College grad, 15, looks to the future

  Thursday, December 11, 2014 2:00 AM
  News

Pittsburg, KS

College grad, 15, looks to the future

While most students Alex Jaeger’s age are preparing for winter break in their sophomore year of high school, this 15-year-old is laying out his cap and gown in preparation for Pittsburg State University’s commencement exercises. Jaeger will receive degrees in biology and music along with nearly 600 other PSU students in ceremonies in PSU’s John Lance Arena on Friday, Dec. 12.

Jaeger, PSU’s youngest full-time student, turned 11 soon after beginning classes at PSU. He says it’s hard to remember his emotions in those first days.

“I was probably pretty nervous,” he said. “It’s hard to remember. I was just 11.”

He does recall standing out among students.

“I know I got a lot of looks from some of the other students,” Jaeger said. “I think they were trying to figure out why a kid my age was in class.”

Soon, however, the other students got used to seeing Jaeger on campus and in class. He said he felt accepted, despite the age difference.

Jaeger said his PSU teachers were warm and friendly, which helped make his transition to college life easier.

One of those, Reena Natenberg, his adviser in music, said she’s going to miss having Jaeger on campus.

“Alex is indeed an exceptional young man,” Natenberg said. “Despite his unbelievable achievements, Alex remains a most humble and gracious individual. It has been my pleasure to have known and worked with Alex. I will miss him dearly.”

Jaeger smiled as he recalled pulling a wheeled case filled with books all over campus during his first year. Now four years older, he has traded the wheeled cart for a more traditional book bag.

He’s also looking to the future and graduate school, although he’s not sure where just yet.

He laughed as he pointed out, “It’s not like I can go to work; I’m 15.”


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