Hana Wagner: Why majoring in Animal Sciences with a Specialization in Biosciences was the best fit for me

Written By Hana Wagner

I grew up in the small town of Ashland, OH. Growing up, I would always see the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) commercials on TV, and I would beg my parents to donate. From just those small commercials is where I started to grow my passion for helping animals.  

It sounds cliché, but I have always loved animals, and I always had animals growing up. I begged my parents to take me to riding lessons at a local horse farm. I started to competitively show horses all around Ohio when I was in 8th grade, and from that experience I really wanted to know more about other species. So, my freshman year of high school I worked with horses at CB Performance Horses. Then, in my junior year of high school, I started working at Falling Star Farms, which is a local large dairy operation, because I wanted to broaden my knowledge of large food production animals. I absolutely loved working with dairy cattle, and from there I started to shadow veterinarians around my area.  

In high school, I was super lucky to have the option to go to a JVS (joint vocational school). I started to attend the Ashland County West-Holmes Career Center during my junior year of school in the Animal Veterinary Science program. In that program I got to work with all kinds of animals, like exotics, companion animals, small ruminants, and large animals. We even had surgery days where a veterinarian would come in to spay and neuter the humane society’s animals. Our county did not have a building for their humane society, so they used our school. As a high school student, I was taught basic animal handling and health skills that veterinary technicians learn in school. 

After high school I wanted to leave Ohio and explore. I moved to Murfreesboro, TN to attend Middle Tennessee State University and started working at an emergency vet clinic in my freshman year of undergrad. I saw so many animals who needed serious medical attention, and I gained so many important life skills during this time. After that I decided I needed a slight change, so I started working at a small animal general practice called Brogli Lane Weaver & Alexander Animal Hospital. This is where I knew that I belonged in this profession. I worked under some amazing doctors and colleagues, and everyone was supportive of me coming into the veterinary industry. I saw so many amazing patients and clients and I learned something new every single day.  

After a year of living in Tennessee and being away from family, there were some tough decisions to be made. So, I transitioned back up to Ohio as I knew there was a local school that could still offer a great education in large animals and small ruminants. I started to attend The Ohio State University ATI. While being here I have gained so much knowledge, experience and could not have been happier with my education and my decision to move back to the area. All these things I have listed have majorly impacted my decision to major in Animal Sciences/Biosciences. 

Lilly Wagner: The Best Part About Having Roommates

When I decided I wanted to come to Ohio State ATI, the scariest part for me was who I was going to be put into a room with. Well, let me be the first to tell you, roommates are fun and make the college experience so much better. I have lucked out with having roommates who have become some of my best friends these past two years. 

One of the perks of having a roommate is cooking dinner together. Here at ATI, we have full kitchens in the apartments, so we usually make most of our dinners at the apartment. Having other people to help cook and rotate meals is nice because it gives each individual a little break from having to cook everything. We also enjoy making meals and memories together while in the kitchen. A lot of our friends come over and we all eat dinner together. It makes meals fun and very entertaining.  

One of my favorite memories with my roommate is late night Fro-Yo runs. We both love frozen yogurt, and it has become a tradition that we go about once a week to get it. It is a nice break from schoolwork and is a great time getting out of the apartment. We have made so many memories throughout the year. 

Having roommates may seem scary because it is something new, but as a student who has had a roommate for the past two years, I have had an amazing experience. Roommates help enhance the college experience, and you make lots of memories together. 

Kelsie Mannasmith: On-Campus Jobs for ATI Students

On-Campus Jobs for Ohio State ATI Students

There are many reasons why students may want to find a campus job—whether they need the extra money, have a lot of time to spare, or even just want to get involved. Whatever your reason is, Ohio State ATI and the CFAES Wooster campus have many student employment opportunities available. While not all jobs on campus are included in this list, here are a variety of options. Read below to learn about some of these jobs and their responsibilities.

