By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–Union City High School sophomore Addison Kitchen has some big future plans.
They’ll start this summer with participation in the 2023 Governor’s School for International Studies.
Kitchen was chosen from more than 300 applicants for the prestigious program that provides students with intensive learning experiences. She was one of just 60 picked for the honor and will report to the University of Memphis for the program that will run through July 1.
There, she will learn about different cultures, their politics, and their economic state through instruction and research. Through the curriculum, GSIS students will develop problem-solving skills related to global events, gain critical thinking skills with an international perspective, and develop an appreciation and understanding of other cultures.
Kitchen’s summer experience is simply part of an impressive plan that she has to attend the University of Chicago to be a psychiatrist and then “probably attend medical school.”
Though only nearing the end of her sophomore year, Kitchen is already piecing together a glowing resume.
A Top 10 student, she won four Student Excel Awards as a freshman, attended Vanderbilt Summer Academy last year, and has been selected as a student of the month. Kitchen has participated in the Obion County Youth Leadership program, performed in the Masquerade Theatre, and is a member of three school clubs in addition to the UCHS band.
She laughed when revealing she based the essay she submitted to earn inclusion into the program based on an episode of the popular television show “Parks and Recreation.”
Kitchen said she’s excited to learn about cultural differences and international travel, trying different foods and visiting both the Civil Rights Museum in Memphis and the zoo there.
“Plus, I think the experience will look really good on my college application,” she smiled.
She is the daughter of Rene Kitchen and Steve Kitchen.