The Importance of Research Experience

For so long I have heard that Ohio State is a “world-class research institution.” Often I wondered why this phrase was so heavily promoted by the University. However, now I realize why this distinction is so impressive. Now entering the second semester in my first research lab on campus, I see the significance of the types of research that goes on at campuses all around the country, but particularly here at Ohio State. Besides the practical benefits it provides one when crafting graduate school applications, it provides me a glimpse into my future career as a psychologist. The lab in which I’m involved educates me on the difficulties, the rewards, and the importance of research in any field, but specifically psychology. Though I still have much to learn about the scientific process, I feel that after only three semesters of research experience I am already well underway in that undertaking.

A Question Unanswered

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?'” When asked recently what I consider my life’s motto, this is the sentiment with which I answered. I would be pretending if I were to say that I ask myself this question everyday. However, this question posed by Dr. King is one that I try as often as possible to ask. Quite appropriately, it was at a community service event in honor of the man where I first heard this quote. I find it does a wonderful job at encapsulating one of my deepest held beliefs: service to one’s community or to individuals should be at the heart of any and every endeavor. In practice, I have tried my best to get involved in as many service opportunities as possible since being here at Ohio State. Mentor-A-Buckeye, Community Commitments, MLK Service Days, the Psychology Club Service Chair, the Humanities Scholars Service Committee, the Mid-Ohio Food Bank, the Mirrors Honorary, et al. have all provided me with wonderful opportunities to serve my community – and I am very thankful for this. However, I know that no matter how often I serve, there will always be problems unsolved and people in need. That it is why I admire the above quote so much. It begs a rhetorical question, one for which there is no definite answer. It gives one’s life eternal purpose; for better or for worse, you will always have the opportunity to serve others. Until the day he was taken away from the world, Dr. King lived this ideal and was prepared to sacrifice everything for it. In the future, I hope to give to my community 1/1000 of the service that Dr. King was able to give. That is why now, at Ohio State, I am taking the steps to ensure I have every tool necessary to give my most helpful self in the future – all the while posing the same question to myself. Through working with those with mental illness to devoting much of my time to serving the community at large as well, I hope to someday make that question a little less urgent.

First Year Review

This has been quite the first year. Its speed and breadth are difficult to put into words. I have enjoyed becoming a member of Mirrors, an officer in the Psychology Club, and a part of the great Mentor-A-Buckeye program. My academics have come along nicely enough. However, the biggest growths I have experienced are not in resumé experience. Rather, the thing I have most enjoyed while here in Columbus is the diversity of its people and ideas. Truthfully, I can state that being a Buckeye has transformed not only the way I view the world, but also how I view myself. The way I think has changed since this time last year. The kinds of experiences to which I am open have shifted slightly. And for all I of this I am a more complete person. Though I have accomplished quite a lot already, I know there is still much ahead. By no means is my total education at Ohio State complete. Thankfully though, I have made a solid start.

My First Semester at OSU

People often tell you that your first year in college is essentially like none other in your life – well, halfway through, I can see why so many people offer this advice. In reality, the entire first semester has just been an extension of my first week at Ohio State. As I should have expected, this semester has flown by and it’s hard for me to believe that I am already writing a reflection on this very subject. Thankfully, I have stayed involved in many activities on campus so as to make sure I make the most out of this first, speedy semester. For example, my intramural soccer team allowed me to meet many fellow Humanities Scholars – most from outside the freshman class – all while exercising through participation in the sport I love. However, I am developing my mind just as much as my body. Besides all my regularly scheduled academic course work, I have also enjoyed participating in the Psychology Club here on campus – learning more and more each week about my future career field. Also, I loved attending some of the many on-campus events organized by the Office of Student Life. The visit from Vice President Joe Biden and from author Ta-Nehisi Coates have been among my favorites. In truth, Ohio State has already proved its vastness. I have met many people I never would have come across at another, smaller university – and definitely not within my own hometown. And along with these new faces has come fresh ideas. Whether from professors, classmates, or any one of thousands of unique and intelligent individuals affiliated with Ohio State, the new perspectives and opinions provided to me in Columbus has been something I already greatly appreciate. Needless to say, I am proud of my progress so far in my first semester in college and satisfied with my life here in Columbus. I cannot wait to see where the year goes from here.

