Month: July 2023

In The Field Friday: Logan Moore

Logan Moore: Kokosing Construction

Second-year construction systems management student Logan Moore completed his internship with Kokosing Construction this summer. For his experience, Logan worked on the Ohio Department of Transportation’s I-70, I-71, and State Route 315 interchange project, southwest of downtown Columbus, OH.

Logan, from Mount Vernon, OH, learned of this opportunity with Kokosing during a high school career fair. He saw this as a way to grow his leadership, communication, and management skills in his future career.

Logan’s first work assignment was grade checker, where he measured the elevation of excavation sites. He instructed dozer and excavator operators on where and how deep to dig. His second job was bridge crew, where he helped build formwork and pour concrete for the bridge. “Pouring the bridge at night is a whole other experience,” he explained, as the crew started placing the concrete at 8 p.m. and finished at 6 a.m.

He also had the chance to work with the pipe crew, which installs manhole structures and connects pipes for waterflow to the river. To do these jobs, he had to utilize trench boxes. These tools help to support sides of the trench to prevent it from caving during construction. Logan also used gas detectors for alerts of gases in the underground structures.

Logan’s piece of advice for anyone looking for their own internship is, “Get into something that is interesting to you and make the world of it.” He plans to work for Kokosing after graduating from the construction program at Ohio State ATI.

In The Field Friday: Jake Miller

Jake Miller: Scioto Country Club

Scioto Country Club in Upper Arlington, OH, is a Top 100 golf course in the United States that maintains a strong connection with current students and alumni of Ohio State ATI. Second-year turfgrass management student Jake Miller, from Wooster, OH, is one of those connections working at Scioto this year for his internship. Jake described his experiences and learning opportunities as incredible so far—that waking up every day to go work on “one of the best golf courses” is special. 

Scioto Country Club was appealing to Jake for several reasons, including paid, on-site living arrangements, the chance to work for a top 100 course, and, most importantly, he said, the experience and learning opportunity he has gained. Some of his tasks so far have been walk-mowing greens, watering, GPS spraying, and learning the course’s practices for maintaining a “pristine,” as Jake describes it, golf course. 

Jake continues, “Being able to work for ATI alums and other Ohio State graduates is one of the main reasons I chose to accept this internship. There is a connection between Scioto Country Club and ATI students and graduates that makes interning here special.”  

From this internship, he hopes to have gained managerial experience with crews of more than 30 people, and how to be more independent in both work and life. Jake said his favorite memory so far has been making friends with other interns, particularly those who are international or study-abroad students. 

Student Spotlight: Hana Wagner

Hana Wagner: Why I Transferred From Another College to Ohio State ATI

I graduated from Mapleton Local Schools in Ashland, OH, in 2021. After graduation I knew I wanted to explore and see what other places were like in the country. I intended to pursue an out-of-state option, so Ohio State University was not my initial choice for that reason. Instead, I looked at several other 

universities. It was a hard decision to make but I decided to go to Middle Tennessee State University as I could live with family there.  

Sadly, in June 2022, my uncle had been declining in health as he had stage 4 colon cancer, so I made the decision to move back to my hometown to spend some quality time with him. I also knew that staying at home with my parents again would be more affordable than living in Murfreesboro. I had college decisions to make as well…  

I knew Ohio State ATI would offer a more “hands-on” education and the student-to-teacher ratio was smaller, allowing for better connections with professors and classmates in a more laid-back environment. I took advantage of the time I had to weigh my options and submitted my application two days before the deadline. I was a little nervous, but thankfully I was able to get into Ohio State ATI before classes started, with most of my credits transferring.  

In all honesty, returning home was one of the wisest moves I could have taken. I experienced tremendous growth being in Tennessee for just one year; however, my goals and aspirations are more in line with ATI. The teachers, the programs, and the opportunities I have here at ATI are better than I could have imagined.  

I started working in ATI’s Admissions Office as a student ambassador, which has been super fun, and I have met so many new students while developing professional relationships with staff as well. I have also taken a position as a resident advisor in ATI’s apartment village to help cut living costs and to increase my communication, conflict-resolution, and time-management skills.  

