Nnemap Food Pantry

Over the past few months, I have spent my Thursday afternoons at the Nnemap Food Pantry where I have had many eye-opening experiences in a very short time period. Starting with packaging food, I learned more and more jobs each week and recently have had the opportunity to interact with the families and  individuals experiencing food insecurity. The appreciation displayed through a smile and kind words put every single effort within the food pantry into perspective; the carts full of food and necessities are life changing. Although service without seeing the direct impact is vital, seeing the impact of everyone’s actions in the food pantry is heart warming and beyond fulfilling. Ever since my first day at Nnemap, I have been extremely appreciative of the food I have available to me every meal and do everything I can in order to limit food waste.

Meeting Zest Coordinator

As an Environment Meeting Zest Coordinator, planning meetings and interacting with my team has been a beneficial experience. Each week I plan meetings with my fellow coordinator involving an agenda and a powerpoint to guide the meeting. Bringing positivity and constant motivation is part of the role, however, finding ways maintain positive energy has become a growing experience. Starting with forming connections among my team members, I have reached out to every individual as support and to ensure involvement. When we are all completing tasks, the energy and excitement as a whole is much stronger than one person could bring. I have learned to delegate tasks and always think with the end in mind throughout this process. Strengthening relationships and putting my greatest efforts at all times has created an environment for constant enthusiasm as a team.

All About Me

Hello, my name is Sydney Cassel and I am currently a Freshman at The Ohio State University, majoring in Molecular Genetics and minoring in Spanish on the Pre-Med track. I am from Medina, Ohio where I attended Medina High School. I was involved in many clubs such as National Honor Society, Recycling Club, Business Club, Spanish Club, HUDDLE, Peer Tutoring, and Student Council where I served my Senior year as President. I was a volunteer for Harbor Light Hospice each week and enjoyed many local environmental projects. Outside of Medina, I spend many weekends and summer weeks volunteering with the Ohio Association of Student Leaders in partnership with the iBELIEVE Foundation where I also served a term on the Senior High Executive Board.

I am currently a part of the Mount Leadership Society Scholars program and am a member of the Service Committee. I have intentions of joining a women’s fitness club and other volunteering organizations. In the long term, I have goals of attending Medical School and eventually becoming a Dermatologist. I am very excited for all of the opportunities offered here at Ohio State.

Year in Review

[ “Year in Review”  is where you should reflect on the past year and show how you have evolved as a person and as a student.  You may want to focus on your growth in a particular area (as a leader, scholar, researcher, etc.) or you may want to talk about your overall experience over the past year.  For more guidance on using your ePortfolio, including questions and prompts that will help you get started, please visit the Honors & Scholars ePortfolio course in Carmen. To get answers to specific questions, please email eportfolio@osu.edu. Delete these instructions and add your own post.]

G.O.A.L.S.

Within my first week of Sophomore year, I assisted with the initiation week for the Freshman and led small groups. When we all initially introduced each other, there were multiple students who simplified their names for others to pronounce, instead of proudly stating the beautiful name they were born with. Simplifying or using “Americanized” names opened my eyes to the lack of acceptance toward Diversity. Ever since this moment, I have put extra effort toward making sure everyone in my surroundings and beyond feel included and accepted in all environments.

Studying Molecular Genetics, I am extremely interested in gene modifications and furthering my understanding of genetics. I am excited to one day work in a research lab with such practices.

Throughout my college courses, I have developed the skill of metacognition to fully process all of the information I am learning versus temporarily understanding. This method of studying has led me to reach my full academic potential in all of my classes, especially those relating to my field of Pre-Medicine.

Going back to in-person classes, I have reevaluated how to work with my peers in group projects and daily interactions with many different personality types. Since middle school I have attended leadership training and found the most efficient methods of communication, however this year has brought all new opportunities which have allowed me to further evolve and understand.

This year, I have been serving my time at a local food pantry for three hours a week where I help pack food and am able to see firsthand the gratitude on the faces of families in the community. An act as small as packing bags makes an impactful difference in someone’s livelihood. I am appreciative to see the direct significance by meeting the local families, however, service without seeing the direct impact is equally as important.

Career

So far, I have taken many Biology, Chemistry, and Spanish courses that have enriched my knowledge on as the topics as well as strengthened my future plans. Within my Spanish classes, I have about many other cultures, specifically in Spanish speaking countries; however, this knowledge has lead me to study abroad in Spain in the upcoming summer where I plan on learning about the culture on another level. I plan on entering the medical field where meeting the needs of people of all backgrounds is essential, which has led me to take advantage of every opportunity that leads to a learning experience.

Thus far, I have joined Health Points (Pre-Health and Community Service), Undergraduate Student Government Sustainability Committee, Delta Omega Kappa (Pre-Health Sorority), and Mount Leadership Scholars Society where I am currently a Service Chair and have previously been a Meeting Zest Coordinator. Currently, my main mentor is one of my high school teachers and student council advisors who has a PhD in Biology and has accomplished all of his professional goals. With many science related discussions and debrief, he has led me to where I am today through support and embracing confidence.

Biology

Since moving to campus, I have been faced with many eye-opening experiences. I am currently taking a Biology course that broadened my perspective to areas of my life beyond academics. Most lectures, I am given examples of the material we are learning relating to real-life scenarios. Microscopic problems can occur which may seem irrelevant in the perspective of the body, however, the malfunction of an organelle of one singular cell can lead to long-term body effects or even death. 

In life, the small moments and acts of kindness matter the most. Small changes make big differences in the overall function. Attempting to change the entire world can come across as overwhelming and even impossible. Putting effort toward strengthening relationships, making someone’s day, or spreading a smile can have an impact strong enough to change the world. Focusing on spreading positivity and kindness to my immediate circle and beyond is powerful and I keep that in mind during every interaction.