Sarah Jane Barrett will present her Master of Education Thesis defense on Monday, March 5 at 10:00 am in Room AVC 287 North. Thesis Title: "The Gifted Experience: an Autobiographical Journey”. All are welcome. ABSTRACT This qualitative study uses an auto-ethnographic approach to explore the experiences of a gifted student in Prince Edward Island. The purpose was to reflect on and offer insights and analysis about experiences in school and how these shaped teacher identity. Using school documents and recollections of years in school, a series of narratives of schooling formed the data. Analysis of these narratives revealed themes that resonate with the literature, including perfectionism, frustrations with waiting, group work, anti-intellectualism, and disengagement from learning. The importance of challenge, ability grouping, and creativity are discussed, as well as the role of teachers in the education of gifted students. The research found that the needs of gifted students are not met in ways that develop their potential and the thesis suggests educational approaches supported by the literature and findings.