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For Leah Abel ’07, an internship at PATH Academy was the
perfect fit. The DeKalb County charter school represents the
intersection of her major research interests.
This senior from Grand Rapids, Michigan, has an independently
planned major (IPM) in sociology and social science. She is
interested in multicultural education, differentiated
instruction, alternative assessment methods and the role of
charter schools in today’s educational environment.
PATH Academy, tucked behind the Oglethorpe campus on Hermance
Drive, opened in 2002 and serves the refugee, immigrant and
local children of Chamblee and Doraville. Four days a week
students are in class for nine hours; Friday and Saturday are
half-days. Though students speak English in the classroom, it’s
a second language for most. With an average class size of 20 and
built-in study time, students receive individualized attention
from teachers, which in turn helps them better understand how
each student learns.
“My internship has already been so beneficial,” said Leah.
“In addition to allowing me the opportunity to observe and
interact with two wonderful classes, I am also obtaining
valuable classroom experience by teaching specialized lessons to
the students. I really have to thank Professor Ginger Williams,
who set up this internship after I took her Education 101
course. I wasn’t even aware of such opportunities until she
brought it to my attention.”
Leah has enjoyed Oglethorpe’s Core Curriculum, which led her
to change her major from pre-med to her IPM. “Because of my
transfer credit, I missed the first section of Narratives of the
Self,” she said. “I’m thinking about taking it, though. I could
read the books on my own, but then I’d miss the great professors
and class discussions.”
“I have had really good relationships with my professors.
They know me well,” said Leah. “I can go ask them anything.
Anytime I need to talk to them, whether I need help on an
assignment or advice about graduate school, they’re there for
me.”
“I fell in love with Oglethorpe as soon as I walked onto
campus,” she said. “It’s been a great experience.” |
