Year in Review

Coming to college was a big challenge for me, like it is for many people. Personally, adjusting to college life was all about finding balance. I tried hard to follow everyone’s advice; I needed to join lots of clubs (but not too many), make lots of new friends (but don’t stay up too late), and to study hard (but not too hard). And though I am still working to find my balance, I’ve learned a lot about myself over the past year.

I’ve always been a quieter person, and coming to OSU was an intimidating experience for me, and I was worried about meeting new people at such a big school. The size of the school has actually been an advantage for me, I think; I joined several organizations and have met so many amazing people who share my interests. I am much more open to new experiences and I’m not afraid to put myself out there are try new things! I also learned a lot about being a student; classes in college are, of course, very different from highschool. I’ve become a much more independent student, and I think I’ve grown to be much more organized with my time, and hold myself responsible for my grades. As hard as my classes are, I find them to be rewarding and enjoyable, because the topics are interesting to me. I love planning what classes to take; I get so exited for the next semester!

I didn’t have to find my way all by myself, though. Having my older sister here as a mentor really helped me to adapt quickly to my new life. Having a “mentor” when you come to college is something I would recommend to anyone worried about making the transition from highschool to university; whether its an old friend or a new one, having someone there to give you advice, or simply tell you that no one does well on their first General Chemistry exam, can make a world of difference.

This last year has flown by, and I can’t believe that it’s already almost over. Next year, I hope to get involved in even more things, and I am so excited for my courses. Looking ahead, graduation seems so far away, but I’m sure it’ll be here far before I am ready for it!

G.O.A.L.S.

Global Awareness:

 

Original Inquiry:

 

Academic Enrichment:

 

Leadership Development:

During my first year in college, I did not do very much leading; in reality, I received lots guidance and mentorship that helped me to be successful, and has affected how I view leadership today. As a sophomore, I had the opportunity to become a executive board member of a pre-med club I joined freshman year, and I learned a lot through the position about being a leader, both on my own and in a team. It has been a wonderful experience to learn from peers and to help the members in my club to learn more about the healthcare professions, as well as to help the freshman to acclimate to college and meet people with similar interests. I have also recently had the opportunity to become a Peer Mentor for OSU’s ASC Honors “Survey class,” a course required for all freshman that helps to be successful in college, as well as helping them to adjust to their news lives here at OSU. I am looking forward to being able to share my knowledge with OSU’s new class of freshman so that they can have a positive college experience!

 

Service Engagement:

As a freshman, I had many opportunities to volunteer through my learning community, the Health Sciences Scholars. We participated in OSU’s days of service, Community Commitment and the MLK Day of Service as a group with many other OSU students. As a group, we helped to clean up a park in then Columbus area, as well as assisted in preparing materials for education outreach at COSI. Through the Health scholars, I also volunteered at the Garden of Hope, a community garden that provides fresh produce to cancer survivors. The clubs that I am involved with also offer many chances to get involved in community service. Through WISE club, I have volunteered at Van Buren Homeless shelter on several occasions. Working with the kitchen staff was one of the best parts of my experience there; they had so much joy and passion for serving the people, and their enthusiasm for service was contagious!

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 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.]

 

Artifacts

[Artifacts are the items you consider to be representative of your academic interests and achievements. For each entry, include both an artifact and a detailed annotation.  An annotation includes both a description of the artifact and a reflection on why it is important to you, what you learned, and what it means for your next steps.  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.]

About Me

 

My name is Mary Kozlowski, and I am a freshman at Ohio State University. My intended major is Microbiology, and I plan to add a Spanish minor. I have always been interested in the health field, so I hope to be able to participate in research as an undergraduate and am considering applying to medical school. In my first year, I’ve gotten involved with several organizations on campus. I am a member of the Health Sciences Scholars, an OSU program for students interested in the health professions. I also joined the College of Arts and Sciences Honors program this past spring, and am looking forward to taking honors classes next semester! I am also a member of WISE club (Women in Surgery Empowerment Club) and the OSU Chapter of Doctors Without Borders. As a member of these clubs, I’ve been able to participate in service and learn more about being a health professional. I am hoping to study abroad next summer to improve my Spanish and gain new perspectives and knowledge about other places and cultures!