Robin Gericke of West Paducah started taking dual enrollment classes at West Kentucky Community and Technical College two years ago. Now at only 17 years old, she has completed most of her general educations credits, and this fall, she plans to enroll at Asbury University to earn her bachelor's degree in journalism. Homeschooled, Gericke has worked hard to get ahead in her education and that dedication has also earned her recognition as WKCTC March Student of the Month."It's an honor to be selected as student of the month. I appreciate all the opportunities to be involved WKCTC has given me as a dual-enrolled student, and I love being a part of the campus community," said Gericke. "Plus as a homeschool student, I think that being in a college setting in high school will help me adjust much more quickly to residential college life. Dual-enrollment is a time-saving opportunity, because I will be able to start working on my major right away when I transfer to Asbury."
Gericke is currently the vice president of the West Kentucky's Student Government Association and secretary of the Hispanic Culture Club. She also works with the college's Exit 7 Literary Journal and volunteers for various campus-wide events. Outside of college, Gericke participates in Future Business Leaders of America, is a member of a local praise dance group and is actively involved in her church. She also volunteers at Paducah's Community Kitchen, works part-time at Bristol Broadcasting and writes articles for Purchase Family Area Magazine. She hopes to someday publish her own magazine.
Gericke credits WKCTC faculty and staff with helping her feel more confident in college. "I was nervous about taking college classes and going from a homeschool setting to a classroom setting. But after that first day, I felt much better."
WKCTC Coordinator of Student Development and Activities Amy Elmore said Gericke displays more maturity, wisdom and kindness than most adults and is eager to learn. "Robin is a true humanitarian and is going to achieve great success in life," Elmore said. "It makes me extremely proud to have been a part of her time at West Kentucky and to know she will be out there making our world a better place."
The Student of the Month program is designed to recognize the accomplishments of students on campus. Individuals selected must be currently enrolled at WKCTC and have maintained a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher and are nominated on the basis of exceptional performance, personal attributes, academic excellence and active participation in various student organizational activities.
Student of the Month recipients receive $100, a certificate of excellence, recognition on the WKCTC Facebook page, campus announcements and Web site. Recipients are also recognized by Pepsi MidAmerica and receive one free month's supply of their favorite Pepsi product.
Gericke encouraged her fellow students to get involved and participate in campus activities. "You can come to school, go to class, and go home. However, in doing that, you are missing out on so much that goes on around campus!" she said. "I would tell students to join a club or attend an event going on in the library. WKCTC is a community college, and there is a great community here if you choose to be a part of it. It is a fulfilling, enriching experience to meet your fellow students and be involved outside the classroom."