Whiz Kid of the Week: Jocelyn Brown

Whiz Kid’s Name: Jocelyn Brown

Whiz Kid’s School: Fitch High School

Whiz Kid’s Accomplishments: 

Jocelyn Brown was the only student from Groton to land on the Dean’s list at Saint Joseph College in the spring 2011 semester. Students on this list earned a grade point average of 3.5 or higher.

“I just found out two to three days ago,” Brown said, smiling.

Brown is an education major at Saint Joseph, pursuing a career as a Spanish teacher.

Spanish always came easy to this former Fitch High student. “It was the easiest subject for me in High School,” she said, “and I fell in love with it.”

This semester’s course load offered her the opportunity of auditing teachers in Hartford.

“I [also] did one observation in Ledyard High School,” said Brown. “I watched a High School Spanish teacher.”

Brown’s love for education took root in elementary school.

“I knew I wanted to go into education in the second grade,” she explained. “I used to write stories when I was little. My teacher let me read [one] to my class and let me make a little quiz for them. And then she let me correct them after that.”

Though Brown has never been to a Spanish-speaking country, she plans to study abroad for a semester in Puerto Rico or Chile—vying for a real culture shock.

“Sometimes I worry that if I have Hispanic students they’ll wonder why they should listen to me,” said Brown. “But I think I can learn from my Hispanic students and they can learn from me.”

Brown volunteers for Women in Wellness, an on-campus leadership club dedicated to women’s health issues, and serves as treasurer for her school’s Spanish Club.

Key to her success: 

“I do what I have to do,” said Brown. “Study hard, do all your assignments, and put your best effort into it. Do what makes you happy, because it’s a lot easier to go to class [and study] something that you like. Follow your bliss.” 

Best Advice: 

“Study hard and play hard,” Brown said. “I’m always with my friends. I have a Wii in my room and I just always play. You have to study, but you also have to have time for your fun as well so you don’t get overwhelmed. Balance: it’s something you need to learn how to do.”

Know a great kid who made Eagle Scout, or helped your local soccer team take the championship?

Submit your nomination in our comment box below or e-mail the information to Jessica.hilo@patch.com. Be sure to include all of the following information:

●      Nominator's Name

●      Nominator's e-mail

●      Whiz Kid's Name

●      Whiz Kid's Age

●      Whiz Kid's School

●      Whiz Kid's Accomplishment

●      Whiz Kid's Key to Success

 If your nominee is selected, we'll contact you and assign a photographer to take a photo. For questions, e-mail Jessica.hilo@patch.com.