Zach Burton: An Unstoppable Force

By Miranda Koewler


I met with third-year Zach Burton to discuss his experiences at Ohio State and his incredibly bright future. The Arkansas native has plenty to share with the world, and I think you’ll find his story as inspiring as I do.

Zach BurtonMiranda: What are you studying and why?
Zach: Journalism and public affairs with a focus on nonprofit management. I was very shy and quiet until the sixth grade. My teacher pushed me into participating in a broadcasting competition, and I ended up winning!

This is when I started coming out of my shell to pursue journalism. I like public affairs for the business aspect. Also in the future I want to start a nonprofit, so I like the hands-on experiences in business that allow me to learn more about the nonprofit world.

I am also a music performance minor. I have played piano by ear since I was three, so I wanted to hold onto that. I play for my gospel choir and a church downtown.

Tell me about some things you’re involved in on campus and in the community.
Last year I joined Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. I have been incredibly influenced by the older brothers helping to guide me through college. They’re passionate about the community and always willing to do service. I love being able to share this honor with my dad, who is also a member.

In addition, I have the privilege of playing piano for the African American Voices Gospel Choir. This group allows me to celebrate my faith away from home, and the director has become a mentor in my life. I’m excited to say that I’ll be taking over as president in the fall.

Lastly, I was one of 25 participants in the Buckeye Leadership Fellows Program last year. This program gave me rigorous professional development training through real world situations. We were challenged to improve something within our corporate pairing. I was able to network with alumni, create a proposal for a real solution and learn so much along the way.

What are three words to describe you?
First, ambitious. I have a problem saying no, but with everything I do, I give 100 percent. I believe if you wanna go for it, then go for it. If it doesn’t work out, then you learned something. Next, level-headed. I’m very involved, so it’s easy to get overwhelmed. I use these times of stress to learn and connect with peers and mentors. It gives me a chance to grow. Thirdly, positive. I always have a smile on my face, and it takes a lot to bring me down. I try to be the bright influence that motivates others.

You mentioned sports being a big part of your life. What sports did you play growing up?
I’ve done almost everything through the years: football, baseball, basketball, running track. Sports gave me the opportunity to focus on bettering myself. My favorite sport to play is probably basketball because I’ve played since the eighth grade. I still play a game here or there, and I’m also on an intramural flag football team.

What is the most important thing you have taken away from playing sports?
How to overcome adversity. During college recruitment season, I suffered an injury and was unable to sign with anyone. I kept my “next play” mentality by looking to the future and focusing on the education I’d been working so hard towards. My family always encouraged me to do well in school, so I try to influence kids to prioritize their education too.

How do you see this influence in your work at Ohio State?
I keep that “next play” mentality with everything. I discovered that studying business wasn’t for me, but I wasn’t giving up. You have to move on if you believe something is not a good fit for you or if you feel uncomfortable. I signed up for everything that interested me at the Student Involvement Fair to find new opportunities. It’s important to find balance with what you do and what you love. I have been able to relate my major to sports and hone in on my passions.

Where do you see sports fitting into your future?
In a perfect world, I would be a sports anchor or reporter so that I could use my personality. I have been a sideline reporter for Scarlet and Gray Sports Radio and an ESPN intern when the Cleveland Cavaliers won the Championship. Currently, I’m a digital media intern with the Columbus Crew. All of these opportunities have taught me so much about the industry and have shown me that this is where I want to be some day.

You also mentioned creating a non-profit someday. Can you tell me more about this?
There are not many nonprofits where I’m from. I’ve seen various startups in Columbus that have been created for a specific mission. I moved from a lower class area to a suburb and was granted opportunities that many students didn’t have. I’ve researched the lack of opportunities at home, and I want to help my community receive the food and nutrition they need, have equal opportunities for education and discover how sports can benefit students. I won’t let them lose hope in academics. Very few teachers create personal connections, so I see the possibility of creating mentorship programs so that these students have a role model to help them through everything.

What brought you to Ohio State?
I am from a classic small town called Springdale, Arkansas. My Grandma lived right down the street, and everyone knew each other. Basically, the whole city is in your business. But Springdale was a better area in Arkansas. When my dad moved there, it was the best thing that could have happened to me. It gave me so many more opportunities, including giving me more ambition and the ability to connect with the right people.

