As 2017 comes to an end, I have been able to actively reflect on my time at Ohio State for an entire calendar year. Realizing how much I have grown from the beginning of the year brings joy to me. I am happy with my progress, and I am so proud of myself.

In the beginning if 2017, I felt as if I had chosen the wrong college, but I was not sure why. As the end of winter break began approaching, I told myself that I did not want to come back to Ohio State. However, upon returning, I tried to stay as positive as possible. During my first few weeks back, I went through Panhellenic Formal Recruitment to join a sorority, and I thought that this may help me feel more comfortable at Ohio State. After about a year of being a sister in Gamma Phi Beta, I can confirm that becoming involved with Greek Life at Ohio State was one of the best decisions that I could have ever made during my time in college. I have met amazing women who inspire me every day. They push me to be the best version of myself, and I cannot thank them enough for what they do.

The spring semester was a little rough for me. I did not enjoy the classes I was taking, and I felt like my major was not of interest to me anymore. This worried me. What would I do? After thoroughly thinking about whether or not I should change my major, I finally did it. I am so happy that I did. I changed my major from English Education to Human Development and Family Science. Through my first semester in this major, I have learned about my passion for helping people and about my love for meeting new people and speaking with them. Changing my major was one of the best things that I could have done for my academic career. Although I was not sure if I was making the right decision at first, I now know that this is where I am supposed to me.

Summer flew by for me. It consisted of reconnecting with old friends and working my job several hours a week. I began to practice self-love strategies over the summer, and I started to post more often on my personal blog. It was a summer of self-growth.

With school starting back in the fall, I was nervous to return. I was not sure about how my second-year experience would go in the dorms again, and I was nervous to begin taking classes within my new major. The first few weeks seemed to drag by. However, by mid-September, time started picking up. I found new clubs that I was interested in, and I began to attend meetings. I also started my new job. I have loved everything that I have gotten the opportunity to be involved in. As of now, I can say that I am home for winter break, and I already miss Ohio State. Columbus has become my second home, and I cannot wait to go back and see what the spring semester of my sophomore year has in store for me.

All About Me In My Second Year

As my journey at Ohio State continues, I can say that I have changed for the better. Looking at my first posts about who I was creates a feeling of nostalgia for me. I know that I am a different, more confident person now, and my previous posts are able to reflect this.

When thinking about who I am now, I am proud to discuss who I have become. First of all, I am still a Human Development and Family Science, or HDFS, major, and I am still pursuing a minor in General Psychology. Right now, I am happy where I am at in my major at Ohio State, and I am so glad that I took the initiative to change my major at the completion of my freshman year. Without this change, I may have never discovered some of my newly developed passions.

One of the aspects of my life that has changed is the career that I would like to pursue upon graduation at Ohio State. During my freshman year, I had the end goal of being a high school guidance counselor, and I wanted to attend graduate school for School Counseling. However, my plan has now changed. Currently, I wish to pursue Counseling Psychology, and my dream job would be to become a university counselor, much like those that comprise of Ohio State’s Counseling and Consultation Services. Although I am not sure where I would like to work, working at a college or university in Ohio would be as asset of my dream. If I do not pursue Counseling Psychology, I would like to attend graduate school for Mental Health Counseling. Overall, I am happy with the careers that I am getting the opportunities to aim for. Although much has changed for my goals, I am excited to see what the future will bring me.

At Ohio State, I am getting even more involved. This year, I have been able to participate in NAMI, National Alliance on Mental Illness, at OSU, and I have gained membership into Phi Upsilon Omicron, a family and consumer sciences honor society. I have an on-campus job at one of the coffee shops, called Connecting Grounds, and I have been actively involved as a sister in the Gamma Phi Beta sorority. Next semester, I have several exciting activities to look forward to. I am getting more involved with my major, and I am going to be training to become an Ohio State Wellness Ambassador.

I could not be more excited for next semester and for the rest of my time at Ohio State! This semester, I was incredibly successful, and I am glad that I have changed for the better. I hope to become more confident throughout the next few semesters!

My First Year & My Career

During my first year at OSU, I have been impacted by my classes, the people I’ve met, and the organizations I have been a part of. Here is what I’ve done this year for my career:

-Changed my major to Human Development and Family Science from English Education

-Completed the First Education Experience Program (FEEP) for teaching

-Found out what my true passions are

-Joined a professional, co-ed teaching fraternity on campus (Kappa Phi Kappa)

-Was promoted to a Student Lead at my job where I now am able to train others

-Participated in First Year Leadership Initiative (FYLI) where I expanded my leadership skills and learned so much about myself as a person and as a student

-Earned a 4.0 GPA

I have had a successful first year at Ohio State, and I am looking forward to see how I can further my success in the future.

