G.O.A.L.S

One of my current activities is strongly in line with Service Engagement this semester, as I’ve begun volunteering as a tutor for students at the Karl Road branch of the Columbus Library. This service has allowed me to interact with the Columbus community like I never have before. I’ve been exposed to so much diversity during my few weeks at the site. I’ve worked with immigrants from several countries, heard lots of new languages, and learned about many unique cultures. I truly feel that I am benefitting from these children as much as they are from me. This volunteering is opening my eyes to how beautiful and vibrant a city Columbus is, and I look forward to continuing my work there.

This semester, I’m also working as a swim instructor at the RPAC. This work has given me so much experience with the Leadership Development section of G.O.A.L.S. I feel so much more comfortable taking control of a situation, and being an instructor has given me the courage to lead and feel confident and in control doing so. This job has helped me to improve my management and communication skills, as well. I’m able to communicate with my coworkers and to create and implement lesson plans for my students. These are no doubt important qualities for a leader to have.

Finally, my classes for this semester are in line with the Academic Enrichment pillar of G.O.A.L.S. My courses are helping me to learn more about my major of social work, as well as my minors of spanish and history. Balancing my classes with my other responsibilities is also helping me to improve my time management skills.

I am learning a lot about myself and others this semester, and I look forward to continuing to do exciting and challenging things during my time at OSU.

Artifact 3

This picture was taken at Legacy Night, the culmination of Legacy Week. Legacy Week was an incredible experience and one of the most fulfilling things I’ve done at OSU. I was on Team Environment, and as a group, we performed various service projects around the Columbus area to better the community. I’m grateful for the opportunity and look forward to more experiences like this in the future.

 

Artifact 2

This picture was taken at the end of the Penn State game. Coming away with the victory against Penn State was the most exciting experience of my time thus far at OSU, and it is something I will remember long after I graduate.

 

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 information, go to: http://honors-scholars.osu.edu/e-portfolio. Delete these instructions and add your own post.]

G.O.A.L.S.

[ “G.O.A.L.S.” is a place where students write about how their planned, current, and future activities may fit into the Honors & Scholars G.O.A.L.S.: Global Awareness, Original Inquiry, Academic Enrichment, Leadership Development, and Service Engagement. For more information, go to: http://honors-scholars.osu.edu/e-portfolio. Delete these instructions and add your own post.

Global Awareness: Students cultivate and develop their appreciation for diversity and each individual’s unique differences. For example, consider course work, study abroad, involvement in cultural organizations or activities, etc .
Original Inquiry: Honors & Scholars students understand the research process by engaging in experiences ranging from in-class scholarly endeavors to creative inquiry projects to independent experiences with top researchers across campus and in the global community. For example, consider research, creative productions or performances, advanced course work, etc.
Academic Enrichment: Honors & Scholars students pursue academic excellence through rigorous curricular experiences beyond the university norm both in and out of the classroom.
Leadership Development: Honors & Scholars students develop leadership skills that can be demonstrated in the classroom, in the community, in their co-curricular activities, and in their future roles in society.
Service Engagement: Honors & Scholars students commit to service to the community.]

Career

[“Career” is where you can collect information about your experiences and skills that will apply to your future career.  Like your resume, this is information that will evolve over time and should be continually updated.   For more information, go to: http://honors-scholars.osu.edu/e-portfolio. Delete these instructions and add your own post.]

Artifacts

This photo was taken at my first ever OSU football game. The game was something of an initiation into student life at Ohio State, and I thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere and experience. I can’t wait for many more games in the coming years.

About Me

Gavin Cogan is a freshman at OSU, majoring in social work. He is a member of the Mount Leadership Society.  He graduated from Saint Ignatius in Cleveland, where he was a member of several service projects. At OSU, Gavin hopes to excel in his courses and gain a solid understanding of the field of social work. Gavin’s professional goals and aspirations include working to advance equality and social justice, as well as strengthening communities. While not in class, Gavin enjoys skiing, reading, and cooking.