Welcome to 13th Grade

By Jeanne O’Leary
Managing Editor

Off Campus Classes Provide a Unique Experience

The parking lot outside of Jonathan Law High School was slowly becoming occupied with people who all had the same purpose, attending a college class. There are two different locations for HCC students to attend classes outside of the college campus, Ansonia High School and Jonathan Law, according to the HCC course guide.

For some students, attending the same classes offered at HCC at a high school provides a very different atmosphere.

“The biggest difference in teaching at Jonathan Law is having highly motivated adult learners,” said HCC adjunct English professor Elizabeth Keefe. “They have a goal in mind.”

Keefe explained that a lot of the students taking classes on campus during the day mostly consist of kids fresh out of high school who don’t really know what they want to do with themselves, whereas the night students are usually looking towards getting a better job.

Jeff Litwak, a nursing major at HCC, also noticed the perks of being a part of the off campus classes. He is currently taking a public speaking class at the Jonathan Law location.

“I like the one night a week classes off campus,” said Litwak. “It’s a nice mix and a much easier situation. [There is] no hassle of a parking structure, either.”

He also noted that these classes definitely consisted of an older crowd and a smaller number of people. He said he gets the feeling that people want to be there.

Interrupting Litwak was HCC professor Amy Carattini as she entered the class out of breath.

“Sorry, I was rushing from my other class at HCC,” said Carattini. “Sorry to keep you waiting.”

She continued to address the class about their speeches that were due that night and passed out student evaluations for everyone to fill out.

The first girl to stand in front of the class was a little fidgety, but spoke with confidence about obstacles that she had overcome throughout her life. When she finished her speech the class responded with applause and positive feedback.

“She was really good,” said one girl. “I don’t even want to go now.”

The speeches continued and the class gave everyone the same amount of support and praise for sharing their story. After about five speeches the class was allowed a short break to give themselves a breather.

Carattini agreed with Litwak and Keefe when discussing the atmosphere of off campus classes. She described them as an untraditional, older crowd and a driven group of people. However, she also noted that there was a downside to the off campus classes as well.

“Resources are the biggest disadvantage to off campus classes,” said Carattini, “like computers are not available to the students.”

Students sitting around Carattini nodded their heads in agreement.

However, students don’t seem to mind the minor inconveniences.

“It’s an easier commute for me,” said Litwak, “and I feel like we are closer here as a class than other classes on campus.”