My first year as a Buckeye was a success, in more ways than one. On paper, I’ve become a leader in my extracurriculars, earned a paid summer research position, and finished the year with a 4.o. On a deeper level, I feel successful with my personal ventures. I managed to maintain a work-life balance, studying hard while attending tons of Buckeye sporting events and exploring Columbus on the weekends. I grew to be more resilient when I was challenged academically, pushing past the discomfort of not being a natural at all things school-related. Perhaps best of all, I made connections with people that will become lifelong friendships. So much happened this year, and here are just some of the highlights…
Early on in the year, I became involved with Vocalize Columbus, an Eminence-based non-profit that connects medical interpreters with free clinics to alleviate the cost of translating services. This year, I spent most of my time becoming familiar with the Vocalize web app, providing technical assistance, and updating the appointment platform weekly as the Assistant Director of Technology. I have found improving the quality of care for patients that do not speak English by breaking down the language barrier to be extremely rewarding work. To me, it is a privilege to play even a small part in this cause.
My schedule was filled with a diverse array of classes that I was actually excited to take (and Physics 1250), and I began to reconnect with my love of learning. In my History of War class, I started to wonder about morality in warfare and the accuracy of our modern perceptions of the past. I discussed my ideas with professors in Classics, International Studies, Political Science, History, and even Computer Science, and on top of building a reading list that’s sure to keep me occupied for years to come, I learned that answering big-picture questions like those is more nuanced and interdisciplinary than I ever thought. Going forward, I want to incorporate my findings into a research thesis, tying it to my studies in Computer Science and Security and Intelligence.
I found a lot of opportunities to learn from industry professionals throughout the year. I joined Security and Intelligence Club and discovered security-related jobs I never knew existed. I took advantage of Career Success Events, the Buckeye PenPal program, and the Eminence Faculty Lunch to connect with federal employees and agents and discuss my dream of being in the FBI. My biggest takeaway was to make the most out of my years in college, not waiting for my degree to begin building my career. It inspired me to take on leadership roles like being an Eminence Ambassador and seek opportunities like a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU). As a result, I was accepted into an REU program at South Dakota State University working with High-Performance Computing to make computational models of biological phenomena.
To incorporate some fun into my busy schedule, I joined the OSU Sailing Club. Despite having no experience, the club welcomed me with open arms and I was amazed by how much I could learn in just a year. I competed at regattas across the midwest and found a community that I loved. Don’t tell anyone, but it even includes sailors at Xichigan. In the spring, I was elected to be Treasurer, which, in a year of record inflation, gas prices, and dues, has come with its challenges. Despite things being pretty tight and more than a few battles with my Excel spreadsheet, I feel proud to help my team and optimistic about ensuring a great season in the fall.
Finishing my freshman year, I’ve had my share of firsts and successes, though not without some setbacks. I know my second year will not have the sheen of newness and novelty that my first year did, but I will gladly trade it for the comfort of familiarity and the excitement of what’s to come.