Month: April 2017

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!!!