StrengthsQuest Reflection

Recently, the Humanities Scholars were exposed to Gallup’s “StrengthsQuest” service. We learned, through self-assessment, about the wonderful ways in which we can maximize our potential by focusing mainly on our strengths and ignoring our weakness. When I took the test I was first skeptical about its validity, but once I completed it and received my results I was pleasantly surprised with the test. I like the idea that we don’t have to worry about the things we might need to improve to become more balanced and instead, we can cultivate our skills and strengths to maximize our potential as human beings. Though there are millions of permutations for a set of strengths, my personal top five are as follows: Connectedness, Deliberative, Developer, Learner, and Restorative. I cannot say I was completely surprised with my results from the “StrengthsFinder” test, however, I also can’t claim to have fully understood my personality before I took the test. However, in this case I agree with the results of StrengthsQuest. For example, now that I am aware that “Developer” is one of my strengths, I realize that said strength was there all along. In my social relationships I am very talented at “cultivating the potential in others… and deriving satisfaction from the improvements of others.” I think this explains why my relationships of all kinds are usually so strong, stable, and numerous. In the future, I hope to use these strengths for networking, establishing professional relationships, and simply in everyday life. I definitely encourage the continued use of StrengthsQuest in the scholars programs so that future scholars can enjoy this self-discovery as much as I have.

Humans of OSU

Humans of OSU – Kyle Gray

Kyle Gray is from Marietta, Ohio – a city on the Ohio-West Virginia border overlooking the Ohio River. Kyle joined the Army right after high school because it is something he “believes in.” After his service, he decided to attend Ohio State because it is veteran friendly and “one of the only schools” that has an entire department dedicated to working with veterans. Also, Kyle thinks that federal loans for college should be tied with some sort of community service commitment and that volunteering should definitely be a part of college education.

Thank you for your service Kyle.

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G.O.A.L.S.

[ “G.O.A.L.S.” is a place where students write about how their planned, current, and future activities may fit into the Honors & Scholars G.O.A.L.S.: Global Awareness, Original Inquiry, Academic Enrichment, Leadership Development, and Service Engagement. For more information, go to: http://honors-scholars.osu.edu/e-portfolio. Delete these instructions and add your own post.

Global Awareness: Students cultivate and develop their appreciation for diversity and each individual’s unique differences. For example, consider course work, study abroad, involvement in cultural organizations or activities, etc .
Original Inquiry: Honors & Scholars students understand the research process by engaging in experiences ranging from in-class scholarly endeavors to creative inquiry projects to independent experiences with top researchers across campus and in the global community. For example, consider research, creative productions or performances, advanced course work, etc.
Academic Enrichment: Honors & Scholars students pursue academic excellence through rigorous curricular experiences beyond the university norm both in and out of the classroom.
Leadership Development: Honors & Scholars students develop leadership skills that can be demonstrated in the classroom, in the community, in their co-curricular activities, and in their future roles in society.
Service Engagement: Honors & Scholars students commit to service to the community.]

My First Week at OSU

The most common advice piece of advice one receives before entering college from friends, family, or anyone wanting to share their memories seems to be, “Enjoy your four years; you will never have another four years like them.” After my first week here at Ohio State, I can understand why so many people say this. From campus north to campus south and oval east to oval west, the celebratory salutations never ceased. For an entire week, a campus within a city transformed into a buzzing metropolis in and of itself. The first week’s activity was unforgettably endless, but also memorably personal. It is remarkable to think that I have already met so many fantastic people within the Humanities Scholars and all around campus, yet there still remains ten of thousands of personal connections yet to be made. Every mentor and leader within the Honors & Scholars community had been welcoming and eager to assist me – putting to bed any and all fears or reservations I might have about navigating through this, one of the world’s largest universities. That isn’t to say, though, that there will not be difficult and unique challenges during this first year. However, when the ant is joined by dozens of its companions, loads hundreds of times its body weight somehow become trivial. Though I am not alone in my trepidations and anxieties, the advantage I share with my fellow Humanities Scholars is great. With the resources, people, and experiences provided by Ohio State – and especially the Honor & Scholars community (and that it is) – I feel that in time my incredible first week will be just a grey stroke on the otherwise vibrantly colorful canvas that will be my first year on campus here at the Ohio State University.