Students in University Academy’s Class of 2025 are getting a feel for college lectures while earning college credits at Rockhurst University even though they’re still in their final year of high school.
Markeiaja Wilson and Darian Fielder-Bey are two of the three seniors who were chosen for Rockhurst classes based on their ACT scores and overall GPA, along with a teacher recommendation. They both attend a psychology course on the Rockhurst campus that requires them to leave UA a few days each week.
These life-long UA students instantly noticed some differences including life on campus and school size at their first Monday lecture. Wilson, a UA student since kindergarten, said another major difference between the UA campus and the Rockhurst campus is the diversity.
According to the Rockhurst University website, the school’s student population is 66.3% white, out of 3,405 students, versus UA’s predominately Black environment.
Fielder-Bey and Wilson agreed that their Rockhurst experience is helping to shape their college decisions, but they both said Rockhurst is too close to home.
“The small size of Rockhurst definitely suits what I’m looking for, though. Other small private universities like Drury or Carthage who are farther away but have the same feel as Rockhurst interest me more,” Fielder-Bey said.
One thing the UA students don’t have to heavily adjust to is the class itself. Fielder-Bey acknowledged the college readiness UA has provided, which helps with the Rockhurst program’s goal.
“Even with my experience with being in a Rockhurst class, I know once I actually get to college it’ll still be jarring. Though even with that being said, you realize as a senior how prepared you are for these college classes, and that for sure is a relief.”
Despite having the ability to thrive thanks to UA, balancing college courses along with UA’s senior year requirements is challenging. One thing that can help is having a solid organization system. UA has instilled the practice of using a planner in order to stay on top of assignments into their students since middle school.
“I try to use my planner and do the work that is due first. I try not to procrastinate in order to make sure I am not scrambling to get work done,” Wilson said.
The transition to college takes the willingness of discovering the world and accepting all opportunities that come their way, and this is one of many. Good luck to the Class of 2025 with their college endeavors as they experience new things and enjoy their last several months in the UA halls to prepare for a new chapter in their lives!