• Café Carmen and CFAES Café: The two dining locations at the CFAES Wooster campus are a very popular option for students seeking a job. Hayley Bankey, a second-year ATI student, says, “My experience from Café Carmen has been amazing. I have improved my people skills since I joined the team. Everyone on campus knows who I am, including professors, because of my job at the café.” Students pursuing this opportunity may be completing orders from GrubHub or preparing the kitchen for their shift.
• Admissions Student Ambassador: Student assistants in the ATI Admissions Office serve as the face of the college by giving tours, assisting with recruitment events, and answering phone calls from prospective students and their families. Bryce Bennett, a second-year student, says, “I love working in the admissions office because I get to meet all of the students who are interested in coming to ATI.” If you see the ambassador who led your tour, make sure to say hello!
• Library: Would you rather enjoy a quiet work environment? Students working in the library will help other students find the resources they need for classes. Chances are that you saw Kathy Yoder, the head librarian, during your campus visit, so don’t be shy!
• Resident Advisor and Housing Office Assistant: Although first-year students cannot serve as resident advisors, they can work in the ATI housing office as office assistants. Both roles will have responsibilities related to helping fellow classmates with issues they may have while living on campus. Skyelar Rock reflects on her experience as a resident advisor: “My experience as an RA was stressful but rewarding. There were some ups and downs, but that’s just part of the job. Had I not taken the position, I wouldn’t have met my best friend or gained such an amazing group of friends. My team and I learned to work under unusual circumstances, and I gained the knowledge to advocate for a positive resident experience and build myself as a leader.”
• CFAES Farms: Will you miss working on your farm at home or want experience on a farm? The various farms at the CFAES Wooster campus have many student jobs to choose from, including beef, equine, swine, poultry, dairy, small ruminant, and the land lab. Students working at the farms will be responsible for daily chores and caring for the animals, crops, or equipment.
• Research Assistant: Students who participate in research assistance work closely with a faculty member or researcher at CFAES Wooster. If you are looking for guidance in your future pathway, look for research opportunities in your area of interest!
• Landscape: Do you like working outside and want to add your own touch to CFAES Wooster? As an assistant in landscape, you can contribute to the campus and others can see your work! If you’re looking to gain valuable outdoor skills in a new or familiar area, this is the position for you!
• Learning Lab Tutor: Not only do students in this job get to help others succeed, but they also get the chance to earn some money while doing it! If you excel in your classes, make sure to explore this job option. Second-year student Jacob Stiltner chose this job to complement his agriscience education degree: “Working in the learning lab has been very beneficial for me on my road to becoming an agricultural educator. The various interactions I have with fellow students have helped reassure me that agricultural education is the field I want to go into!”

Many students can take advantage of the job opportunities on campus. These jobs are very flexible with students’ academic schedules, and they give students an opportunity to earn some money in between classes. As an admissions ambassador myself, I highly encourage others to apply for a job that interests them. You never know what networking opportunities may arise!

There are two types of student employment: Federal Work-Study employment and wage employment. For more details, visit https://ati.osu.edu/financial_resources/student-employment

https://ati.osu.edu/financial_resources/student-employment

Want to learn more? If you are interested in learning about more jobs or are ready to apply, visit this link: Workday – Ohio State’s HR Career System: Workday | Office of Technology and Digital Innovation (osu.edu)

1. Sign-in with your OSU credentials (# and password).
2. Navigate to the menu tab at the top left of the Workday homepage.
3. In the Applications section, click Career Application.
4. In the View Section, click either Search Students Jobs or Search Student Federal Work-Study Jobs.

*Make sure to select “Wooster Campus” under the “primary locations” section

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.  

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.

Alyssa Kiefer: College Survival Tips

College can be an exciting and transformative time in your life, but it can also be overwhelming and stressful. Between juggling classes, extracurricular activities, and social life, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with your responsibilities. However, with a little planning and organization, you can not only survive college, but thrive. Here are some tips to start considering before entering this exciting new chapter in your life:  

Scheduling: A key strategy in college is time management. During your time in college, you will find student groups or hobbies that pique your interest. This goes without mentioning: time for classes and homework has to take priority or precedence over hobbies. After a while, you might become overwhelmed by the amount of work that needs to be done. Buying a planner or creating a digital calendar can help you keep track of class schedules, study sessions, and, of course, the fun that comes after you hit the books. This will help you avoid cramming and last-minute assignments and allow you to keep your days in line!  

