Author: auvil.6

Second semester at Ohio State University sure went by fast, due to the ending of the in-person semester early, however the experience I had with Environmental Scholars, as well as my other classes, makes up for all the time lost. Meeting so many lovely people with the same joys and loves for the environment made my entire year more special, knowing there was a special little group for my own people within a large university. This semester, I had learned in the Earth Science class that, if global warming had not taken place starting in the 1800s as it had, an Ice Age would be beginning in 2016.  Thus, the carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere would have had to stay at its 240 ppm level, while it is now about double that.  This fun fact is just one of many that I learned in my exciting and new classes for Environmental Science. I also started my minor this year, Nutrition, and have been thoroughly enjoying the information learned about proper nutrition in the introductory class.  In the future, considering a switch of majors to Nutrition could be possible, and I would be exited to take classes considering the metabolism of micronutrients and macronutrients, applying biology information as well as chemistry knowledge to human bodily functions. Outside of the classroom, I learned that being nervous is normal, however being overly nervous is troublesome.  Everyone else is nervous too, so you may as well do as you please without overthinking. Thus, I have learned to calm my stress and anxiety in public as well as in my own thoughts on a day to day basis, allowing for more mental clarity.

Throughout my freshman year at Ohio State, I never in a million years would have thought it would end in this manor, however it shows that I am now resilient and should stress about the future less, because you never know what you’re going to be doing in as little as a week ahead. At the beginning of the school year, I had my entire life sorted out, but going through my school year I realized I have other interests I can pursue while in school, allowing myself to find my true calling. My mother always said to find a job that you find yourself doing on your own, because then it won’t feel like you’re working a day in your life. My outgoingness and friendliness shot through the roof, due to being new to a school and having to “start fresh”.  Some of my greatest memories are just movie nights with my friends after going to Cazuelas for dinner just to treat ourselves on a Monday night, making boring nights into memorable ones. Next year, I’m looking forward to working my hardest while living every day to the best of my ability, instead of just going through the motions. Classes for next year will be appreciated due to the ability to show up in person, as well as taking classes that only interest me, without any fillers. I look forward to making new friends on North Campus, where I will be living for a new change of scenery.

In the Enneagram Personality test, I scored “The Loyalist” as my personality type, meaning that I am reliable, hard-working, responsive, and trustworthy. On good days, I am stable and self-reliant, however I can be anxious, defensive, and stressful. My biggest fear is to be without support and need guidance in decision making. All of these traits are extremely true to myself, even the bad ones, because I view the “bad days” as motivation. Without stress, defensiveness, and anxiety in your job, how will you know that you’re doing your best? The constant strive and push to be the most hardworking student and/or employee is powered by my worrisome nature, almost perfectionist tendencies. Taking in other peoples opinions for decisions shows that I am a group worker, and I don’t boss people around. Others have differing, sometimes crucial viewpoints that can switch a whole topic around, creating an even better idea in the end.  In order to improve my development, I could lessen my anxiety on what others think about me, in order to lessen my need for approval in decisions. While this can be a good thing, when making a decision ion my own, I tend to still reach out for others.  Becoming more confident and self-independent can benefit my decisions and development.

After learning about The Loyalist Enneagram Personality, I can apply this knowledge to my time and studies at the Ohio State University by taking a deep breath when I recognize I am stressed, and not overreacting.  I can build a safety net within my own dorm, allowing for a relaxing place to work on my studies and other needs, making OSU a comfortable home. However, I will continue to defend and be loyal to my friends and family, as well as new OSU friends.

To continue on my adventurous endeavors across Columbus, eating my way through the area, I decided to stop by North Star Café. At first glance, I liked the looks of the café, as it was covered in green plants and pretty stained wood, making for an earthy, welcoming tone. The café is a cute little place, where you order at the front and then sit down with your order number. This was slightly confusing as I wasn’t sure where to get the food or where to order at first, and to not get seated by a hostess. Then, you order, and the waitresses will then bring your food to the table for the customer to enjoy! I ate the sweet potato fries and the Thai wrap with tofu (pictured) and my sister ate the Sweet Basil Wrap. As expected from all the reviews I had heard, the food was outstandingly good! This has made me want to explore other vegan available–food places around Columbus–as it seems the food scene here is exquisite. This taught me that Columbus is a unique and diverse city, making me want to visit the other places this wonderful has to offer, such as the museums and parks. I would certainly recommend this place to anyone. The service was wonderful, the food was wonderful, and the atmosphere was wonderful.  This was one of the best restaurants I’ve ever been to, I even brought my grandparents there a week later.  They had the same opinions and thoroughly enjoyed their food as well, both getting the Sweet Basil Wrap per recommendation of my sister. My family has been here before too and said the same reviews as everyone else. Overall, this place was equally as good as Eden Burger, which is where I ate at previously.  Both had amazing vegan options in ways that were enjoyable. Both were smaller businesses that I enjoyed giving my business and money to. Also, one benefit of eating at North Star is that they are essentially a zero-waste small business.  Their water cups are self-serve with reusable glass cups, the plates can be washed, and the utensils are washed as well! This is an added bonus, as I, as an environmental scholar and environmental science major, really enjoy the lack of waste coming from a business. Knowing that they care about their world makes this place better than it already was. I will certainly revisit this place once again, as well as visit new places around Columbus too!

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