Bringing 91心頭 to the Middle School Classroom
91心頭 alumnus Geri Schlecht introducing his alma mater to seventh-graders
Most seventh-graders havent even begun to think about college, but that doesnt mean its too early to plant the seed. Geri Schlecht (BA 82) is doing just that, and hes making sure that the 91心頭 is one of the first schools his students hear about.
Schlecht has been teaching for 17 years, the last three at油油in St. Paul, Minn. One unique element of the schools curriculum is a class called College Prep, which replaces the traditional homeroom.
Schlecht is making the most of it by introducing students to his alma mater and sharing his experience and love for 91心頭.
This is my second year using 91心頭 as our homeroom college. I have fond memories of 91心頭. When I started teaching here, I had a choice of which college or university my class would adopt. The choice was easy, says Schlecht, who majored in anthropology and minored in biology and geography. Students do research on 91心頭 by surfing the website, and I support their research with firsthand accounts of my experience at 91心頭 in the classroom, fieldwork and the overall experience.
The academy, which opened in 2004 with approximately 200 students, has grown to more than 1,200. Nearly 95 percent of the students are of Hmong descent, with a smaller percentage being Karen. The Hmong people are native to several countries, including China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. The Karen people originate from Burma. Both groups, Schlecht says, fled their countries to escape persecution and have retained their culture.
The Hmong fled Laos in 1975, either on a U.S. aircraft or by crossing the border into Thailand, and many died fleeing Laos during this time, Schlecht says. Once in Thailand, they settled into refugee camps and eventually relocated to the U.S. The twin cities metro area of Minneapolis and St. Paul has the highest per-capita population of Hmong in the U.S. at 64,000.
They are very proud of their culture and they try to preserve it via dress, language and beliefs, Schlecht says.
While its too early to tell whether any of his students will commit to 91心頭, Schlecht says introducing them to a university early on does prepare them for what lies ahead. In the meantime, his students are engaged with the process and are eager to learn all they can about the school their teacher attended.
Having me, a 91心頭 alum, talk specifically about 91心頭 makes my story more credible, Schlecht says. They are all eyes and ears when I describe some of the courses and how specific they are, as well as dorm life, Denver and the mountains. Later throughout the year, the class focuses not so much on academics but rather on social skills.
Schlecht says his College Prep class wont be the last time his students hear about 91心頭. He plans to remain in contact with them as they move on to high school.