Wednesday, June 08, 2016
It’s been a big year for Emily Aman. Not only did the 14-year-old make the transition from middle school to high school, but she also just finished her first semester at Fairmont State University.
While she was taking English, science and math at Bridgeport Middle School, she was also enrolled in FSU’s World Literature 1. Each Tuesday and Thursday, either her mom or Grandpa Tom Aman dropped her off on campus for the three-hour credit course - which she ultimately aced.
As indicated in a note sent to her parents from Professor Matt Hokom, Emily was one of only five students in the class of 32 to receive an A in the class.
Though she said she was a little intimidated the first day, she settled in quickly and loved everything about her college debut.
“I loved my college professor. He didn’t treat me different because I was younger. He treated me just the same as everyone else and graded me just the same, making me feel comfortable in the class,” Emily said. “The only thing I have to complain about are the all-nighters I had to pull a couple of times – staying up all night reading.”
She did enjoy the reading list, though. Her favorite book was “The Odyssey,” followed by “Oedipus Rex” and “Antigone,” both by Sophocles. The only literary work she had a little trouble with was one that had originally been penned in Sanskrit – one of the official languages of India and the liturgical language of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.
“Sanskrit really isn’t spoken anymore and it’s difficult to comprehend,” Emily said. “But the professor kind of broke it down during class.”
Emily’s mom Rebecca Devono said the campus experience was an incredible one for Emily because it challenged her academically. The 14-year-old also excels in various other areas, including math, language arts and music. She is a longtime student of Carla Engle’s and she currently takes piano lessons from Kym Scott at West Virginia University. Emily also writes songs and stories. She wrote the song “Done,” with which she tied for first place at the recent BMS Idol talent show. She has also composed some intricate classical pieces which she has performed on piano at recitals and church services.
A gifted student since the first grade, Emily took the ACT college readiness assessment at age 12 when she took part in a talent search for gifted students, sponsored by Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth. Based on scores of above grade level tests - such as the ACT - students are eligible to earn scholarships.
This is part of the story by Julie Perine that originally appeared on the Connect Bridgeport web site and is posted here with permission. To view the full story and more photos, click here.
