Reflection on the G.O.A.L.S:

Global Awareness:

I have worked to develop global awareness through the classes I take and the clubs I am involved in. In my time on campus so far, I have taken classes such as sociology, cultural anthropology, classical mythology, and others to learn more about diversity. Through these classes, I have learned about important rites, religions, items, and more regarding other cultures and this information has allowed me to grow and expand my horizons about my perspective of the way the world works. Additionally, I am fulfilling global awareness by taking Spanish courses. I am learning a new language, as well as important cultural items and values of many Spanish-speaking countries. Lastly, I am involved in clubs on campus such as Buckeyes First that aims to emphasize and celebrate how unique and diverse every first-generation student is, and I have learned to appreciate these differences and how they affect people’s lives and experiences. I will continue to work towards this goal by being active in clubs on campus that promote a message of inclusivity, continue my education in the Spanish language, and take additional courses that allow me to learn about the beauty and diversity within different cultures and individuals.

Original Inquiry:

I have sought to understand research and the creative process through being both a consumer of research and a creator of research. I have worked with a lab in the Psychology Department for over a year, the Lifespan Adjustment Project, which is currently focusing on children with ADHD, and in that time, I have learned a multitude of things. I have learned how the process of creating research works, how it begins, how individualized it is. I have learned about a variety of software used to process the raw data obtained from the research lab and how to use these softwares, how to place electrodes on participants, how to monitor cameras and many more. Above all, I have learned about the dedication that is needed to create good research, and it has fueled my passion to commit to research in my future. Additionally, another part of understanding research is to be a consumer of research. As a psychology major, many of my classes have a focus on understanding how to read and discuss the scientific literature, and these are skills that I have honed to precision since attending OSU. This is very important because it can present new avenues of understanding or inspiration towards a topic. I will continue to work towards this goal by broadening my coursework, my readings of original research papers, and continuing to expand my skills in a laboratory environment with my peers and PI.

Academic Enrichment:

My Honors Contract demonstrates my commitment to academic enrichment through how diverse my course list is. I have focused on taking a variety of classes and topics to learn more about the world around me and teach me about different perspectives. I also focus on taking courses in things I know little of or lack a deep understanding of, because that serves to broaden my horizons even further. My curriculum relates strongly to my future aspirations outside of the classroom, as I want to work in psychology as a researcher, practitioner, and professor at various points in my life. My major in psychology gives me a firm basis for that, as does my minor in neuroscience. This major and minor combination will teach me about the brain, how to create and consume research, human life, human tendencies, and the list continues. My minor in communications will improve my ability to converse with and understand others, which will be another benefit for my future. Additionally, all my other GE or Elective courses will broaden my understanding of different people and cultures, which is important to understand for all practitioners, professors, and researchers. Having this diverse reach in my coursework demonstrates my commitment to excellence and learning, as it will help me be a well-rounded and successful individual prepared for her future.

Leadership Development:

I am involved in three clubs on campus. The first is Psychology Club. Psychology Club allows me to meet and discuss a variety of topics with graduate student speakers, professors, and other students that have a passion for a topic. This has helped me develop skills regarding communication and learning, which are important for my development as a leader. Additionally, Psychology Club strongly relates to both my personal and career goals, as it teaches me about psychology in a fun, low-stakes way. I am also involved in Buckeyes First Student Organization. This club teaches me about various opportunities and ways to help me as a first-generation student, while simultaneously educating me about advocacy and other cultures. Buckeyes First has taught me how to expand my perspectives to be more inclusive and to have an open mind, which is a great aid to my leadership development. Additionally, this club relates to my career goals because this expansion of my perspective and understanding of other cultures is very important for someone who wants to become a researcher, practitioner, or professor. Lastly, I am involved in the club Brighter Futures. This club is dedicated to community service for helping local high-school students commit to a college. This club has allowed me to reach out to many students and help them achieve their dream of college, and it fulfills many of my personal goals of being able to help people as I was helped when I was in high school. I am also involved in the University Libraries on campus as a Special Collections Assistant, which has furthered my understanding of different perspectives and cultures, which are personal goals of mine. Within my job, I scan and describe older and even ancient documents, images, and books. I have learned a variety of specific vocabulary and information that relates to these historical materials, which has given me a broader perspective of ancient or historic cultures and their beliefs. Additionally, it has improved my critical thinking and communication ability, which are important leadership characteristics. I am also involved as a research assistant in a psychology laboratory on campus, and it has taught me a wealth of information about the research process, how to think critically about issues, and has fueled my passion for research. All these things have helped me to develop the ability to reason and solve issues, as well as to find my passion, which play large roles in my personal, career, and leadership goals.

Service Engagement:

I have been engaged in a variety of service activities. Previously, I have gone on a work service trip to South Carolina to help rebuild houses for hurricane victims. I have also served long-term as a student tutor for my fellow peers, tutoring them in a variety of subjects. I am currently a member of the club Brighter Futures and will be throughout my time as a student, which focuses on community service and serving high school students to help them reach their dreams of being admitted into a college or achieving better grades. I plan to continue to engage with the community through the internship I earned with the Suicide Prevention Program through my focuses on advocacy, fighting mental health stigma, and building access to additional resources to better the mental health of Ohio State students and the community. Upon graduation, I will continue to engage in community service through tutoring and other service projects, as it is very important to me personally to help others in every way that I can.