My time as a biological sciences scholar and as a first year student has greatly influenced the person who I am now, despite the short amount of time that I have been a buckeye. Before I was part of the scholars program, I was detached from interaction with my peers in a group, and I was not very outgoing. These characteristics changed rather quickly when I was introduced to the very social, outgoing scholars program that I am now a part of. From the many group activities, service opportunities and social events, I have become much more adept at interacting with others, and I have been much more involved in group activities than I was before. I never expected this program to influence my social life as much as it has, and I am very grateful for all the opportunities that I have been provided thanks to Honors and Scholars. These experiences have also introduced me to a wide variety of ideas, concepts and viewpoints that I would not otherwise have been exposed to if I had remained in my previous situation. The diversity of race, religion and political viewpoints has allowed me to actually consider the mentality and beliefs of others, as opposed to just being told that people who don’t think like me are wrong.
I have grown immensely during my short time at OSU, and being able to reflect back on my experience has allowed me to realize just how important the experiences shared with friends, classmates and faculty are in respect to personal growth. I have come to realize how vast the world is by having the ability to converse with people all over Ohio, the country and the world. This realization will continue to shape who I am as I continue to meet new people and experience new things while at OSU, and for the rest of my life.