My First Semester at THE Ohio State University

Well here we are, the end of the first semester. This has been one heck of a ride. When I first started at OSU, I was really worried I would struggle with the difficult classes I was taking. It turns out, I had good reason to worry about this because school is HARD. Nothing will ever prepare you for your first semester of college, especially if you’re in all STEM classes. I was also worried I wouldn’t find friends and I would have trouble fitting in. However, thanks to Humanities, I’ve found tons of cool people like me that are all super nice. There’s always tons of fun activities to do through the Humanities program so I never get bored. I’m definitely going to stay in the program because it has made this huge campus a lot smaller and friendly.

“But Out” Reflection

I’d like to spend more weekends at home or at least call my parents more, but I’m always really busy.

I’d like to study more for chemistry, but all of my other classes and homework take up all of my time.

I’d like to lose weight, but food is delicious.

I’d like to get my work done before the-night-before, but I have trouble concentrating unless I’m under pressure.

I’d like to learn to play an instrument, but I don’t know where to start.

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I’d like to spend more weekends at home or at least call my parents more, and I’m always really busy. So I need to find alternative ways to stay in touch with my family.

I’d like to study more for chemistry, and my other classes and homework take up all of my time. So I need to figure out a more time effective way to do my homework.

I’d like to lose weight, and food is delicious. So I need to eat healthy foods and eat less of them.

I’d like to get my work done before the-night-before, and I have trouble concentrating unless I’m under pressure. So I need to talk to a doctor to see if I have an attention disorder.

I’d like to learn to play an instrument, and I don’t know where to start. So I need to get advice from a student musician.

Humans of OSU

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“I grew up in a small farming community near Dayton. I didn’t have many friends and there was usually nothing to do, so sometimes I would go to a gay bar in downtown Dayton. I’m not part of the LGTBQ community, but everyone there was so nice and way more interesting than looking at cornfields or watching Netflix for six hours. After a few visits, I developed several strong friendships with some of the patrons and the owner. Funny enough, I actually went to prom with a guy named Josh I befriended there. He was a ton of fun and it was way better going with one of my best friends than an actual ‘date.’ I make sure to keep in touch with most of them, too. They’re all the reason I staunchly support LGTBQ rights.”

About Me

My name is Joey Ball and I’m a freshman. I’m majoring in Chemical Engineering and participating in the Humanities Scholars program. I like to get involved in my community and help out wherever I can including soup kitchens, litter clean up, and other kinds of community service. One of my biggest passions is music of all kinds, and I have my very own radio show on our campus’ amateur radio program. I also enjoy theatre, both musicals and plays. I hope to graduate from OSU and move to New Zealand to start the second half of my life there.

My First Week At THE Ohio State University

My first week at OSU has been unforgettable. I’ve made tons of acquaintances, a couple good friends, and no enemies (yet). Everybody here, upperclassmen and other freshmen included, are almost unbelievably nice. My classes are challenging but cover subjects I enjoy and so far my professors are excellent. My favorite part is the food. I’ve been eating healthier here than I have my entire life and I love that the dining halls make it so easy to eat healthy. My only complaint is my trash dorm. Other than that, I am loving my Ohio State Experience.

Year in Review

[ “Year in Review”  is where you should reflect on the past year and show how you have evolved as a person and as a student.  You may want to focus on your growth in a particular area (as a leader, scholar, researcher, etc.) or you may want to talk about your overall experience over the past year.  For more information, go to: http://honors-scholars.osu.edu/e-portfolio. Delete these instructions and add your own post.]

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.]

Career

[“Career” is where you can collect information about your experiences and skills that will apply to your future career.  Like your resume, this is information that will evolve over time and should be continually updated.   For more information, go to: http://honors-scholars.osu.edu/e-portfolio. Delete these instructions and add your own post.]

Artifacts

[Artifacts are the items you consider to be representative of your academic interests and achievements. For each entry, include both an artifact and a detailed annotation.  An annotation is a reflective description of the artifact that attempts to communicate its significance.  For more information, go to: http://honors-scholars.osu.edu/e-portfolio. Delete these instructions and add your own post.]