Bailey Watts, a senior at Adair County High School, knew from the time she graduated eighth grade that she wanted to attend Vanderbilt University. Her dream became a reality when she was notified that she had received a full scholarship to the university.
Watts realized that to get accepted, she had to stand out among the large number of applicants. She focused on involving herself in as many extracurricular activities as possible.
Being a member of the academic team since 4th grade, Watts remained on the team throughout high school.
“My academic team coaches have had a very big impact on me,” said Watts. “Brett Reliford sat with me every day, taught me classes specifically for the academic team, and he believed in me probably more than anybody. He taught me anything he could and has written me every recommendation I have ever needed.”
Watts said that her middle school academic coach, Victoria Leibeck-Owsley, “is the one who got me into the two subjects that ended up being my favorite things. She showed me the things that I like, was always there for me and always supportive. I miss her. She passed from pancreatic cancer when I was in 8th grade. I wish that she could see what I grew up into.” Watts has been an officer in Future Business Leader’s of America for two years and involved in competitive events with the club for three years. She is also a member of Sources of Strength, which offers peer support for areas such as mental health.
As a member of Kentucky United Nations Assembly, she has been a part of International Court of Justice program since 10th grade. Watts competed as a part of ICJ and was chosen as a distinguished advocate, where she and a partner were selected to compete in a showcase round that they won. In this competition, they are given a subject and they must develop an argument for both sides of the issue. They then compete against different schools, arguing the subject matter. Her 11th grade year, she was appointed as the state president for ICJ.
With a strong interest in space and childhood hopes of becoming an astronaut, Watts chose the aerospace career pathway classes. She then took the Federal Aviation Association written exam at 17 years old to become a pilot. After passing the exam, she began taking flying lessons under a certified instructor. She hopes to find a hangar in Nashville to continue her lessons to become a private pilot and then continue her education to obtain her IFR and aerobatic rating as well.
Watts plans to major in biochemistry on a pre-medicine track. She is considering a minor in political science, astronomy, or art history. As a Governor’s Scholar, her focus program was astronomy, and she found it fascinating. During the Governor’s Scholar program, one of her teachers was a lecturer from Vanderbilt. She had the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the university during that time.
She said her parents have undeniably contributed to her accomplishment in many ways. Watts said they made many sacrifices to get her where she is today.
“My dad with working and going back into the military and my mom for staying home and reading to me and teaching me.” She commented. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.”
Watts thinks that being from a small town helped her in her successes and her acceptance to Vanderbilt. She didn’t have the access to tutors, private schools or urban areas that have more opportunities, but she was still able to accomplish everything she has. Those things made her stand out more on the application.
She encourages anyone who has big dreams like she does to take every opportunity possible. Join clubs, run for any leadership positions, try every new thing and “as much as you hate it, take the ACT as many times as possible,” she said. “Don’t be scared to get out or not be able to do the things others are doing.”
Be committed and be passionate about it, Watts said. You won’t accidentally get into a school like Vanderbilt, you have to be committed.
By Amy Pike
newsroom2@adairvoice.com
