Month: July 2019

First Year in Review

When I was accepted into The Ohio State University, I was beyond excited to start my journey as a Buckeye. Although excitement radiated through me, it was paired with immense nerves. Thoughts as “Will I love Ohio State as much as I think I will?” “Will I make friends as good as the ones I had in high school?” “Is Ohio State too big?” “What major should I pick?” “How will I find all of my classes?” “Will I be able to handle all the work?” and many others bounced around in my head.

Although move in was a bit stressful and overwhelming with people crawling all over campus, the excitement and positive energy bouncing from students both old and new made me feel optimistic for the year the come. The logistics behind move in truly astounded me. There had to be at least a thousand traffic cones all over campus. When we finally arrived to Park-Stradley Hall after checking in and waiting in the que, we were greeted warmly by fellow Buckeyes. Once I moved in all my things and said the hard goodbye to my parents, I settled into my dorm and prepared for the year ahead.

Over the course of first semester, I had numerous Health Science Scholars events. I appreciated these events because it helped me get to know fellow Health Science Scholars and build a community within Ohio State. Not only did I have events with HSS students, I lived right next to HSS students. Due to our involvement in HSS affiliated activities, taking many of the same classes and essentially living right on top of each other, my fellow HSS students and I became extremely close. My dearest friends who supported me when I was feeling homesick or overwhelmed with school work were Health Science Scholars.

First semester was challenging. Carmen was hard to figure out. Textbooks were on backorder. Adjusting to a non high school schedule was weird. Exams were tough. Regardless, with the help of many kind professors, teaching assistants and fellow students, I made it through… relatively unscathed. Although first semester presented its challenges, when I left for winter break, I felt fulfilled. My semester was filled with new friendships, new opportunities, and new adventures.

After a rejuvenating winter break, I headed back to campus anxious to jump back into classes. I learned how to prepare for, study for and navigate difficult courses first semester and I was ready to put what I learned to work. Long story short, my experiences from first semester tremendously helped me second semester. My study skills improved. My confidence improved. My GPA improved.

Health Science Scholars events continued through second semester. It was a good feeling knowing that no matter what struggles I faced socially, academically or personally, I had the support of my HSS family. Ohio State would not be what it is for me without Health Science Scholars. The people in the program and the opportunities granted to me by my involvement in the program shaped my first year experience.

Move out day was bittersweet. I was filled with joy reflecting on the year behind me, but sad to see it go. Amidst my joy and sadness, I reflected on the questions that bounced around my head in the months leading up to move in. It was then I realized they were all answered. Yes, I loved Ohio State as much as I thought I would. Yes, I made friends as good as the ones I had in high school. No, once you find your community, Ohio State is not too big. You don’t need to pick a major right away, you will find the one that is right for you. It will be confusing at first, but you will figure out campus and you will find your classes. Yes, you will be able to handle all the work and everything will be okay.

My first year at Ohio State taught me a lot about myself. I discovered what I excel at and what I need to improve on as a student. I will forever cherish the friendships I formed and the memories I made as a freshman. I look forward to my second year at The Ohio State University and cannot wait for what is to come.

First of Year Service

As a Health Science Scholar at The Ohio State University, I am required to complete 20 hours of service during my first year. Over the course of the year, I volunteered through various organizations. Some organizations were associated with The Ohio State University while other organizations were associated with the city of Columbus.

At the beginning of the year, I participated in Community Commitment Day facilitated by Pay It Forward. This event was my first service event of the year and I really enjoyed it. My group went to Glen Echo Park to clean up trash. It was a beautiful day and through my participation I was able to meet many fellow Health Science Scholars I had not yet met. I was inspired by the event because hundreds of Ohio State Students took time out of their weekend to give back to the Columbus community. Seeing such a numerous number of students active in service motivated me to be active as well throughout the coming year.

Over the course of the year, I participated in various service projects that involved making crafts. With MED LIFE, I made paper flowers for patients at the James Cancer Center. In order to bring awareness to Cystic Fibrosis, I made paper roses for Breath Hope’s 65 Roses project. At one of our Health Science Scholars event, I made Valentine’s Day cards for patients at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Although crafting may not seem like it can have any real positive impact, making flowers and cards to brighten a patient’s day or bring awareness to a disease that negatively affects many people can do a lot of good.

Buckeyethon is an event that dominates campus life. From the beginning of the school year to the time of the event itself, the energy to participate in and raise money for Buckeyethon radiates amongst students and faculty. Naturally I decided to join the cause. In order to raise money for my team, I primarily reached out to family and friends via text, email and facebook. As a result of my efforts, I was able to raise around $600 For The Kids! For the marathon event, my friends and I danced during the first shift which ran from Friday night to Saturday morning. Although it’s a “dance marathon,” we didn’t dance the entire time. We did a variety of different activities (never sitting down of course). We danced in a silent disco, raved in the dance room, attempted line dancing, ate a ton of chocolate energy pieces as well as some other yummy food, made tutus, agonized over giant Jenga and almost passed out from exhaustion a few times. A highlight of the night was getting to hit the giant fundraising gong. The noise of the gong radiated through The Ohio Union and a roaring applause from fellow Buckeyethon-ers followed. Although the marathon was challenging, it was an incredible experience. At the end of the event it was revealed that we raised over $1.7 million For The Kids.

The YWCA of Columbus was an organization I particularly enjoyed working with. The coordinators of the facility were extremely friendly and appreciative of our service. At the YWCA I worked in the EARN Store. The EARN Store is a place where people living at the YWCA can buy supplies like diapers, toothpaste, hairbrushes, body lotion, etc. They pay for the supplies with tickets they ‘earn’ from helping out around the facility. They can ‘earn’ tickets by clearing tables, helping cook dinner, cleaning up etc. I was impressed with this unique system because I thought it was great that the YWCA could provide supplies to their guests while also giving them an incentive to help take care of the facility.

Another organization that I had the pleasure of working with was The Homeless Families Foundation. I worked with the foundation for their annual “Easter Food Sort and Pack.” At the sort and pack we sorted donations from local churches into their respective categories. I was astounded by the amount of donations. Box after box filled to the brim were piled up and we did our best to keep up with the demand. Beside the activity itself, I was in awe of The Homeless Families Foundation’s facility. The space was efficiently organized, welcoming and warm, and there was a fun outdoor space for kids. It made me feel good knowing that the people who visit the foundation for assistance are able to thrive in a lively space.

The last service event I participated in for the year was an Easter Egg Hunt at the Heinzerling Foundation. At the event we assisted residents in different activities that included an egg hunt, karaoke, and volleyball. Although each resident had some level of disability, their enthusiasm and excitement to participate in the activities was wonderful to see.

Through my first year of service at The Ohio State University, I learned a great deal about the numerous volunteer opportunities that exist in Columbus. One does not have to travel far to find ways to help people around them and give back to their community. I look forward to jumping back into service this fall semester.