“Taking an online course has given me a chance to explore my interests by taking a class that my school doesn’t offer. Specifically, taking an online course in the summer allows me the time and energy to concentrate and put my full effort into a class. Taking a summer course will also allow me to take fewer classes going into my senior year, and allow me to have more time to work on college applications and other potential projects.” – Brooke H.
“Brooke is a model student within the Animal Science course. She always submits high-quality work that exceeds expectations. You can tell, based on the effort she puts in, that she is invested in her work! She is great at conducting research and breaking down complex concepts so that others can easily understand material. She is an all-star student! “ – Mr. Christopher Hicks, NCVPS Animal Science Instructor
Brooke’s Story
As a student, I try to take classes that I will be engaged in, won’t be unnecessarily overbearing, and will give me useful knowledge and skills. I try to remind myself to learn from my classes, not just try to get a good grade. Academically, my interests lie in science and languages.
Outside of school, I enjoy reading, writing, using different creative mediums, and learning more about my interests. I love experiencing new places and traveling when I have the chance. I love spending time with my family and friends, who have shaped and supported me. I have a soft spot for animals, and it is my hope to one day aid in their conservation and protection.
Experience with NCVPS
I am taking Animal Science. I wanted to take an NCVPS class because I wanted more experience in the realm of biology, and thought that taking a supplemental course would help me get a better feel of the field, as well as a bit of a head start.
One pleasant surprise I’ve had is how responsive my teacher is. He gives feedback on assignments and responds to emails quickly. It helps when your teacher is readily available to answer questions.
My most important advice is to ask questions when you have them, and to not procrastinate or fall behind in the course.
Outside of School
I love reading both fiction and nonfiction books, playing instruments, and watching TV.
My favorite nonfiction book is The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs by Steve Brusatte, and one of my favorite fiction books is Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett.
My favorite movie is Jurassic Park.
I love learning to think in new ways, from foreign languages to musical instruments. I am taking French and Japanese in school, and I play the violin, ukulele, and piano.
My favorite snack is ice cream. One item I couldn’t live without is my violin.
Goals & Plans
My goal for this semester was to make sure I understood the course curriculum and to gain some fundamental skills that would be important to me in pursuing science. In order to do this I have put thought into my assignments and made sure to be thorough in applying the information from the lessons.
My main plan for the future is to study biology and French at the university level. In biology I aim to connect the fields of zoology, ecology and conservation, evolutionary biology, and paleontology to work towards wildlife conservation. In French I want to increase my understanding of other cultures and places in the world, and to fluently communicate in a foreign language.
I hope to attend university in the UK, because the experience of living in another country would be very formative in making me exploratory and bold. I want to have an open mindset and to be aware and accepting of the diversity of cultures and lifestyles that the world has to offer.
In order to achieve these goals, I will continue to put my all into school work and everything important to me, but most of all find experiences that will help me develop as a person and grow into my interests.
Personal Notes
I have been fortunate enough to travel to Switzerland, France, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. Being in different countries has opened my eyes to how much of the world I have not yet experienced, along with new cultures and points of view.
I have a mom, dad, older brother, and a dog named Hilda.
