Brothers Cite TTU K-12 in Current Successes

By Leslie Cranford, Section Manager

When TTU K-12 was approved as TTUISD by the Texas Legislature as a special purpose district in 1993, its main goal was to be a viable alternative to high school students not being served well, for whatever reason, by public/traditional schools.

Nearly 30 years later, TTU K-12 is still offering that high-quality educational option to students like brothers Benjamin and Clayton Stewart, now both alumni of Texas Tech University High School.

Attending public schools from kindergarten through eighth grade, both brothers attended all four years of high school through TTU K-12, with Benjamin graduating in 2017 and Clayton finishing in 2020. They are both attending the University of Texas-Tyler (UT-T). Aside from those similarities, the brothers have their own unique experiences with the program and different current and future plans.

Clay, as his friends call him, is a freshman at UT-T, majoring in biochemistry with a minor in forensic science. He is involved in the Baptist Student Ministry and the Pre-Med Academy, and he enjoys hunting, fishing, and playing golf.

"I'll possibly pursue a career through medical school after my bachelor's degree. I would ultimately like to work in a medical science-related field in which I pursue a career that positively impacts others," he said.

Being a recent graduate, Clay didn't have to pause to describe his experience with the TTU K-12 high school program.

"It was challenging but rewarding. It was a learning experience to go from being a somewhat dependent learner in a classroom full of students to an independent learner on my own, but upon completion it is rewarding to know that I did it on my own," he explained. "In fact, I believe my favorite part of TTU K-12 was that I actually had the opportunity to complete labs and projects independently, rather than as a classroom spectator. I also enjoyed the ability of the program to be self-paced."

Perhaps the most notable benefit, Clayton said, was that of the level of detail in instruction and academic accountability displayed through the TTU K-12 curriculum.

"The program was much more thorough than any instruction I had experienced prior," Clayton said. "In the Texas Tech High School program, I have found that instruction is much more clearly defined, and students are held to a reasonable level of account for errors. This has prepared myself, and I am sure many others, for the standards of higher education."

Clayton went on to explain that he learned many things, but especially time management and to be responsible for his own learning, even in the wake of COVID-19.

"During the COVID pandemic, many students have been frustrated with moving to an online model, but when UT-T had to move online, I thought 'I've got this!' I was once again in familiar territory," Clay said. "I have found that TTU K-12 has made me a self-starter and leader, when many of my college classmates are still looking to the instructor or other group members to lead out."

Unfortunately, COVID-19 did affect Clayton's high school graduation. Since he finished during the pandemic, Clay plans to participate in the 2021 commencement ceremony to celebrate, finally and fully, his accomplishments.

Another perk of self-paced school is the freedom to pursue other interests. Clay worked at the Emerald Bay Homeowners Association Club on Lake Palestine throughout high school.

"I not only worked for the club, but after hours I also did odd jobs for a number of the retirees that lived in the neighborhood," Clayton said. "I was recognized for saving an elderly resident's life who had fallen outside at dusk in his yard that bordered the club property."

Clayton offered some pretty profound life advice, and not just for other students who might be considering a program like TTU K-12.

"I would advise someone making almost any important decision, whether it is that of an academic enrollment or other, to do these three things: Keep the past in memory, the present in place, and the future in mind. Broadly, this is my way of saying to learn from your past, stand strong through the world and its struggles and blessings as you live today; and consider your actions today and how they will affect tomorrow.

"I say this because it was past experience that brought me to Texas Tech, I use the skills and knowledge acquired through TTU K-12 today and appreciate the ways that the program has prepared me for the future. I would wish the same good will on another as they consider the TTU K-12 program."