G.O.A.L.S.

The University Honors & Scholars Center at The Ohio State University serves high-ability, motivated undergraduate students. While embracing diversity in both ideas and people, the Center fosters purposeful learning communities that enhance students’ academic and social experiences. The Center facilitates impactful, rigorous, and unique opportunities that further student success and involvement in our G.O.A.L.S.: Global Awareness, Original Inquiry, Academic Enrichment, Leadership Development, and Service Engagement.

G.O.A.L.S.

Global Awareness

I hope to become globally aware in the ever-changing world by participating in some type of exchange program. Perhaps a study abroad would be a good fit for someone like me, as I take great interest in learning the languages and customs of other cultures. I have always dreamed of studying in a place like Italy (see my Artifacts for an explanation), but I am aware that there are innumerable other locations that would benefit from having students with medical knowledge. For that reason, I am trying to keep an open mind and exploring my options before I jump into my global adventure.

Original Inquiry

Particularly after my upperclassmen interview, I began to think realistically about what kind of “inquiry” is right for me. I can picture myself working in a lab, eventually doing research with a professor, but I can also see myself taking a year off between second and third year medical school to work on an independent project. With that in mind, Ohio State is a great place to start. Once I gain experience and find an option that appeals to me, I hope to prove to myself and to others that I am capable of accurately and independently working in a professional setting.

Academic Enrichment

It is not much of a challenge to be enriched by the rigorous freshman courses, but I can feel that I am on the path to challenging myself in the best ways possible. Even the class sizes– which, at up to 700, are a large jump from my high school average of 25– have encouraged me to find and make my place. The sheer exposure to so many brilliant minds has reminded me that I am one of so many eager-to-learn students, and I will have to work to separate myself. While this can be intimidating, I know that I have plenty of resources available to ease the transition.

Leadership

I am already involved with a bit of leadership as an Events Chair of Ohio State’s Pakistani American Student Association. I hope that this will help teach me disciplinary skills and teamwork so that I may branch out into other, potentially bigger leadership positions. I grew up being the leader of the pack, often taking control in group projects and leading Student Government and the National Honors Society, so I hope that I will gain opportunities to develop and build on these past experiences.

Service

As many of my fellow Scholars, service has been an important part of my upbringing. Whether it be giving back to the community through volunteering at a soup kitchen, or organizing an actual project to benefit one specific local group, I have found myself learning a lot from service. I have already heard about so many wonderful opportunities to volunteer here at OSU, from simply beautifying the campus to traveling around Columbus in search of a place in need. I would love to work with children in some capacity, and am keeping an eye out for a volunteer opportunity that can fill that aim.

 

Commentary on my G.O.A.L.S.

Aside from my apparent love for science, I chose the Biological Sciences Scholars program at The Ohio State University because I knew that it would help me in achieving my long-term goal of becoming a child and adolescent psychiatrist. From a young age, I learned the consequence of untreated or misdiagnosed mental illness in children, and thereby developed a burning desire to be part of the solution. Since then, I have spent two years performing independent psychological research through a program at my high school, and I plan to continue that path through undergraduate research. This ties well to the Original Inquiry part of G.O.A.L.S., as I was asked to pose and eventually answer my own questions through research. I would love to work in a laboratory on or near campus where I am able to learn from experienced mentors. This would not only give me a strong sense for what I wish to do in the future, but also provide me with a more realistic view of research. Scholars must view the world through a lens that advocates independence and initiative, and I am eager to expand that aspect of myself.

Another G.O.A.L.S. objective I relate well to is the Academic Enrichment sector. While social work and volunteering play an instrumental role in having a positive impact on the world, the first aspect most medical schools attend to is academics. In addition to a superior MCAT score, an impressive GPA and substantial credit hours are important to impressing any institution. Throughout grade school, I did well without having to invest too much time in studying or time management. University life thus far, however, challenged that– and I am glad it did. I am far more dedicated to my studies, and I feel that I am earning the grades I deserve. A good work ethic is the foundation for academic success, so I hope to prove that I am willing to work hard for success. This will help further my long term goals by allowing me to develop patience and persistence, which is crucial to being a respected physician. I hope to use the G.O.A.L.S. as a guide for success in the years to come.