and are transferable to most colleges.
All the classes that are offered to regularly enrollment students are also offered to the pre-admission students. With these classes comes all the responsibility of a college career.
They are given no breaks, just because they are still in high school. Amanda Weagraff, a graduate of Ashtabula High School, attended KSUAC during her senior year and when asked if the program helped her in pursuing college further, she said, "Yes. I really wish I had done more."
Maybe the most interesting aspect of this progr
am, is the integration among all the different
generations. Most classrooms, actually, are a good representation of any
family in which there is a teenager. The age gap brings a whole new perspective
to any and all discussions. Although, most professors probably could not
point out those students that are still in high school and their grading
of these students is no different from the others.
STACY PUZO, when not writing for the Star Beacon, attends classes at both the Kent State Ashtabula Branch and Ashtabula High School.
Students involved in the program are also encouraged to take part in any of the university's various functions. Such as student council, clubs, intramural sports and Model U.N.
In a way, this is the best college "orientation" that prospective college student could possibly get.
There are varying opinions, though, on the degree of difficulty presented by college classes.
Thomas Wright, a senior at Jefferson High School says, "I think in a way it's like high school, or an extension of high school. It's kind of in limbo _ it's the cusp between college and high school. It's not easy, but it's not hard."
Of the 55 students that are attending KSUAC this year, 19 of them hail from Ashtabula High School. One of those students is junior Chip Laveck. Chip says that the most interesting thing about attending Kent is, "... that it is more relaxing (than high school)." The hardest thing about attending Kent for Chip, is really no different than one of the challenges presented in high school and that is, "staying awake in class."
So, next time you're out at Kent Ashtabula Branch and you see someone who looks like they may be a bit young to be in college, well, they probably are.
Grow
up and have kids? Why not beagles?A Mandy White column
Most of the unwelcome side effects of adulthood are foreseeable. Jelly-like body parts where sculpted muscle once was. Feeling too old to do the "Dance of Joy" after a hard-won victory.
I'm not thrilled about my eventual fate, but I can accept that as something that happens to everyone. (Except for most of the male species who may physically age normally, but mentally aren't a day over 13.) Some symptoms are more frightening than others though, because they are so subtle. Take babies for instance.
To see what I mean, you might conduct an experiment. Gather middle-aged men and women in a room. Hand them cocktails or some such adult refreshment and observe their behavior closely. You should see at least some languid conversation taking place _ perhaps boring but somewhat intelligent.
Now stick a baby in the middle of aforesaid room. You know _ fluffy hair, big blue eyes. Gerber baby '98. And watch what happens.
"What a tweetums!"
"Ooh baby is so coot! Cootums Cootums!"
"How big is baby?" (emphatic gesturing) "THIS big!"
This ineffable twaddle would go on indefinitely if adults had their way.
Conducting the same experiment in a room (substituting Squirrel Nut Zippers for cocktails) of young teens would bring different results.
"Cute little squirt."
"Yeah, looks kinda like a Rugrat or somethin.'"
"Yeah."
And they'd go back to discussing Keroac or the latest basketball game.
This loss of I.Q. points everytime a cootums _ no young squirt, I mean "young squirt" _ is in the area especially bothers me since I'm no longer a young teen. The big 17 is approaching and I feel babysitis approaching.
A co-worker at the fine eating establishment where I work mentioned she would like to have a baby. I agreed it would be nice. Aaagh!
My official policy is that the only babies that are cool to have are beanie babies. But I'm obviously weakening. I've got great names for little boys and girls. (Sagan and annElise, respectively.) I caught myself playing "Itsy-bitsy Spider" with a toddler who wasn't enjoying it nearly as much as I was.
I just hope I'm not as bad as my mother. My mom, who is the coolest and least embarassing mom in the world in other respects, can't leave a baby alone. We'll be in Phar-Mor at the mall, but if she sees a baby at the K mart entrance we're at K mart before you can say `blue-light special.'
So you know she's expecting grandchildren. And unless my brothers improve their overall attitude or else get a whole lot cuter, it looks like I'm the prime candidate.
I've got it all planned though. When I grow up, I'm going to resist the pressure to get married and have a couple of kids. I'm going to get a beagle. Babies, beagles _ what's the difference? Both are cuter than a button, enjoy being played with and cooed to, and eat similar-looking food. I'm figuring a beagle should take care of my maternal instinct. My mom could even crochet it a sweater.
I'm only worried about one thing: will my beagle mind if I start playing "Itsy-bitsy Spider"?
White, who lives in Kelloggsville, has been offered an opportunity to play "Itsy-bitsy" with Casey the Wonder Beagle. We'll let you know the results.
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