G.O.A.L.S. Update and Career Plan Reflection

G.O.A.L.S. Update:

Global Awareness

I am continuing to pursue a minor in Spanish, and have already completed numerous courses in grammar, literature, culture. Due to the ongoing pandemic, I was unable to participate in my planned medical service trips to both Honduras and Ghana.

Original Inquiry

I have began working in a research lab, been awarded a research grant, and am in the process of writing my first published paper. During the upcoming year, I plan to complete an honors thesis using STEP funding.

Academic Enrichment

I have recently changed my major to Health Sciences, in which I plan to continue coursework in both the hard sciences and in healthcare as a whole.

Leadership Development

I have been elected to be the social chairperson for the OSU Figure Skating Club during the 2020-2021 school year.

Service Engagement

I have volunteered with both the Wexner Medical Center and the Red Cross.

 

Career Plan Reflection:

 

Reflection of a First-Year Buckeye

Throughout my first year at the Ohio State University, I have grown immensely- both academically and personally.

I have challenged myself to take numerous honors courses, such as Introduction to Folklore and Spanish Composition. These classes encouraged me to produce original pieces of work which demonstrated a deeper knowledge in their respective subjects than previous classes that I have taken. I also completed coursework that is not typical of a first-year student in my major, such as upper-level Spanish courses and a second-level course in physics.

During my first year, I encouraged myself to participate in the university’s student organizations and to take advantage of as many opportunities as possible. I am proud to say that I believe that I accomplished this goal. I joined two clubs and earned both a volunteer and research position. I also participated in a leadership training program, as well as a women in medicine mentorship program.

Personally, I have definitely become a much more independent person. For the first time in my life, I have lived on my own- away from my parents and childhood friends. I am extremely proud of the woman that I am becoming, and I can only imagine the numerous ways in which I will continue to grow in the upcoming years.

Wexner Medical Center Volunteer cont.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, volunteering with the Wexner Medical Center looked very different than it did previously. I was able to assist nurses and other healthcare staff at their drive-through COVID test site on Ackerman Road. My main role was to record the patient’s identifying information so that they could be checked into the system and a label could be printed for their sample.

2020 Autumn Enrichment Grant

I am beyond honored to have been awarded a 2020 Autumn Enrichment Grant in order to fund my research goals for the upcoming semester. My project will focus on characterizing bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles as an innovative therapy for enhancing tendon healing, and I plan to publish a scholarly paper with my findings. I also have allocated funds in the budget to present my research at the 2022 Orthopedic Research Society conference.

Attendant at Pump-it-Up in Hartville, OH

During the summer of 2020 and again during the following winter break, I worked part-time as an attendant at Pump-it-Up in Hartville, Ohio. My position as an attendant required me to take on the responsibility of maintaining public safety by both inspecting/cleaning the inflatables and supervising play time. The role itself was extremely rewarding; I enjoyed playing a part in children’s birthday celebrations, as well as interacting with the kids during open jump sessions.

Delta Omega Kappa Sorority

This past semester, I made the decision to rush Delta Omega Kappa, Ohio State’s only pre-health sorority. I was extremely honored to have been selected to become an active member. The key objectives of the sorority which spoke to me personally were the focus on professional development, service, and leadership. I look forward to being surrounded by like-minded and academically-driven women to motivate me to pursue my future career in healthcare.

Red Cross Volunteer

Over the summer, I was able to volunteer with the Red Cross in my home town. Due to COVID, the need for donations increased, while the procedures became more complicated in order to keep everyone safe. My main roles were as a Donor Ambassador and Donor Screener. I would register the donors for their appointment, take their temperatures, and disinfect the furniture after each use. I’m very glad that I was able to help the Red Cross continue to operate and provide blood/plasma to patients in need during these trying times.

Women in Medicine Mentorship Program

In January, I was accepted into the OSU Women in Medicine Mentorship Program. On January 19th, the group of accepted undergraduate students as well as the OSU Medical School students hosting the program met in a lecture hall. A guest speaker who both taught at the university and worked as a physician spoke to us about her experiences in achieving her current career. We then broke off into smaller rooms in which we were matched with a specific mentor to talk with. All in all, it was a great experience and I plan to talk with my mentor in the future as I work on my medical school application.

Wexner Medical Center Volunteer

In January, I was accepted as a student volunteer at the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center. I was assigned to work on a patient floor, helping nurses and patients with small tasks such as refilling supply carts, cleaning counters and other surfaces, and emptying sharps containers. Although I was only able to complete half a semester of volunteering due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I greatly enjoyed it and hope to return for the autumn semester.

OSUFSC Social Chair

I am very excited to have been voted an officer for the OSU Figure Skating Club for the upcoming academic year. I will be holding the position of Social Chair. The official duties of the position are as follows:

Social Chair

The social chair is responsible for maintaining and posting on the club’s Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook account. This includes promoting club events, fundraisers, competitions, community service, club members, etc. The social chair is also responsible for planning club social events.