Leadership Development

During my first year at Ohio State, one area as a part of G.O.A.L.S. that I have improved in, and also gotten a lot of interaction with, is leadership development.

I participated in an organization on campus called First Year Leadership Initiative, or FYLI. This group is focused on developing and enhancing leadership skills while allowing its members to grow as people and learn about themselves. We had the opportunity in this organization to do a resume workshop, participate in meetings focused around what makes good leaders, and also what makes us, as the members, who we are. This experience was so enjoyable, and I hope that FYLI’s general body for next year enjoys it as much as I did.

I also got experience with leadership development by taking the First Education Experience Program (FEEP) here at Ohio State. I got the chance to travel to a local high school two to three times per week to shadow an English teacher. This community was not the best area, and I learned a lot from this experience. This was a leadership role I took on because I was seen almost as a teacher by the students. Although my role was not quite that of a student teacher, I was still in the classroom observing and helping when needed. This helped me further develop as a leader because I got to assist struggling students and because I was given the opportunity to make a difference in their lives.

All About Me!

My “About Me” section from the beginning of this school year is a bit inaccurate now, so enjoy my updated version!

My name is Kaitlyn Ball, and I am finishing my first year at Ohio State. I am from Uniontown, Ohio majoring in Human Development and Family Science with a minor in Psychology. After earning my degree in HDFS at Ohio State, I do plan on furthering my education to earn my Master’s in School Counseling; I am currently unsure about where I will attend school, but I would like to stay in Columbus! During my freshman year at Ohio State, I was actively involved in Humanities Scholars, First Year Leadership Initiative, and Kappa Phi Kappa, a professional, co-ed teaching fraternity. More recently, I was initiated into Gamma Phi Beta, one of the sororities on campus. I have loved my experience in this sorority so far, and I am so glad that I joined Greek Life! Aside from organizations, I am also a server and Student Lead at Sloopy’s Diner, which I absolutely love. When I am not working or participating in some aspect of a club or organization, I am usually studying! I have had great success in the classroom thus far at Ohio State. During the 2016 Autumn semester, I earned a 4.0 GPA and was on the Dean’s List. I cannot wait to see what I accomplish next during the rest of my time at Ohio State! GO BUCKS!

Where Am I Now?

It has been a challenging, but rewarding, first year of college for me. I joined a few organizations, a sorority, and got promoted at my workplace. Although I had trouble in the beginning, everything has worked itself out for me.

Overall, I’d say that my freshman year of college was better than I ever could have imagined. I made new friends and allowed myself to learn and grow throughout the whole year. My second semester was a lot more difficult than my first, and this was something that I struggled with. In the first semester, my classes were centered around subjects that I was passionate about and had great interest in. However, the second semester consisted of some classes that I took simply to fulfill requirements for my major, which was English Education.

I have actually switched my major from English Education to Human Development and Family Science; I am pursuing a minor in Psychology. In the very beginning of the year, I was a Middle Childhood Education major, and for the second semester, I was an English Education major. Throughout the duration of this semester, it became clear to me that I did not see myself in the front of a classroom, and this was a tough realization for me. However, I believe that I am now in a major where my passions will constantly push me to succeed. I have the long-term goal of someday becoming a high school guidance counselor, and this major will help lead me to that path.

Coming to a new school in an unfamiliar city with people from all over the country was a bit scary at first, but now I do not want to leave it. If I could give an incoming freshman any advice, it would be to appreciate all the time you have at THE Ohio State University because I cannot believe my first year is already over. My year has been great, and I cannot wait for the fall of 2017. Go Bucks!!!

My First Semester at OSU

During my first semester at Ohio State, I have had such an amazing time. In the beginning of the semester, some of my fears were not making friends, not finding activities to be involved in, and feeling left out of the Ohio State community. However, at this point I can say that these fears have diminished. As for friends, I have met several people in Baker East, through my major, and through the activities that I am involved in. I have made friends who share similar interests as me and who come from different backgrounds than me. This is one of my favorite things about Ohio State. So many people are out there to meet, and I can’t wait to meet even more. My second fear was about not being involved, but I have gotten involved in two activities, and I have a job already. I have met incredible people through these organizations, and I cannot wait to stay involved with them. My third fear was not feeling a part of the OSU community. This fear disappeared after the first football game. I was engulfed in the culture and instantly a part of something bigger than just a college. I was a part of a community and shared a culture with many people.

