Today, the students of the Media Arts Pathway had the opportunity to step onto the campus of Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN—and APSU did not disappoint. For many of these Gateway scholars, this trip was more than a tour; it was a chance to glimpse the future that lies ahead once they finish their journey through high school.
The day began with a warm welcome as students were introduced to the Department of Art + Design. Inside the studios and galleries, they were able to see firsthand how college students take creative ideas and transform them into professional-level projects. From digital design labs to painting and sculpture spaces, the visit highlighted the wide variety of options available to those who want to pursue careers in the visual arts. The experience gave Gateway students a better understanding of how their current pathway can connect to real-world opportunities in creative fields.
The group also toured the Department of Communication, where the focus shifted to media, broadcast, and journalism. Here, students explored professional-grade facilities that included production studios and editing suites. They learned how communication majors prepare for careers in television, radio, and digital media by developing both technical skills and the ability to tell powerful stories. For Gateway’s Media Arts students, who are already building skills behind the camera and in the editing room, the tour provided an exciting look at how those same skills can be expanded at the university level.
Beyond the buildings and programs, what made the day meaningful was the connection students were able to make between where they are now and where they could be in just a few short years. Tours like this showcase the importance of helping high school students imagine what comes after they walk across the graduation stage here in Christian County. Seeing college students at work, asking professors questions, and experiencing the campus environment allowed Gateway students to visualize themselves in those same spaces.
For many, the trip was both inspiring and motivating. It reminded students that the hours they spend learning editing software, practicing photography, or producing podcasts are not just assignments for a grade—they are steps toward future careers in creative industries. The visit to APSU demonstrated how the pathways offered at Gateway Academy serve as a bridge, connecting classroom learning with opportunities in higher education and beyond.
As these Media Arts scholars returned home, they carried with them more than just memories of a college tour. They left with a clearer picture of their future and a renewed drive to continue pursuing their passions, knowing that the skills they are building now can open doors long after high school.
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