This feature student story shows that as students we must take advantage of opportunities that come our way. Emilee Ortlepp is a sophomore at RWC. She was a highly decorated student coming out of high school. She received many awards prior to graduating and was third in her class. But, as many students realize, she discovered college is much different than high school. She has had many struggles during her freshman year. Most of these struggles were self induced: “I didn’t try as hard as I should have,” Emilee says.
However, after transferring from UC’s Uptown Campus to RWC last spring, Emilee has drastically improved her G.P.A. It has risen each quarter she has been, and she found herself on the Dean’s List last quarter.
This year was the turnaround year for her, as she continues her quest to become a nurse. Emilee might spend more time working than she does at school. She has three jobs and has had them since before the school year started. She works 30-40 hours per week and continues to thrive in school.
This is a great feat, considering how dim last year looked. This doesn’t mean she failed any classes, but when an A student isn’t getting those grades anymore it can be overwhelming. Some could say Emilee is one of those people who thrive under pressure. When you have three jobs, you are a full-time student and somehow you make time for a social life, there isn’t much else you can do.
This is a common theme at RWC, and it is one that makes the students here better and more disciplined than at traditional colleges. Emilee is just one example of how great our school is, and we should applaud ourselves for it.