Attending class: Attendance is crucial for success in college. Although sleeping-in and daily naps are great, good grades and knowing what’s going on in class are great too. Attending class will help you stay engaged and focused on your coursework while also allowing you to receive materials and knowledge that is offered to you in class. Trust me, naps can wait.  

Organization: There are many ways to stay organized in college. Whether it’s using schedule planners or keeping a clean apartment, being organized will reduce stress and allow you to better focus on your studies. The benefits are endless when it comes to staying organized, and I promise it will help you when it comes to stressful weeks, such as finals week.  

Self-love: While at college, you are making advances and accomplishing huge milestones in your life. Give yourself some grace! Prioritizing your physical and mental health in college is essential to success. Doing simple things such as getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and exercising regularly will not only help your body, but also your mind.  

Involvement: Joining a campus organization or having a campus job can help you meet new people, develop new skills, and add some balance to your academic workload. However, be careful not to overcommit yourself. Choose a few activities that you’re passionate about and make sure you still have time for studying and self-care!  

Asking for help: College can be challenging, but remember that you don’t have to go through it alone. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from professors, advisors, and/or tutors if you’re struggling at any point. There are limitless opportunities for you at college. 

College is a time of growth and discovery, but it can easily push you to your limits. Coming from a college student, I can tell you that we all make mistakes, and it takes time to find what works best for you. It is important to stay true to yourself and your involvements. By incorporating new practices such as scheduling, organization, self-grace, and reaching out for help when needed, you can navigate the challenges of college and come out on top.  

Seth Richardson: How I Serve My Buckeye Community

On a night in October 2002, at the Pike Township Fire Department outside Springfield, OH, firefighters and dispatchers were waiting close by their radios. This wasn’t an emergency they were anticipating, though—rather, they were in preparation for some exciting news. Soon after, they finally received the message they had been eagerly waiting for over the dispatch radio. The Richardson Family, with more than four family members already serving in the fire department, welcomed a son to the family. The department gave a warm welcome over the radio and congratulated Mr. and Mrs. Richardson on their addition to the family. 

Since the day he was born, Seth Richardson has been a standout in the Pike Township “firehouse family.” With his dad serving in the department for 30+ years, mom serving for 10+ years, sister for 5+ years, and two uncles serving as captain and chief, Seth had a deep connection to the world of firefighting. Growing up, he says he was always playing around the firehouse and helping, from cleaning trucks and moving supplies, to riding shotgun during parades and joining as a cadet for 6 years. 

Seth, now a second-year Agriscience Education major at Ohio State ATI, has completed his Firefighter Level 1 training at the Wayne County Regional Training Facility in Apple Creek, right next to the Ohio State ATI beef facility. He started in February 2023, and has completed various trainings in structural fires, auto accident extraction, general hazmat, and CPR/first aid—all in addition to his college coursework. Now that he has received his certification, Seth plans to volunteer at the Wooster Township Fire Department upon returning to school in the fall, which serves OSU ATI’s Applewood Village and the surrounding community.

When asked why he stuck with it all these years, Seth said that he wanted to help his community in the way that he knew best. “I love it; it’s in my blood. It takes a certain kind of person to jump into a burning building with no hesitation.” 

Becca Staley: Things I Wish I Knew Before College

Transitioning from high school to college can be pretty nerve wracking. It feels like there are so many unknowns, and your head is spinning in so many different directions. You’re stuck between wanting to enjoy your last days of senior year, being burnt out and ready to move on, but also at the same time being excited and nervous to go to college. Or maybe you’re still holding on to the life you’ve always known, and not ready to leave it behind. Since experiencing that period of my life over the last year, I thought sharing a few tips on what got me through my first two semesters of college would be helpful to all of you.  

