TAG tastes the college experience

Nathan Wheeler, Natalie Wheeler, Rachel Ranfeld, Natalie Kirton, Katie Benson and Kaylin Hansen eat lunch in the cafeteria at Wartburg College for the Iowa Talented and Gifted Young Scholars Program. (Abby Clark photo)

by Natalie Kirton and Rachel Ranfeld

On Tuesday, April 12, six students traveled to Waverly for the Iowa Talented and Gifted Young Scholars Program, as well as approximately 120 students from other Iowa schools. This conference was held at Wartburg College and was a day full of activities. 

Instructor Abby Clark brought students Kaylin Hansen, Natalie Kirton, Rachel Ranfeld, Natalie Wheeler, Nathan Wheeler and Katie Benson to participate in the conference. Check in began at 8:30 a.m. at McCaskey Lyceum, followed by a small continental breakfast. President Darrel Colson welcomed students and Wartburg senior Abbey Hempen spoke about how taking initiative in high school can ensure a better future.

Wartburg staff led students to different parts of campus to partake in one of eight morning workshops, such as The Brain, Studying Abroad, Social Media and Civic Engagement. These workshops were designed to be a preview of courses offered at the college. 

Afterward, students reported to lunch in the Mensa, or cafeteria. Because Montezuma students were set to leave early, instructor Abby Clark, a Wartburg graduate, guided them on a tour of campus, ending at the college fair in the Hall of Champions. Represented colleges were Buena Vista, Central College, Graceland University, Grandview University, Iowa State University, University of Iowa, University of Northern Iowa, Luther College, Simpson College and Wartburg College. 

Lastly, the TAG group moved on to their final workshops, which consisted of Socrates Café, Secret Gospels, Social Media, Exploring the Nature of Science and The Brain. 

Abby Clark said, “We had a wonderful time learning about different career opportunities and college experiences, including everything from dessert in the cafeteria to a tour of the dorm rooms. I was glad to have shared some of this college with my students.”