In Humanities Scholars so far, I have met so many different people and participated in some awesome events! My favorite was the Chicago trip. I had such an amazing time in this city, and that was my first time going there. I wished the weekend didn’t fly by, but I had a blast with everything I got to experience there! As for meeting people, this scholars program has introduced me to many people who live in my dorm, and this was very helpful. I got to meet people right in the beginning of the year, and I cannot wait to continue being in Humanities Scholars. As this program continues, I want to continue being a part of its events and stay involved. Even when I continue my years at Ohio State, I would love to stay a part of this program. In order to stay involved, I will still attend meetings to make sure than I stay informed! Additionally, I would possibly like do a few more of the extra activities that Humanities Scholars offers. I can’t wait to continue being a part of this program!

Overall, I have had a great first semester as a Buckeye in Humanities Scholars! I cannot wait to see what the future semesters and years will bring.

“But Out” Reflection

  • I’d like to be more efficient at studying, but I get distracted.
  • I’d like to exercise more, but I am very busy with schoolwork.
  • I’d like to eat healthier, but other foods appeal more to me.
  • I’d like to be able to write more, but I feel like I am limited on time.
  • I’d like to go home to see my family more often, but a conflict always seems to arise.

 

  • I’d like to be more efficient at studying, and I get distracted. So I need to find a quiet, comfortable place where I can successfully study and get tasks done.
  • I’d like to exercise more, and I am very busy with schoolwork. So I need to take breaks from studying to go run or go to the gym.
  • I’d like to eat healthier, and other foods appeal more to me. So I need to make sure that I am eating healthy foods and not just junk food.
  • I’d like to be able to write more, and I feel like I am limited on time. So I need to set aside time to write because it is one of my favorite activities to do.
  • I’d like to go home to see my family more often, and a conflict always seems to arise. So I need to plan accordingly and keep track of my time so I can visit them more.

Humans of OSU

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“I grew up in Lancaster, Ohio, which is about thirty minutes away from Columbus. When I was 3 I moved to North Canton because my dad got a new job, lived there, and I guess I still live there. I’m an only child and people always tell me I’m lucky because of that, but I don’t really think so. I wish I could have someone else. It just can get lonely because you can talk to your parents, but it’s not the same as having a friend-type always there with you. I’m not really sure what I want to do with my life right now. I decided to come here to do respiratory therapy, but I’m not even really sure that’s what I want to do anymore. And, if it’s not, then I am going to end up going back home to become an occupational therapy assistant. Honestly, I don’t really know what my story really is. I feel like I don’t have one. I feel like there’s nothing important that happens in my life to make me have a story. I mean I guess I’ve gone through a lot, especially with this past year. I feel like I’m still trying to figure out who I am and what my story is and why I’m here doing what I’m doing. I don’t know. This is what I’m trying to figure out. I just don’t want to be defined by the things that have happened to me.”

 

My First Week at OSU

Coming to this amazing school, I was experiencing several emotions. I was ecstatic, anxious, and excited.  I am both excited and anxious for this school year. My classes both excite me and make me a bit nervous because although they are classes that I am interested in and want to take, some of them are unique and nothing like the classes I took in high school. Something else I am excited for is being involved. Ohio State offers so many interesting and intriguing clubs and activities, and I am excited to explore some of those. Something I am particularly nervous for is the bus system; I am very worried that I will take the wrong bus when I am running late. However, despite this fear, I have done well with the busses so far. I have taken some to classes, and already, I am beginning to figure them out.

Overall, my first week was very enjoyable. I met several people, some in my major and some that are not, and I am eager to meet more! My classes have gone well; the workload is a bit overwhelming, but as the weeks continue, I know I will be able to develop a successful study routine. Also, the food has been (surprisingly) delicious. I say ‘surprisingly’ because I had an idea in my mind about what “college dining” was going to taste like, but I have not been disappointed yet! I am looking forward to more food, fun, and studying in my future.

Lastly, I am so delighted to be in the Humanities Scholars program! In this program, I hope to make new friends and broaden my interests. Thus far, I have loved the activities that the program has held, and the ones for the future sound entertaining as well as intellectual. Through this program, I expect to become more academically inclined and to actually become more involved. I can say that these two expectations are also some of what I expect at OSU as well. I am thrilled to be a Buckeye in the Humanities Scholars program!