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 “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!

My name is Kaitlyn Ball, and I am a first-year student from Uniontown, Ohio majoring in Middle Childhood Education with a possible minor in English. After earning my degree in Education at Ohio State, I do plan on furthering my education to earn my degree in School Counseling. I attended Hoover High School in North Canton, Ohio, and I was involved in several rigorous classes and enjoyable activities. Challenging myself has always been a part of my lifestyle, especially in the classroom. At Ohio State, I know that I will continue to challenge myself academically and earn the grades and GPA that I know I am capable of. In high school, I was able to become a National Honor Society member and earn the honor of Summa Cum Laude as a result of my academic success. Aside from academics, some activities I was involved in include band, cross country, track, Agape Girls, and Leadership Interact Club. Some of my best and fondest memories from high school resulted from these activities. For example, I have yet to experience a feeling close to that of becoming the overall grand champion at a band competition for a show we spent hours perfecting. However, I believe I will find a feeling close to this at Ohio State while I develop friendships and make memories that I will cherish for a lifetime! I cannot wait to see what the next four years (and beyond) will bring me at this incredible school. Go Bucks!