Ambitiously Ahead of Schedule: Zachary Amos to Graduate from Villanova at 19-Years-Old
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This May, while many 19-year-olds are finishing their freshman year of college, Zachary Amos is graduating with his bachelor’s degree in Information Systems & Technology (IST) from Villanova’s College of Professional Studies (CPS).
As an ambitious homeschooled high school student, Amos, from Media, PA, pursued college-level courses at Delaware County Community College while simultaneously fulfilling his high school requirements. By the time he was 17, he completed both his high school diploma and graduated with his associate degree from Delaware County Community College.
“CPS accepted the credits from my associate degree, and I was able to earn my bachelor’s degree in just two years,” said Amos. “The flexibility at CPS was perfect for me and what I wanted to achieve.”
During his first year, most of his courses were online, giving him the freedom to live at home while adjusting to the academic rigor of Villanova. But by his second year, he sought a more immersive experience. “I wanted to be on campus more,” said Amos. “During orientation, the most important thing they told us was to stay on campus after classes, make friends and get involved. I really took that to heart.”
Amos joined multiple student organizations, including the Villanova Men’s Choir and the Villanova Melodics, a barbershop-style a cappella group. Through the Men’s Choir, he traveled to Pittsburgh, Montreal and Italy. Amos started a rock band with four fellow students and is the band’s lead singer and pianist. The band played gigs both on and off campus.
“Getting involved in clubs gave me friendships and experiences I wouldn’t have had experienced otherwise,” said Amos. “I was in a unique situation. I was able to connect with students my age and form friendships, but I also learned a lot from my CPS classmates who brought so much life experience into the classroom.”
Last summer, Amos was selected for a prestigious internship at Lockheed Martin where he worked as a systems engineer. He plans to eventually pursue a career in software, database or video game development, but first, he has his sights set on impactful service work.
In September, Amos will embark on a seven-month mission trip through Youth With A Mission (YWAM) where he will spend the first few months at a base in Norway before traveling to Tanzania to teach English and serve in local communities. “It’s a huge opportunity, and I’m grateful to have the time and space to do it,” he says. Amos has also applied for a Fulbright Scholarship to potentially teach English in Mexico when he returns from Tanzania.
“Getting ready to leave Villanova is bittersweet,” said Amos. “I’ve learned so much and I feel very fortunate for the experience. Villanova has helped me grow in so many ways.”
