Wasilla, Alaska
Ever since Jonah was a little kid, he was always interested in math and science. In 2013, he participated in his first Middle School Academy and became hooked on ANSEP. He spent his next two summers doing STEM Career Exploration and Acceleration Academy components before enrolling full-time in ANSEP’s new Acceleration Academy High School.
You may remember Jonah from his last Student Success blog where he shared how ANSEP is helping him earn college credits toward his degree. Currently a senior, Jonah is part of the Acceleration Academy High School’s first graduating class. Now that he’s almost done with high school, we caught up with Jonah to see what’s next.
ANSEP: What excites you the most about graduation?
Jonah: I can’t wait for summer! I’m doing Summer Bridge, where I’ll earn college credit while working a paid internship. I’ll most likely be with the U.S. Geological Survey, where I’ll learn what it is like to work in IT.
ANSEP: What are your plans for college?
Jonah: I plan to enroll at the University of Alaska Anchorage this fall, where I’ll major in electrical engineering and minor in math. I may get a second minor in physics as well.
ANSEP: Do you feel prepared for college?
Jonah: Definitely! I’m going to graduate high school with 44 college credits already complete. Plus, with ANSEP’s weekly recitations and peer mentoring programs, I’ll have a strong community for support and tutoring.
ANSEP: What is the biggest challenge ANSEP has helped you overcome?
Jonah: Last summer, I took an accelerated course of Calculus 2. It was very challenging and I didn’t do well. I was disappointed in myself, but it was a learning experience. ANSEP taught me study skills and time management. Now, I’m excelling at Calculus 3 and know I can be successful in my college courses too.
ANSEP: What is something you’ve learned from ANSEP?
Jonah: Growing up, I always loved STEM education but didn’t really know what I wanted to do. The Middle School Academy computer build initially sparked my interest in computer science. Through ANSEP’s components, I’ve learned about many different types of STEM career possibilities.
ANSEP: What are you most excited about for college?
Jonah: I love computer coding and am looking forward to the more advanced coding classes. I taught myself the basics in my free time, but I’m excited to enroll in more challenging college courses.
ANSEP: Do you know what you want to be when you grow up?
Jonah: Not exactly, but I know that I want to work in a scientific or IT career. I plan to stay involved with ANSEP throughout college. As a University Success student, I am confident that the internships and mentorships will help me choose a specific career field.
ANSEP: Do you have any advice to other students who are about to start their college education?
Jonah: Talk to an advisor, your peers and your counselors before you start. They can share their experiences to help guide you down the right path. Also, find a healthy way to relieve stress!
Next year, when Jonah isn’t busy studying for his engineering classes, you’ll find him drawing on campus or longboarding with his friends through Hatcher’s Pass!
ANSEP Acceleration High School had 27 students in its 2016-2017 inaugural school year, more than doubling enrollment to 66 in its 2017-2018 second year, and Jonah is part of the first graduating class. Collectively, the students have earned more than 650 college credits and experienced a 90-percent success rate in college-level courses. To meet a growing demand, the full-time high school component is now offered in partnership with the Matanuska-Sustina Borough School District and the Anchorage School District. Learn more about the innovative curriculum or apply here.
