By Lexi Troyer 

College is a world of opportunities, especially for those who actively seek them out. As a high school senior, I was eager to join clubs and campus organizations, but I had no idea how much they would shape my college experience. Now, as a second-year animal sciences major with a specialization in animal biosciences, I look back on my first year with immense gratitude. 

When I first arrived on campus, I didn’t know many people, but I was determined to get involved. In my freshman year, I joined two clubs and took on leadership roles in both. These experiences have enriched my education, connected me to peers and faculty, and shown me how essential it is to step outside your comfort zone. 

1. Ohio State ATI Hoof-N-Hide Club

The first organization I joined was the Hoof-N-Hide Club, an animal science based group that is open to students of all majors. With a
background in 4-H and working with beef cattle, I felt that this club was a perfect fit for me. I served as Treasurer in my first year and am now the Vice President. Hoof-N-Hide gives members experience with animals and leadership roles, all while creating lasting memories. The club is known for hosting its annual livestock judging contest and a barn dance/cookout every April. It offers a fantastic opportunity for anyone interested in animal science to get involved.  

2. Ohio State ATI Pre-Veterinary Club 

As a pre-veterinary student, I also joined the Pre-Veterinary Club, where I’m currently serving my second term as treasurer. This club is designed for students pursuing veterinary careers, offering valuable networking opportunities, mentorship, and hands-on experience. It’s open to all students, regardless of their major, who are interested in veterinary medicine. It’s a great place to find mentorship and enhance your preparedness for veterinary school. 

3. Other Clubs for Networking and Growth 

In my second year, I expanded my involvement to broaden my network. I am an active member of the Agricultural Systems Management Club and the Agricultural Communicators, Educators, and Leaders of Tomorrow (ACELT) Club. 

• The Agricultural Systems Management Club connects students with industry professionals and offers opportunities to learn about internships. Meetings often feature guest speakers and networking opportunities over dinner, making it a great way to stay engaged with the industry while building professional relationships.
• The ACELT Club hosts events like Night for Young Professionals (NYP), where students can network with industry professionals and attend sessions on topics like resume building and professional etiquette. This event also offers exciting door prizes, such as a MacBook and AirPods. 

4. Second Year Transformational Experience Program (STEP) 

Beyond clubs, the Second Year Transformational Experience Program (STEP) has greatly impacted my college experience. STEP allows second-year students to build meaningful relationships with faculty and offers a fellowship of up to $2,000 for hands-on learning projects, such as study abroad or internships, enhancing the educational journey. On behalf of the STEP program, I have the incredible opportunity to visit and explore Washington, D.C. this April, with minimal expenses on my part—just covering the cost of lunches and souvenirs. 

Get Involved! 

Whether you’re joining a club, participating in a professional organization, or applying for STEP, there are countless ways to enhance your college experience at Ohio State ATI. These opportunities not only help you build your resume but also connect you with peers and faculty, provide valuable experiences, and create lasting memories. So, take the leap, get involved and watch your college journey transform into something far more rewarding than you ever expected. 

By Lilly Cappitte

Everyone tells you that when you get to college you finally get to experience true independence. You will get to make your own schedules, choose how to spend your day, and get to experience so many new opportunities. When I arrived at ATI, I did not realize how challenging it would be to navigate those things independently. Coming from high school, where my schedule was determined by bells, to an independent college life was nothing short of a struggle. As someone who is now familiar with the rhythm of ATI, I want to share a few things I wish I knew before stepping on campus.  

At first, I thought college was all about academics. But I quickly realized the importance of building a community and participating in campus life. During the first two weeks on campus, Student Life hosts many Welcome Week activities. This is where I met some of my closest friends. I recommend attending most of these events. Even if you can only be there for thirty minutes, you never know what kind of connections you will make. I have personally met so many people outside of my major, felt more connected to campus, and built relationships. 

Next, college is all about independence and taking the initiative for yourself. In high school, I had a structured routine, and almost every day looked the same. College gives you the responsibility to determine the best use of your time. While there are faculty and advisors to support you, no one is going to hold your hand. It is up to you to determine what to do with your time. Whether it’s socializing, doing homework, or deciding to squeeze in a nap before class –all those decisions contribute to your growth as a person.

