Nathan Rockwood: Jump-Starting College

Nathan Rockwood, a second-year economics major at the University of Maine, started his college career while he was a student at Ellsworth High School.

The University of Maine Academ-e, the first early college distance education program in Maine, allowed Rockwood to take three courses for university credit before he finished high school.

The online program is open to Maine high school juniors and seniors who are nominated by principals, guidance counselors and teachers. All Maine high schools are eligible to have students enroll in Academ-e on a first-come, first-served basis.

Academ-e consists of courses representing mathematics, sciences, arts, humanities and social sciences.

Through Academ-e, Rockwood took Principles of Microeconomics taught by economics professor Caroline Noblet; American Government with political science professor Richard Powell; and Introduction to World Politics with G. Paul Holman, adjunct professor of political science and Libra Professor of International Affairs.

What was your favorite course and why?
My favorite was Introduction to World Politics. It really gave me a great knowledge base for why certain world events occur, as well as a greater urge to get involved in world politics once I graduate and finish my schooling.

How did you benefit from Academ-e?
Academ-e allowed me to work at my own pace and set my work ethic. Of course, Academ-e wasn’t the only class that prepared me for college. My Advanced Placement U.S. history class also helped establish work ethic, allowing me to complete homework assignments and study properly for exams.

How would your college experience be different if it weren’t for Academ-e?
I don’t think I would have adjusted as quickly to the intensity of the college workload if I had not taken Academ-e.

Would you recommend this program?
I would absolutely recommend the Academ-e program. I would recommend the program to any high schooler — be they junior or senior — who wants to find out what they want to do in college or at least get some general education credits or preparation for college before they enter.

What are your plans for after graduation?
I would like to use my economics degree to get involved in government. Some graduate school could be in the cards as well to insure that my job placement is firmed up a little more. If I could go to graduate school, I would get an international affairs or political science degree.