The majors at Ohio State ATI are designed to help you excel in your career field by providing students the opportunity to intern anywhere in the world. So, ironically, I am going to be interning next summer at the same vet clinic back in Murfreesboro where I previously worked. The experience hours I will gain from the internship will also help me fulfill a requirement to get into vet school. 

Overall, I will always value my time at Ohio State ATI. I have met so many incredible friends here that I do not know what I would do without. 

In The Field Friday: John Kirkwood

John Kirkwood: Colonial Golf Course

Second-year student John Kirkwood is currently interning with Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, TX. Originally from Galena, OH, John spent most of his high school years working at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, OH, which is where he first got started in the world of turfgrass. Currently a Horticultural Science student specializing in Turfgrass Science, John is working towards his associate degree at Ohio State ATI. 

Colonial Golf Course presented a unique opportunity for its interns this summer, which entailed assisting with a 30-million-dollar course renovation. John said he is excited to be a part of the project, which includes the installation of new PrecisionAire hydronics and drainage systems within each of the greens. He is also interested in exploring the management of different climate grasses—Texas, in particular, utilizes all warm-season grasses.  

John has also assisted in grounds maintenance for the Charles Schwab Challenge, which is a PGA-level tournament hosted by the course each year. For this tournament, he mowed greens and staged trailers for equipment transportation. On the business and management side, John has worked frequently with his superintendent to learn more about different management styles and how they oversee the grounds staff and interns. He is also grateful for the opportunity to work with Colonial’s director of agronomy for the added networking and professional connection.  

John’s piece of advice to new students is, “Push yourself to see and learn more. Don’t settle for an opportunity that’s too comfortable. Get out-of-state and see what the industry has to offer.” 

In The Field Friday: JT Richardson

JT Richardson: Kokosing Construction

JT Richardson is a second-year Agricultural Systems Management student from Powell, Ohio. This summer, he is an intern with Kokosing Construction. For the position that he holds, JT is a mechanic for fleet vehicles that need repairs during construction projects. Some of his repairs have included replacing a water pump on a Chevy 3500, brakes on a large Kenworth truck, and a coolant line in a Kenworth Lube Truck. 

During his internship, JT has been networking with other co-op students interning with Kokosing. “We are currently working on a Capstone project together,” he explained. “It’s great bouncing ideas off of each other as well as learning what job each other does for Kokosing.”  

JT attended Kokosing’s 2023 co-op road rally, and toured the Upper Hocking WPCF Phase 2 Expansion, the Lancaster North Water Treatment Plant, and the L-H Battery Company, where LG Energy Solution and Honda Motor Co. have a joint venture to produce lithium-ion batteries exclusively for electric vehicles (EV) produced by Honda.  

One of JT’s goals as an intern is to gain real, on-the-job experience. “I have learned to be more organized, especially with my tools,” he says. “If I am not organized and misplace a tool, that can cost me a lot of time.” He also says that teamwork has often been implemented to solve problems with diverse perspectives while on the job. 

JT is planning to pursue a full-time position with Kokosing Construction in the future and sees many growth opportunities within the company. 

Student Spotlight: Best Places to Eat Around Wooster

Skyelar Rock: Best Places to Eat Around Wooster as an Ohio State ATI Student  

As a college student, finding the best place to eat while not breaking the bank can be tough. Also, the same old fast food and chain restaurants tend to get boring after a while. Whether you’re an incoming or returning student, these local restaurants are guaranteed to become your new favorite. Here I have compiled some well-known favorites among the students at Ohio State ATI, which are also some of my own personal favorites.  

Guerne Heights Drive-In: 1.5 Mi — $5 to $15 

Right down the road from campus, just a short 2-minute drive, is the Guerne Heights Drive-In. Family owned and operated, this mom-and-pop shop offers lunch and dinner items along with their signature ice cream. While they aren’t open year-round, you can enjoy the Guerne well into the fall semester and towards the end of spring semester. One of my favorite specials they offer in the fall is a warm apple dumpling with vanilla ice cream and caramel syrup. The best part? They offer 10% discount with a valid student ID (a.k.a. your BuckID). 

The Barn: 8 Mi — $10 to $25  

The Barn Restaurant is a fond favorite of my friend group; every Tuesday is “da barn” night for us, with an all-you-can-eat bread and soup bar, plus the salad wagon. Yes, you saw right, a salad wagon. True to its name, The Barn Restaurant is a reclaimed and remodeled barn that was owned by a local cattle farmer in the early 1900’s. It’s a rustic atmosphere where the staff is always warm and welcoming. 

