Coming into my first year at Ohio State, I had no idea what I wanted to do or how I wanted to spend my year to get involved. I was overloaded with an overwhelming list of options and no clear plan as to what I was looking for. It took me an entire semester to finally feel comfortable enough to know which options I wanted to pursue.

The first year of college is filled with so many changes and so many experiences for personal and professional growth. My scholars’ program helped me build a strong foundation for the years ahead and it also helped me find lifelong friends. I quickly learned the difference between ‘studying’ in high school and studying in college. I had to practice time management skills and create some form of routine, even though each day’s class schedule was different. I learned how to stand on my own and that taught me a lot more about who I am and what I want in life.

Coming out of my first year at Ohio State, I have a rough draft of what I want to do and how I want to be involved. I have devoted myself to an organization called CHAARG and will serve on the executive board next year as the secretary. I will participate in 75+ hours of community service next year as a part of Mount Leadership Society; and, I have an idea of where I’d like to intern in the coming years. This past year, I gained a better understanding of how I want to be as a person and as a professional and I have Mount to thank for aiding in that.