First Semester Reflection

A lot has happened this first semester since arriving in late August. From completing requirements in STEM to my experiences outside of the classroom, I have changed immensely since the day I moved into Ohio State University. From my STEM requirements I have learned about the history of Bollywood and its connection to Indian history, as well as Iran’s modern history and the changes happening in the country. I thought I was a well cultured person before coming to Ohio State University but going to diversity events showed me that I still had a lot to learn. Along with the diversity events I have attended, I have gone to STEM related events that talk about bioengineering and how to network. The bioengineering was especially interesting to me and may have helped me better decide what career I want to pursue in STEM. Along with the STEM related events are my service events. For my service events, I made ACT videos to help high schoolers who are getting ready to take the ACT. I found the process of making videos explaining mathematical concepts to actually be enjoyable! Who knows, maybe I would be a good teacher too! Outside of STEM, I have become more adventurous and outgoing. Prior to coming to college, I was very timid but now I find myself making friends and talking to people I meet left and right. Along with that I have done things I would never dream of doing in high school, like rushing the field after the Ohio State versus Michigan game.

The First Day of College

When my family finished getting my dorm room set up and left the building, I realized that this was the first time would be without them for an extended period of time. Being such a large transition, I did not know what to do next. Do I make sure everything of mine is in its rightful place? Do I venture forth into this new concrete jungle? I decided on neither and instead went out to mingle with those on the floor and outside the dormitory. Funny how some of those people I met on the first day continue to be my friends. I remember in high school being shy and nervous to approach people who were not in my friend group, but now everyone was in the same situation. No one knew anyone and everyone was a little anxious as to what was to come. It was that evening that I realized something, that each person only has one life. It is with that single life that I slowly learn to take every chance I get to do what pleases me and those around me. As a STEM Scholars student, everyone receives a bracelet with a personalized message of their choosing. The word I chose for mine was “confidence” and with that reminder and that first day, I knew that the only thing stopping me from what I want to do, was myself.

Chocolate Caliente Español

Today I decided to make Spanish hot chocolate for my friends on the floor. It’s not that complex of a recipe to follow as its just milk, flour, sugar, and dark chocolate. I went to the second floor where the kitchen is in Houston House and started cooking. First the milk, then the flour, add some sugar, and dump the chocolate and you have yourself some Spanish hot chocolate. I texted my friends telling them that it was all done and to come down with a mug if they wanted some. To my surprise nearly everyone came and sadly I only made enough for about four people, so everyone got a little bit. I was so happy when everyone told me how good it was and that I did an excellent job making it, that I told them that I would be happy to make it again!

The recipe itself was not challenging — as it took only four ingredients and only had four steps — nor was the act of inviting my friends to have some. What I initially thought was glee from recognition of a job well done may have actually been something else. I found that doing something simple and nice for my friends with a little bit of work was what made me happy. Anyone can loan a friend a few dollars for food or drive them to the airport, but the act of actually working on something for a friend and having the elated in receiving it takes that joy to another level.

From what I learned I plan on making more complex foods for my friends, that way I can work on my cooking skills while at the same time giving back to them. Also, I think this may contribute in deciding what profession is right for me as being able to see the look of joy on their faces brought a smile to mine.

 

Chocolate Caliente Español

About Me

Hello, my name is Manuel Bautista. My parents are from the Dominican Republic and I was raised near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I am interested in STEM as both of my parents are doctors, exposing me to the mathematical and scientific side of life. Also, I find it interesting how much we, as a species, can create using numbers and elements. From medicine to computer sciences, from physics to chem, math and science are involved. What has made me passionate about STEM is the ability to better the lives of those around me through it. Be it through medical procedures or through computers, it all makes life easier and better. I wanted to be a STEM Scholar so that I can experience different fields within STEM to see what might be right for me, if I follow the route of my parents and become a doctor or carve a new path for myself.

My major currently is health sciences with a pre-med track and am still not sure what to minor in. As of now I have shadowed a cardiologist, a pulmonologist, an emergency room physician, an orthopedic surgeon, a plastic surgeon, and a optometrist while in the Dominican Republic and intend to gain a better understanding of what profession is right for me by shadowing and working with other doctors and professionals.

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 guidance on using your ePortfolio, including questions and prompts that will help you get started, please visit the Honors & Scholars ePortfolio course in Carmen. To get answers to specific questions, please email eportfolio@osu.edu. 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 guidance on using your ePortfolio, including questions and prompts that will help you get started, please visit the Honors & Scholars ePortfolio course in Carmen. To get answers to specific questions, please email eportfolio@osu.edu. 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 guidance on using your ePortfolio, including questions and prompts that will help you get started, please visit the Honors & Scholars ePortfolio course in Carmen. To get answers to specific questions, please email eportfolio@osu.edu. 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 includes both a description of the artifact and a reflection on why it is important to you, what you learned, and what it means for your next steps.  For more guidance on using your ePortfolio, including questions and prompts that will help you get started, please visit the Honors & Scholars ePortfolio course in Carmen. To get answers to specific questions, please email eportfolio@osu.edu. Delete these instructions and add your own post.]

About Me

[Your “About Me” is a brief biographical statement that might include your intended major, your academic interests, your goals, as well as the things that make you unique.  Definitely include a picture! Also, remember that you can always update this post at any point. For more guidance on using your ePortfolio, including questions and prompts that will help you get started, please visit the Honors & Scholars ePortfolio course in Carmen. To get answers to specific questions, please email eportfolio@osu.edu. Delete these instructions and add your own post.]