Year of Service at Pets Without Parents

During my 2nd year at Ohio State, I volunteered at a local Columbus animal shelter. Pets Without Parents is a very small nonprofit, no-kill, all-breed shelter. They accept as many animals in need as they can and care for them until they find forever homes.

As a volunteer here, my responsibilities include socializing animals, cleaning cages, walking dogs, and talking to potential adopters. I have seen so much progress in animals that are dropped off underfed and scared. Socializing animals is a very important step in the adoption process. Exposing cats and dogs to people and noise is a great way for them to get used to situations they may face when they are adopted. For example, a new cat came to the shelter and hid in his litter box all day. I used treats to lure him out of his litter box and slowly worked my way to being able to hold him, as most potential adopters do when they are looking for a pet. I am hoping this will help him be seen and adopted.

I have taken a lot a way from this experience. I have realized how many good people are out there that find animals and bring them to the safety of our shelter, as well as those who decide to adopt a pet rather than buy from a breeder. My time here has been irreplaceable, and I am looking forward to coming back to adopt a pet from here one day.

Demonstration of dew point and climate

This semester, I took a Weather and Climate course to expand my general knowledge of the world. We were assigned a project to creatively interpret a topic covered in lecture. I have recently gotten interested in painting, so I took this as an opportunity to gain watercolor experience.

I chose to depict a tropical climate at sunrise, when dew is most prevalent. Dew drops can be seen on the plants because dew point temperature, the temperature at which the water vapor in the air condenses on grass or leaves faster than it can evaporate, has been reached.

This was a great opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to something I enjoy such as painting.

The Rainbow Fish

I took an entry level metals class my senior year of high school. Our second project in the class was called “Marriage of Metals,” in which we were to create a simple piece that required soldering two different types of metal together. The idea struck me to create a rainbow fish for my mom; she read the book to me as a kid and I would be leaving for college in a few months. I spoke to my teacher about doing this complicated piece and he warned me that it would take a lot of work outside of class time. So I began to cut all 21 different pieces of metal.

After about two months of using every minute available in class and going to the metals studio during my study halls, the fish was assembled into one piece. I spent another week cleaning up the metal and adding finishing touches. My hard work paid off when I gifted it to my mom.

Abre App Design Contest

Earlier this year, I went to a Cincinnati technology convention with my high school. At this weekend event, students can choose different sessions to attend ranging from “All About NASA!” to contests. My friends and I randomly chose one of these sessions and ended up winning a contest. Abre, a technology company, allowed students to use their software to design and produce apps. My team chose to create a personalized app for students at our high school that would put their class schedules and extra curriculars into a calendar. We found that our school often changed class times due to snow delays and assemblies, but this could be easily tracked through the app. Below is a picture of our proposed design, allowing students to see their classes and their extra curriculars with just one swipe.

We presented our design in front of a panel of judges and ended up winning first place. My team was recognized in front of the whole convention and gifted portfolios. This was an important contest to me because it allowed me to use my love for design to better my high school.

G.O.A.L.S.

I have many goals that fit into the Honors & Scholars G.O.A.L.S. Global awareness ranges from my plan to study abroad to understanding cultural differences. Original inquiry covers my interest in research and exploring things that have never been done before. I worked on a research team last summer for Manufacturing Technology at AFRL. I am fulfilling academic enrichment by taking rigorous Data Analytics courses and pursing a minor in Geographic Information Science. Being a Mount Scholar has helped me develop my leadership skills and learn my leadership style. I have already applied these skills in class as well as in jobs. Lastly, I am committed to serving my community.  I am currently volunteering weekly at a local animal shelter in Columbus. Helping people find their companions and helping animals find their forever homes is heart warming.

Career

Internship Experience:

One day, I hope to make the world a better place using data. Using data analysis to make well-informed decisions will be critical in the future.  I have been working towards my career goals by applying what I learn from Ohio State.

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base – Student Research Assistant Summer 2019                             

  • Developed relational database to make 3D printing process more efficient
  • Converted extensive JSON files into Neo4j database using Python

Jeri L. Jones CPA – Administrative Assistant – January 2019 – Present

  • Tax information entry and categorizing business expenses
  • Basic clerical duties such as answering phones, greeting clients, and working in Excel

J&R Coordinating Services – Market Research Recruiter – Summers 2017 – 2018

  • Screened and recruited market research candidates over the phone
  • Instructed candidates during research studies

Raymond’s Pizza – Pizza Line Manager – April 2015 – August 2018

  • Comprehensive skills developed: food production and preparation, waitressing, cleaning, and dishwashing
  • Enhanced skills in time management, working under pressure, and teamwork

 

Activities:

I have been improving my leadership skills vital to an influential career by leading groups and serving my community.

Mount Leadership Society Scholars – August 2018 – Present

      Legacy Week Captain – October 2018 – March 2019

  • Led team of 20 students to create two service projects from start to execution
  • Created agendas and ran weekly team meetings
  • Wrote lesson plans, developed budgets, and coordinated with non-profit agencies

      Member Development – August 2018 – Present

  • Finance and Logistics Sub-Committee
  • Planned events to bring together members of all years

4 Paws 4 Ability Volunteer – May 2019 – Present

  • Help train dogs to become service dogs for children with disabilities

Pets Without Parents Volunteer – September 2019 – Present

  • Help care for abandoned animals at a non-profit, no-kill animal shelter

About Me

Welcome to my ePortfolio! I’m Liz Baur, a 2nd year at The Ohio State University. I am a Data Analytics Major and a Mount Leadership Society Scholar. Through Mount, I am on the Member Development subcommittee that plans events to bring together scholars of all years. I am involved in many student organizations including Big Data Analytics Association, Best Food Forward, and 4 Paws for Ability. I currently work as an Administrative Assistant for Jeri Jones CPA.