Omahoma Bob’s: Downtown (2 Mi) — $11 to $30 

Omahoma Bob’s Barbeque is another family-owned and operated establishment in downtown Wooster, with quality meat products from local producers as well as Certified Angus Beef. Many on-campus events use Omahoma Bob’s for their catering, which is where I’ve had the most experience with their BBQ. They are a student-friendly establishment, offering a 15% discount off your purchase. 

Basil Asian Bistro: Downtown (2 Mi) — $6 to $25 

By far my personal favorite on this list, Basil Asian Bistro has some of the best sushi I’ve ever had! They offer the pan-Asian experience, including Pacific/Southeastern Asian cuisine, Thai dishes, and some traditional Asian dishes like stir fry or General Tso chicken. For a budget friendly meal, stop by during lunch for a sushi roll or classic entrée, which range from $6-$20 

Mariola Italian: Downtown (2 Mi) — $12 to $30 

One of Wooster’s newest editions, Mariola Italian, debuted in spring of 2023. As one of a few restaurants owned and managed by local entrepreneur Mike Mariola, Mariola Italian has high quality food and service. From classic Italian pasta and entrees to their own “Pizza Pie,” the food here is exceptional, whether dining in or catered. Though it may be a bit expensive for an everyday type of meal, this would be a great option for a Friday night dinner or a group get-together. 

City Square Steakhouse: Downtown (2 Mi) — $25 to $50+ 

Though it is a bit on the expensive side, City Square Steakhouse is a high-quality establishment great for date nights, special occasions, and the like. Named in the Top 100 Steakhouses of America, City Square is “Big City Dining, Small Town Feel” right within reach of campus. The service is professional, the wait staff is always very helpful and accommodating, and—not to mention—the food is amazing. If you’re looking for something a little fancier or just want a high-quality steak, I definitely recommend The City Square.  

 

In The Field Friday: Seth Gamble

Seth Gamble – ProVia 

Second-year Construction Systems Management student, Seth Gamble, is completing his internship this summer with the ProVia company in Walnut Creek, OH. ProVia specializes in home exterior solutions, including door and window installation as well as roofing, siding, and stonework.  

Seth currently completes warranty service repairs and replacements on homes and businesses, including ProVia facilities as well as some “high dollar homes.” From this internship he hopes to gain a greater understanding of ProVia’s products and services, as well as communication skills through all steps of the process – from homeowner to company, and from company to distributors and installers. 

One unique aspect of this internship that Seth noted was how he came about this position. In his search for a summer internship, Seth sought out Provia, who then developed a position specifically for him. “I sought the company out myself and they created the position for me, making it a one-of-a-kind internship that no one has had before.” Seth chose this internship for a handful of reasons: it is relevant to the degree he is pursuing, and it pays fairly for a student internship. Most importantly, though, he chose ProVia because the values and purpose of the company align well with his own personal and professional goals. 

Student Spotlight: Morgan Hefner

Morgan Hefner, The Best Part About Being a Student at Ohio State ATI

There are so many great things about Ohio State ATI that it is not fair to pick just one. If I had to pick one aspect of being a student on the ATI campus that is my favorite, it would probably be the small community feeling.

The small community aspect of the campus allows students to have professors that care about their students. This can be a huge advantage when needing help in a class or maybe even life advice. Since classes on the ATI campus are fairly small, it makes me feel more comfortable asking questions and not being afraid to go to the professors for help when needed. Additionally, knowing almost everyone in the class is a huge benefit. When it comes to doing a group project, you get to work on them with your friends or people you already know. Being on a smaller campus has also allowed me to make a lot of friends through living on campus and in classes. Some of these friends will more than likely turn into lifelong friendships.

Living on campus in the apartments and having a sense of community outside of the classroom is another reason why I love ATI. From going to events such as Bull Bash to just hanging out with friends or playing corn hole, campus living opens a whole new spectrum of opportunities. Living on campus is one way that I met most of my friends here at ATI. Overall, the small community aspect of Ohio State ATI makes the campus feel like home.