     Remembering that home isn’t too far away.  

Wow, this is a big one. To be completely transparent, this was one of the hardest things for me when first starting school. I felt like I was abandoning my hometown, my parents, my sisters, friends, even my cat! I was so nervous to be in an unfamiliar city, with unfamiliar faces, and it felt like I was completely alone. Now, don’t let that scare you, because it got so much better. Once I realized that my people were just a phone call away, I changed my mindset. I realized that being away for college was such a learning opportunity and a chance to be independent. I made friends that turned into family, and they became the best support system of all. Realizing that college was a learning curve for all of us, we pushed each other to be the best we can be while navigating a whole new lifestyle. So, while it’s okay to be nervous, remember that your loved ones aren’t as far away as they seem and it will all work itself out. 

     There are no study halls in college.  

Now, this one may seem like common sense, but I know I was thrown off when I figured out that I had to do things on my own time. All throughout high school, I really utilized my study halls so that I didn’t have to do my homework in my off time. I had two jobs and was involved in lots of extracurriculars. I didn’t want to have to spend my time at home working on school work when I had just spent eight hours of my day sitting in a classroom. Since transitioning to college, it’s actually more the opposite. I spend a lot more time outside of class being productive doing assignments than I actually do being lectured in a classroom setting. I actually prefer it this way because it gives me the opportunity to get ahead on assignments in my own time. That way I can spend more time with my friends and have fun! 

     You get out what you put in. 

This is probably the most valuable piece of advice I can give you. You truly get out of the experience what you put into it. What I mean in saying this, and to get right to the point, go do stuff! This may seem like a very broad and general statement, but it isn’t. It may be uncomfortable at first, but put yourself out there to make friends. Whether that means inviting someone from one of your classes to study, asking someone for advice or directions, or it can mean simply walking up to someone and introducing yourself. Now, the statement “you get out what you put in” also applies for academics. In college, it truly takes effort to achieve your educational and professional goals. It’s very easy to get overwhelmed and burnt out, but you always have to remind yourself why you chose to go to college and the great things you’ll get out of your education.  

I hope this advice proves to be helpful to you because you can get a little lost trying to navigate yourself in a new place. Remember that it’s okay to be nervous, but be excited too! College can be a great time if you put yourself out there and try new things. And, at the very end of the day, always have fun! 

Bryce Bennett, How FFA Influenced My Major

Growing up, I have always been deeply involved in agriculture. My family milked Jersey cattle through a large portion of my childhood, and because my family is so involved in agriculture, I spent the most influential years of my life being exposed to agriculture. Not only does my dad help on the family farm, he also serves as the ag teacher for my school – meaning that I grew up deeply involved in FFA. Some of my earliest memories are going out to the farm and going to SAE home visits.

With my early background and experience in FFA and agriculture, I was beyond excited to go into my 8^th grade year knowing that I could join our ag program. After I joined, I never looked back – competing at all levels of most competitions, from local to national levels and placing in all of them. I have had a very successful FFA career, allowing me to compete at Nationals for two different events: Poultry Evaluation CDE and Poultry Production Proficiency, where I placed in the top 4 for both. I also was extremely active in my FFA Chapter, serving as student advisor and land lab manager, as well as chapter president. After graduating high school and leaving FFA, I decided that I could not just leave it behind me, so I decided that I was going to pursue a career in it.

My life has led me down multiple paths, from growing up on a dairy farm to raising chickens and turkeys, both leading me to find FFA. Once I joined FFA, my paths went in even more directions, from going to State and National Conventions, to going to Leadership Nights and a trip to Atlanta, Georgia. Being part of FFA tied agriculture to my roots, and there is no way that I could leave such an influential and crucial part of my life behind. FFA has taken my life to new heights, and it helped me decide that I will pursue a career that will return the favor and hopefully take FFA to new heights.