Year in Review

As a sophomore looking back on my experiences so far at Ohio State, I have grown a lot intellectually and as a person. I have met an amazing array of faculty and professors that challenge me to think critically to confront the issues of our age, worked jobs that have given me invaluable leadership roles, and attempted to give back where I could.

I began Freshman year as a History and French double major on a pre-law track. I had the goal of going to law school and attaining all of the accolades that went with it. But being a part of the nurturing environment here at Ohio State, I discovered my true passion for teaching. The exposure I had through my course work to real world problems helped me to see the role I play in relation to my community, state, and nation. I was able to realize my identity within the framework of the world at large.

Disciplina in civitatem

Ohio State is actively preparing me to be an informed and engaged citizen who is ready to embrace the challenge of making the world a better place. The impact that professors have had on me demonstrated the power that educators have to inspire progress and change. This is the force that motivates me towards my dreams of touching the lives of children. I dream for this because every child deserves the right to achieve their God-given potential. Every child deserves to know that they are strong, capable, and worthy of a chance to succeed.

G.O.A.L.S.

Global Awareness:

As part of my plan to become a more globally aware student and citizen I intend to study abroad the spring of my sophomore year. I want to study in France and learn more about French culture and history at a French university. These things would greatly enhance my outlook on the world because I would be gaining a new perspective on issues facing our global society. Adding to this experience would be all of the human connections I would make along the way. These connections would be invaluable moving forward.

Original Inquiry:

From a young age, I have always been interested in the research process and I intend on being a part of that during my time at Ohio State. I want to find a professor who is conducting research in a field that interests me and I want to work under them and assist them with their work. Here I would gain the experience that would help me write an undergraduate thesis on my own. Working under a professor would also provide me with a first-hand look at what professional research looks like.

Academic Enrichment:

One of my goals in coming to Ohio State was to challenge myself academically, but also outside the class room to advance my education as a person as much as a student. Balancing these two things will be crucial to my success at Ohio State. I want to follow a rigorous curriculum, but I also want to follow up my classroom experiences with real life application in whatever form that takes.

Leadership Development:

I am someone that has always placed emphasis on trying to take opportunities to work on my leadership skills. I am currently involved with the Running Club at Ohio State, and down the road this club may afford me a leadership role. Being in a situation like that would be helpful to me by combining two interests of mine, in running and improving my leadership skills. Also, I work as a legislative page at the State House. There are opportunities there to apply for leadership positions working directly for representatives in the House of Representatives. This would be good in developing my people skills.

Service Engagement:

As someone who grew up in a faith tradition that preaches the importance of works combined with faith in order to achieve salvation, I try my best to give back to a world that has given me so much opportunity. In terms of giving back to, I play piano weekly at the Newman Center at mass. I plan on going on a mission trip to Mississippi over spring break with the Newman Center. Additionally, I plan on working this summer as a camp counselor at Camp Joy for underprivileged children.

Career

Brandon has a multitude of academic and work experience that illustrates his drive to succeed. As a student Brandon has received Dean’s List Recognition every semester he has been at Ohio State. As of Autumn 2017, his cumulative GPA is 3.92. He is also a member of the Zeta Chapter of the Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society and the John  Glenn Civic Learning Community.

 

 

Work History

  • Kings Island Amusement Park, Mason, OH (2016- Present)—Security Officer
    • At Kings Island, Brandon is responsible for enforcing park policies and maintaining a safe atmosphere for guests of the park to enjoy their stays. Specific tasks Brandon regularly performs varies from breaking up fights to helping lost children find their parents. This job continues to teach Brandon a lot about the operations of a business from a loss prevention point of view.
  • The Ohio House of Representatives, Columbus, OH (2016- Present)—Legislative Page
    • The Ohio House of Representative, Columbus, OH (2017)—Most Valuable Page Award
    • As a page for the legislature, Brandon was provided the opportunity the further his understanding of the legislative process by actively participating in it. Typical assignments as a page include distributing documents, photocopying, retrieving materials from other governmental offices, and delivering messages between members. Working on the floor of the Ohio House of Representatives, Brandon assists with the preparation for session, and provides a range of services to help members and their staff do their jobs properly and helps to facilitate the smooth functioning of the Legislature. Brandon often has extensive contact with the public when handling telephone calls for members’ offices, delivering mail and messages, and greeting visitors to the House of Representatives.
  • Camp Joy, Clarksville, OH (2017- Present)—Camp Counselor
    • As a counselor, Brandon has had the opportunity to collaborate with other young professionals, gain leadership experience, and practicing behavior management skills. He has the responsibility of leading a cabin of young boys throughout the summer and into the school year through weekend programs. Camp Joy primarily works with underserved children in the Greater Cincinnati and Dayton areas from low-income homes, foster care, or children with chronic medical conditions. The fulfilling nature of this work continues to inspire Brandon’s aspirations of teaching.

 

Artifacts

Brandon loves the challenge of a good race. He has embraced the difficulties of triathlons and marathons since starting at Ohio State.

About Me

Brandon Borgemenke is an honors student in the second year of his undergraduate studies at The Ohio State University, majoring in History with a minor in French. He plans to continue his studies and pursue a Master’s Degree in Education with the goal of becoming a high school social studies teacher. Prior to college, Brandon attended Bishop Fenwick High School in Middletown, Ohio. The values of Faith, Compassion, Integrity, and Service he learned there proved vital to who he is today. Currently, Brandon works as a Legislative Page at the Ohio House of Representatives in Columbus, Ohio and as a Camp Counselor at Camp Joy in Clarksville, Ohio. Both work environments have provided Brandon with the occasion to learn and grow from peers. When he is not in class or working, Brandon enjoys volunteering with Habitat for Humanity or Hospice of Central Ohio. Brandon is an avid learner and loves to explore new experiences and cultures. He can be seen running marathons, spending lots of time with family, camping in the National Parks, and cherishing adventures spent in the company of good friends.

Brandon Borgemenke, taken on a 2017 backpacking trip to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Michigan.