When I was visiting my aunt and uncle in Cincinnati, they brought me on a college visit here at Ohio State. I fell in love instantly. I had always felt like a city boy in a country state, so this huge school had everything I wanted. The Morrill Scholars Program gave me the exact opportunity I needed to get here.

What advice would you like to pass on to your fellow Buckeyes?
Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Ohio State offers plenty of new things, but make sure to keep track of who you are in the process. You only have a few years to explore, so find yourself, discover new interests and change your mind if you want to. Ohio State is its own world within a great city to explore and endless people to learn from. Live it up while you can.

Caroline Gonzalez Takes On the World of Local Politics

By Miranda Koewler


caroling gonzalezI sat down with senior Caroline Gonzalez to hear about her personal journey as a Buckeye. I was inspired by her drive and passion, and I know you’ll find her story just as fascinating as I did.

Miranda: What are you studying and why?
Caroline: Political science and economics. My interest with politics started when I was young. I lived across from Villanova University and a local park. The university wanted to turn this park into a parking garage. My parents and neighbors teamed up to prevent this from happening.

Tell me about some things you are involved with on campus and in the community?
I came to Ohio State not knowing a single person. Luckily, the Morrill Scholars Program built a foundation of peers that helped me find my place. As a sophomore, I was elected as a Senator for the South Campus Living Area for USG. This was an incredible experience, but I later decided to step back from USG to focus on my love of local politics. For the last two years, I’ve worked with a consulting firm helping with local elections. This job gave me the opportunity to branch out from Ohio State and find my place in a great political city.

What are three words to describe you?
Resilient. Politics is messy. You’re forced to face lots of losses. This tends to discourage people, but I keep working through it all because this is what I love.

Optimistic. I try to stay calm when times are tough. My ideas and goals are clear, so I’m able to keep my head up and look to the future.

Focused. I juggle a lot in my crazy life. I work in admissions, conduct behavioral economic research and take my academics very seriously. My focus and drive help me to balance all these things.

How did your passion for politics begin?
I dabbled in the 2008 campaign, but during my sophomore year of high school, I became more involved. I was president of the Young Democrats club in high school. Local volunteers inspired me. They hosted gatherings to make phone calls, constantly worked on fundraising and had debate watch parties. It was a community. Before I could even vote, I worked at the polls. This is kind of where it all began.

How have your experiences as a Buckeye shaped this passion?
I knew I wanted a school in a big city, but I never considered the effects of being in the capital of a major swing state. It’s a welcoming place that offers me experiences unlike any other, which has shaped me for my approaching career.

Oftentimes politics has a negative reputation. What keeps you involved?
I have learned to understand people from different perspectives. You have to realize that the stereotypes about political workers are not true. I’ve found an inspiring community with role models who have changed my life; my motivation really comes from them. All you need is hope and optimism. I simply believe in what I do and what it can do for others.

In your bio, you mentioned returning to your hometowns of Philadelphia and Miami. What is it about these two places that appeals to you?
I grew up in Philly and love the history and culture of the city. Last summer, I interned with the Governor of Pennsylvania, Tom Wolf. I even worked on the floor of the DNC! This was a crazy and exhausting experience, but it reminded me why I do what I do. I hope to return to help my hometown because I have such a strong connection with it.

Miami, on the other hand, is seen as a vacation destination. As a Cuban American, I appreciate its diversity and Cuban influences. While it has a lot to offer, it needs help. There are problems with corruption, the recession and the environment. These problems are not being addressed, so I want to help make it better.

Tell me about some role models who have inspired you.
I love to see a great candidate, watch them succeed and do good in the community. I look to people who break boundaries. In Columbus, I have found motivated women who support one another. My first year, I met my boss at the consulting firm who took me under her wing. Also, my parents of course. I did not see too many people in politics growing up, especially not women. To see them get involved in the community was awesome.

Based on your various experiences, what is one piece of advice you would pass on to your fellow Buckeyes?
Don’t be afraid. I knew absolutely no one when I came here. Morrill Scholars is a great program and allowed me to take opportunities to get the most out of this school. When I was looking for an internship, I just ended up calling the Governor’s office to see if they needed help. It comes from never doubting myself. I don’t wait for something to happen, I make it happen.