"Effort is the best indicator of interest."| A Duke Student's Experience in High School Courses
We had the privilege of interviewing Catherine McMillan,
a student at Duke University
a former student at the North Carolina Governor's School
her documentaries were featured in a screening at the National Museum of African American History and Culture
We asked her insight on: High School Courses
She tells us:
"...I was genuinely interested in most of the classes I took"
"...it’s hard to ascertain what a class will be like unless you enroll in it."
Q: If you scored in the top 5% how did you manage to balance all the coursework and load?
A: I was/am passionate about my education. In high school, I was genuinely interested in most of the classes I took. I was willing to put in the time and effort because it was important to me.
Q: How did you find time to complete all your schoolwork? On the bus, during school, etc.?
A: Late at night, sometimes on the bus, during lunch. I’d find the odds-and-ends of the day to squeak out all of my assignments.
Q: Is considering the teacher that teaches a course important when making selections?
A: Yes and no. People have different experiences with teachers. There is a kernel of truth in people’s lamentations or praise of a teacher, but it’s hard to ascertain what a class will be like unless you enroll in it.
Q: What AP classes helped your 4 years in high school the most?
A: AP English Language and Composition, AP US History, AP Comparative Government, AP English Literature, and AP Psychology.
Q: Do you think that you benefited more from your AP classes or from your extracurricular activities?
A: I can’t choose. They both took on different purposes for me.
See Catherine's LinkedIn account here!