Over the summer while many students were chilling or getting ice cream, Audrey Zents ’26 along with 4 other Woodward students–Daniela Palatchi ’26, Gianluca Seta ’27, George Sloan ’27 and Maya West ’26–attended the Governor’s Honor Program (GHP). What is GHP? According to the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement, GHP is a residential summer program for sophomores and juniors. It typically takes place on a college or university campus in mid-June to mid-July, and the instruction there usually matches the location with classes aimed more at a college level. And why is it important? Audrey made the case that it’s a great opportunity to extend people’s education and to prepare them for a successful future in adulthood.
“My experience made me learn to be out of my comfort zone in both an academic and social setting,” Audrey said. “So I feel like that is going to help me a lot in college and post-grad.”
During her time at GHP, Audrey majored in Communicative Arts and minored in Mindful Movement. She had classes in the morning. For her major, that could be classes like a New Yorker class, a Slam Poetry class or a Godfather class. For her minor, she added a mix of dance, yoga and pilates. She also described her campus life as very busy with fun like dance parties every week and plenty of socializing.
“They [my hallmates] were some of the best people I have met,” Audrey said.
Sometimes, these social interactions were more formal opportunities to meet people with expertise in areas she had not previously explored like when she had the opportunity to listen to Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler James Harper.
“I learned how important agriculture is for the workforce in Georgia,” Audrey said.
In sum, Audrey declared GHP to be a valuable educational experience, and she would recommend it to eligible students. For any student aiming to apply, she has some words of advice.
“Being yourself and putting out your best self in your application is what is needed, and what helped me,” Audrey said.
