Welcome to my ePortfolio! Within this site you will find a collection of my experiences at The Ohio State University. I have reflected upon the many transitions from high school to higher education and look forward to my continual learning through my focused studies and other OSU programs.
Year in Review
Before coming to Ohio State, I was a girl from a small town with little understanding of the world around me. High school was easy and my friends had known me for most of my childhood. I was both curious and anxious about growing up and leaving my hometown, friends, and school. I arrived at Ohio State as an intimidated freshman in unknown surroundings with no friends, all of which was soon to change. Making friends did not come easily for me, but it was helpful to live with all of the others in the IA Program, as everyone had at least one thing in common. While talking with and meeting the other people on my floor, I was subjected to different backgrounds and different ideas than my own, and I have developed a strong appreciation for other perspectives and ideas. Further discussing international topics in seminar and at events really opened my eyes to how much my experiences differed from those of others. Because of these interactions with my peers through IA Scholars, I feel that I have matured in a way that allows me to look at an issue from the perspectives others and take those into account while forming my own opinions and arguments in discussions. I believe that my personal development and growth over the past two years has helped me to better relate to others and build stronger relationships going forward. Looking back on my experiences before and during the IA Scholars program has allowed me to reevaluate some of my opinions and how they were formed. By questioning others and myself, I can continue to grow and learn, and take better advantage of my college experience at Ohio State.
G.O.A.L.S.
I joined the International Affairs Scholars program mainly to learn about and experience other cultures. I have previously studied in Germany as an exchange student and it was there that I started to learn about international issues from different cultural backgrounds. Before joining scholars I believe that I was somewhat globally aware by taking it upon myself to research current events and had engaged in original inquiry by speaking to my peers about thoughts over those events. During my time here, I have continued to learn about current international events and discuss them with my peers as well as develop a more complete understanding of international issues or topics through the Scholars seminar, meetings, and events. In the future, I hope to develop my leadership and service engagement skills by taking an active role in a mission trip abroad to help the indigenous population
In my opinion, a successful scholar must posses all five G.O.A.L.S., as they are equally important. Modern leaders in our society are faced mostly with the challenges of leading with the perspectives of everyone in mind. Taking a step back from one’s own perspective and then seeing the situation through the eyes of another can solve several of today’s issues. To solve this issue myself, I try to look at the context of the situation and the cultural backgrounds involved. I currently struggle with being a leader the most, but having a good grip on the other goals is a good start to becoming a good leader. The rest is just an issue of confidence, which may be helped through the discussion of situations with peers and professors.
Career
Resume:
Education
- Graduated from Big Walnut High School (2010-2014)
- Achieved Honor Roll (2010-2014)
- Cumulative GPA: 4.0 (2014)
- German Honors Society – academic excellence & service (2011-2014)
- Math Honors – academic excellence (2012-2014)
- Social Studies Honors Society- academic excellence (2012-2014)
- Attended The Ohio State University (2014-Present)
- Accepted into the Health Sciences Major (2014)
- Cumulative GPA 3.48 (2016)
- Minoring in Biology
- International Affairs Scholar (2014-Present)
Employment History
- Sales Associate at Old Navy (2012-2013)
- Customer Service/ Product Organizer
- Sandwich Artist at Subway (2014-2015)
- Food Preparation/ Inventory
- Student assistant at Ohio State University Dining Services (2015-Present)
- Food Service/ Customer Service
Extracurricular Activities
- Big Walnut High School Varsity Soccer (2010-2014)
- Team Captain (2014)
- Freedom Soccer Club (2006-2013)
- Team Captain (2012-2013)
- Kountry Kids 4-H Club Member (2007-2014)
- Club Treasurer (2012)
- Club President (2013)
- Big Brothers Big Sisters Volunteer (2013-2014)
- Studied abroad in Germany (2014)
References
- Brian Olmstead: Assistant Manager at Ohio State University Dining Services
- Phone: 740-317-0971
- Olmstead.42@osu.edu
- Joann Hingsbergen: Sunbury, Ohio Subway Owner
- Phone: 614-306-4795
- Email: Jmhingsbergen@gmail.com
Artifacts
IA Scholars Program: Being in the IA Scholars program has had the biggest effect on me throughout my college career. Through the scholars program, I got to know many people and make friends by living in a Learning Community. The different perspectives offered during the scholars seminar, meetings, and events, have been both educational and refreshing, as discussing relevant and worldly topics with my peers has challenged my way of thinking and my beliefs. As a mentor, I have given back to the program by helping a freshman acclimate to college, learning how to be a leader and a friend along the way.
Ohio State Welcome Leader (OWL): As an owl, I moved into my dorm early my first year and helped to move in the rest of my neighbors. By participating in this program, I got to meet many of the people living in my building, making OSU a smaller campus. As a group, the OWLs attended a pep rally and played games for the start of the semester, helping me to feel a bit more welcome and comfortable on campus. On Move-in Day, I was happy to help move others in and welcome them as I was welcomed.
General Chemistry: I was horrified to take the most famous “weed out” course my first year. I was a good student in high school but the reputation of the OSU chemistry department still scared me. True to its nature, the chemistry courses were challenging and gave me my first failed midterm. Although I felt crushed at the time, the experience allowed me to learn how I learn and how I need to study in the future. Above all, this course taught me that when I put in the hard work and patience, positive results will come. I owe any and all future academic success to my having taken this course.
Michelle Summers: During my second year I attended a demonstration on ceramics by the artist Michelle Summers. Along with demonstrating her decorative techniques, she passed around samples of her artwork. Looking at the artwork passed around, I wasn’t too impressed with the designs or shape of the ceramics until I got to try to do it for myself. I came to the realization that art takes a considerable amount of time (Michelle spends on average two-three weeks per piece). I now have a better appreciation for art, as I know more about the hard effort and enormous amount of time put into the smallest details.
Lunch with Evan Davis: I attended a lunch with Evan Davis (former IA Scholar and present US Diplomat). Even spoke about how his experiences as a scholar and buckeye contributed to his current success and gave advise on finding opportunities for the future. What I took away most from his talk was the power of networking. I realized the importance of getting involved on campus either in sports, clubs, research, or even just attending office hours to establish and develop relationships.
Working at Kennedy Commons: During my second semester on campus, I was in need of money and so I decided to work for the university. Although I could have made more money working off campus, my current job has helped to introduce me to many of my peers. Through working at Kennedy, I have met several of my current friends and study buddies, along with developed my professional work skills.
