Jonathan Norton - West Virginia Wesleyan College
2025
To think that four years ago I was applying for MVYouth is astounding because it does not feel that long ago. I am incredibly grateful for the support and confidence MVYouth gave me as I pursued this next level of education, and that support continued when I made the difficult decision to transfer. My time in West Virginia over the past three semesters has strengthened my desire to work in educational policy and pushed me to begin the application process for law school. This semester I finally took a political science class, Political Science Fiction, which quickly became one of my favorite courses of my undergraduate experience. While it centered on works of science fiction, the class focused on connecting those stories to real international issues and whether we are heading toward anything close to a dystopia, thankfully not yet. Our final project asked us to create something that blended class themes with a real-world problem. I saw it as a chance to bring my interest in education into the course, which led me to design a board game, Reprogrammed: The AI Classroom. The game simulates a school system that is being overrun by artificial intelligence, and players work together to save the school. It became a fun and meaningful way to show what I learned and how it connects to what I hope to do. As AI continues shaping the education system, I have found myself drawn to law schools that offer courses in both AI and child advocacy or education. I want a stronger understanding of how these areas intersect so I can make an impact in the future. Through MVYouth’s support during this undergraduate journey, I have grown in confidence and found a clear direction for my life. I am forever grateful and cannot thank MVYouth enough.
2024
2024 was a year of change. If I had to choose one word to describe the entire year, it would be risk. Concluding the spring semester, I made the decision that although I was receiving a strong education at Connecticut College, there was something lacking. I did not know what I was missing, but I knew that I needed to take the risk to pursue change. Also being an athlete, I had to risk finding a coach and team that would be a good fit, but I trusted that change is necessary to build strength. Following research and communications with different schools and coaches, I found my new home to be West Virginia Wesleyan College. While going to school in West Virginia is extremely different than anything I have experienced, it was the best decision I could have made. It is through the more focused education department that I am able to get the foundational knowledge I will need. I was introduced to various viewpoints and ideologies that are new to me, and my passion for educational policy began to grow again. Now, I want to pursue a future in that field, making sure that everyone has the opportunity to receive the education that they are entitled to as people in our society. While there may be a difference in opinion on what that looks like, I want to help bring to light the bridge that connects the ideas of everybody: we want our children educated, cared for, successful in whatever it is they pursue, and, most importantly, happy. I am grateful for the support of MVYouth throughout my college career thus far, and especially through my transition to a new school.
2023
In my second year at Conn, the fall semester was distinctly different. Excitement marked the start as I fostered connections with the educational studies faculty and delved into varied interests. My course selection, including Critical Educational Theory, Ordinary Differential Equations, Making Music with Computers, and Theory 2: Color and Chromaticism, aligned with my major in Educational Studies and double minors in Music Studies and Mathematics. The liberal arts framework at Conn facilitated exploration without rigid specialization, offering a well-rounded learning experience and fostering valuable connections. Critical Educational Theory emerged as a favorite, aligning with my preference for in-depth understanding. Exploring the "why" behind educational practices deepened my insight, steering me toward the educational policy realm. Motivated to effect change, I applied for and was accepted into the Teach for America Ignite Fellowship, anticipating the opportunity to make a difference. Amid academic pursuits, I continued my athletic journey, seeking success in cross country after a strong track season. However, an unexpected injury sidelined me for the entire season. Despite the disappointment, my academic focus remained unwavering. Gratitude extends to MVYouth for their support, enabling my studies at Conn. Overall, the fall semester at Conn can be characterized by diverse academic engagement, a commitment to understanding educational theory, and a resilient pursuit of goals despite athletic setbacks. The Teach for America Ignite Fellowship adds an exciting dimension to my journey, promising avenues for meaningful impact.
2022
Going into the fall semester, I was initially worried about how it would go. I was leaving a support system of friends, family, teachers, and peers that I had spent my entire life building for a town on the coast of Connecticut. However, having spent time in such a supportive community with outstanding professors and an enthusiastic administration, my early decision commitment to Connecticut College was the best choice I could have made. The classes brought forth a new challenge of independence compared to high school, and I am proud of what I have accomplished in the classroom. One class that I am particularly proud of is Foundations of Education. In this class, I learned about the different issues that happened in the past, some of which continue to arise today. Taking this class fortified my want to go into education in some capacity.
Along with academics, I have been able to be a member of the cross country and track teams. The team welcomed me immediately and helped me understand the hard-working and tight-knit community fostered at the institution. I became the only first-year in the top seven runners within the first few meets. Throughout the season, we worked together to qualify for the NCAA division three championship for the second time in school history. Based on results at the regional meet, I was also named All-Region (top 35) and have the potential to be an Academic All-American. Being able to compete at the highest level as a first year is an experience that I will never forget. The experiences I have had so far would not have been possible without the generosity of MVYouth, and I am grateful for the opportunity provided to continue these experiences while continuing my studies.