Many high school students spend their summer working, relaxing, and catching up with friends, but the summer between junior and senior year can be a chance to do even more. Arkansas Governor’s School is a four-week program at Arkansas Tech University where students join discussion classes, live on campus, and enjoy evening activities. This year, 10 students from Conway were among the 370 who attended. Senior Angel Tran called it “one of the most rewarding experiences [she has] been granted with.”
Building on these rewarding experiences, the program offers many different areas of study, allowing students to focus on their interests. One of the programs is natural science, consisting of four different science based classes. “I chose Natural Science to further grow my immense passion for science. Applying for the Natural Science area felt fitting to me because I have always been very interested in the natural sciences of Biology and Chemistry,” Tran said. She added, “additionally, I plan to enter the healthcare field and learning more about science at AGS helped me expand my knowledge about the subjects I will take in the future.”
In addition to the academic offerings, AGS provides engaging after-class lectures and social activities. Many students attended “AGS Talks” which are lectures on various topics from Arkansas Tech Staff and other professionals. Tran’s favorite talk was The Chemistry of Pigments Found within Colors. Tran describes it as “very interesting because it discussed the structural chemistry of the colors in our lives.”
Evening activities added even more to the AGS experience. Marquis Vasquez, a Conway and Arkansas Tech graduate, was the activities director and organized events like karaoke night, Kahoot! Night, and Monte Carlo Night. Tran said these events were a big part of what made AGS so special. She also shared that these gatherings helped AGS feel like a close-knit community where students could socialize and enjoy their time together.
Through the classes and activities meaningful friendships were made according to Tran. “AGS is a very accepting and supportive community that respects different backgrounds and opinions, making it entirely possible to become friends with someone just by simply waiting in line for lunch or walking around the dorms. I had the greatest privilege of meeting some of the best people that I am eternally fortunate enough to call my close friends.” The college-like experience is meant to not only expand your knowledge, but to engage with other students from all areas of the state. “Even though I no longer get to see the friends I made at AGS everyday, the strong connections and friendships we made are still prevalent in my life through constant communication and life updates. My heart holds a special place for the friendships I made and for my overall experience at Arkansas Governor’s School.”
