While choosing a college, former TPS student Elizabeth Kays decided to get out of her box…out of her city…out of her state…out of her country. Actually, she decided to move completely out of her continent! Elizabeth Kays of Canton, Georgia is now attending Oxford University in England. One of the most prestigious universities in the world, Oxford accepted this TPS alumna without hesitation.
Explaining how her Potter's School experience thoroughly prepared her for the academic life at Oxford, Elizabeth said, “It was just a really strong educational foundation.” A Potter’s School student for five years, she took numerous classes including chemistry, her chosen major at Oxford. Elizabeth reports that “Oxford seemed to think it was nice that an outside organization had assigned some of my grades…all of the writing and literature classes I took prepared me for the writing I had to do on the AP tests and during admissions.”
When asked why she chose Oxford, Elizabeth explained, “I really liked their ‘one-course’ system--they don't have a liberal arts core that all students must complete, so, since I'm just studying chemistry, I will just about have a Master's degree in four years.” According to Elizabeth, Oxford works on a tutorial system. Although she does attend lectures, she also meets a few times each week with the professors at her college. “It’s rather like homeschooling!” she stated.
In addition to a great educational foundation, Elizabeth came from a solid, loving family who helped keep her “sane” while preparing her for college. Growing up in Georgia with her five siblings, two of whom continue to take classes on TPS, she enjoyed many extra-curricular activities. One of them was participating in the National Christian Forensics and Communication Association (NCFCA) speech and debate tournaments. Having been actively involved in competition for NCFCA, Elizabeth qualified for nationals numerous times, continually achieved top rankings in speaking categories, and frequently won debate rounds. When out of school and her debate suits, Elizabeth loves goofing off with her siblings and watching Star Gate episodes with her brothers. Eric Kays, Elizabeth’s younger brother, thinks, “It is pretty cool that she is going to Oxford.”
Trying to equip herself for the changes ahead, Elizabeth decided to visit England before classes began. Enjoying the English sights with her family, she toured the pub where C.S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkein frequently visited together. Elizabeth absorbed the British atmosphere. Along with having to regulate herself with the different time zone and dialect, she will have to adjust to the British calendar, which excludes Thanksgiving and our Fourth of July celebration. While staying at Oxford, she reflects that she has grown spiritually through the experience. “Change is always difficult for me…but God is still the same, and He's still leading me through His plan.”
Elizabeth continues to ponder the idea of going to law school after she graduates from Oxford, but she will focus on her current studies first. This brilliant student shines as an example for all TPS students, even if they are not planning to attend Oxford. Speaking from experience, Elizabeth wants every student to remember, “Time flies. It really does. Make it productive so that you'll be prepared for whatever God is calling you to do”--even if it’s out of your traditional box.
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