Global Awareness, Original Inquiry, Academic Enrichment, Leadership Development, and Service Engagement can be intimidating and lofty phrases. However, through a different lens they can be viewed not only as powerful phrases to work and aspire towards, but also values already exercised by me and my peers throughout the Ohio State Campus.

As I walked across OSU’s campus to my first class, I felt the same excitement that was evident in the faces and speech of my fellow first years, however, one feeling I expirenced that most did not share was that of familiarity. As a resident of Columbus for the last 18 years the paths and buildings of OSU were exciting but not new. Though I was glad to have a degree of familiarity as I attempted to navigate the college transition, something inside me still craved the unfamiliarity, and the discomfort and growth that accompanies learning and living in a new area. This fueled my desire to study abroad and experience the traditions and cultures of a new and different country. I have enthusistically engaged in learning spanish as well as attended travel abroad sessions in order to further this goal and my own global awareness. However, even while at home I have worked on this goal by attending meetings and taking a leadership position in MUNDO. This is a multicultural club that works to expose members to new perspectives through non traditional expierences. Not only do I learn from this club, but also as the MUNDO representative on my hall council I bring these expierences to others.

Coming to OSU I regarded research as an activity reserved for STEM majors, a notion my advisors and the faulty of the Political Science department quickly dispelled. Research is essential to policy, polling, and politics in this country. I am excited to take part in OSU’s stellar research body in areas focused topics relevant my interest and passions.

As a current double major in Political Science and Philosphy with a double minor in spanish and musical theatre, I am certain to have an interesting academic path. I hope to explore political topics at a deeper level at OSU as well as take advantage of the breadth of courses this university offers. As I have become more active in community organizing, essential have been the skills developed by academia- skilled writing, persuasive speaking, and effective research. At OSU through rigorous course work I will be able to strengthen these skills, and therefore grow as an effective advocate.

One major reason I chose OSU is the rich and varied oppurtunites it offers for political involvment, on campus and in the city of Columbus itself. My final year of high school I became very involved with Yes We Can, a local progressive party, as well as several community organizing efforts led by me and other classmates. In my undergraduate career I hope to continue to organize with groups such as OSA (Ohio Studetn’s Association), as well as expand my global political understanding as a member of CCWA (Collegiate Council on World Affairs). All of these efforts will enable me to grow and develop as a leader on campus and in my city as an agent for change. Though academic skills are incredibly important to my success as a leader, equally important has been the growth I have gained from hands on involvment in the political process, whether that be speaking to City Council or canvassing neighborhoods.

Engagement to the community around me is something I value highly. I hope to find a program on OSU’s campus that is not simply a one day project but a long term commitment. As someone who plans to dedicate my life to the role of a public servant, this aspect of the GOALS is particularly important to me. Service is more than a resume filler or a monthly duty. It is an opportunity to interact with others and offer talents and skills I possess to better a community I love. Furthermore service can be an important vehicle to improve my understanding community members and issues. Not only discovering the pressing problems of the neighborhoods, but also appreciating their value and strengths. I hope to engage in service that is collaborative, because the most effective way to help others is to start by listening to their needs.