Looking back on my first semester here at ATI, I realized the importance of making the most of my college experience, and that it’s not just all about academics. I encourage you to take advantage of new opportunities that come your way, whether it’s attending club meetings, discovering new passions, or even attending campus events. With all this being said, remember that college isn’t just about what you learn, but also about the memories you make and how you grow along the way. 

By Kinze Jaqua

Considering multiple colleges at once? There are many ways to make the most of your campus tour. As a first-year student at Ohio State ATI, I was in the same shoes not that long ago when I was making my college decision. Here are a few key tips when touring a new campus that I discovered during this process that can help you find the campus that fits you best.

Ask Questions – While it might seem self-explanatory to ask questions on your tour, I know that many people do not ask questions when they truly have them. Thinking of a list of questions ahead of time, or even freely asking the questions that you think of throughout your tour will all help you to get a better idea of campus. I am a firm believer that asking questions is the greatest way to get a full understanding of things that you are unsure about.

Picture Yourself on Campus – Being able to picture yourself living and studying on campus throughout your tour is a wonderful way to get a feel for how you would fit into the environment. Here at the Wooster campus, I knew right away that I could see myself studying in the library and living comfortably in the student apartments. Trying to imagine yourself in these spaces and deciding if that experience is what you are looking for on a campus is the best way to tell what physical environment is the best fit for you. 

Get a feel for the Atmosphere and Campus Community – When I did my campus tour at ATI, the first thing that I fell in love with was the community on campus. Throughout my whole tour, I never encountered someone anyone who was not kind and welcoming, which helped to ease my nerves and make me feel more comfortable. During a campus tour, getting a feel for how the atmosphere and community work is a critical part in making the right decision for your fit in college.  

When choosing the campus that feels like the best fit, it is important that you feel comfortable, safe, and welcomed. The best way to get these experiences is by making the most of your campus tour through asking questions, picturing yourself on campus, and getting a feel for the atmosphere. In my experience, taking advantage of these tips during my visit led me to be confident in my decision to attend Ohio State ATI. We cannot wait to see you here on campus to put these skills to the test! 

By Kimber Carney

The summer before your senior year of high school can be an exciting and busy time. It’s important to think about your future college career and prepare for your upcoming senior year. Here is some helpful advice to help you to prepare for your future:

Start Finalizing Your College List

Making a pro-and-con list for each college can help you decide if it’s a contender in your search. I found it helpful to make a list that includes all the things you want in a college. You can compare each college you research to your list of wants and ask questions if you go on tours of different campuses.

Make a Scholarship Spreadsheet

I found it helpful to make a spreadsheet for all my scholarship information. My spreadsheet included the names of scholarships that I applied for, scholarships I still needed to apply for, whether I received the scholarship, and whether I sent a thank-you card. I also added a feature that totaled all the money I received from scholarships, which helped me keep track of my finances and stay motivated to apply for more. Here is a downloadable version of the spreadsheet for your use.

Visit Campuses

Visiting each campus that you are curious about can help you get a better sense of the community on campus, and it can help you see whether you can picture yourself going to college there. You can see things like dorms and dining halls in person which can help you get a better idea of what you are looking for in a college. Make sure you bring questions for your tour guide even if it is not about the tour itself. You can ask about clubs, student life, and events as well as their opinions and experiences of living on campus. If you have extra time to explore the surrounding town, you can get an idea of what is available off campus.

Ask First-Year College Students What They Did

If you know any incoming first-years, ask them for tips on what they did during the summer before their senior year. They might have more ideas to help you set yourself up for success and create less stress for you during your senior year. That way you can enjoy your last year of high school. It also may be helpful to ask some of your teachers before you get out of school for some extra tips and advice.

I wish you the best in your senior year. Make sure you enjoy it. I hope you find this advice helpful. Embrace the oncoming growing opportunities and use this time to build successful habits and organizational skills. Do not be afraid to reach out for help. Good Luck and Go Bucks!