Emily Hankinson, Senior English Major
After four years, I can definitely say The Ohio State University at Newark has had a major impact on my life. I never thought I’d be able to complete my degree, one of my minors, study abroad and have so many opportunities all at one campus that’s so close to home.
The average class size is twenty-five students and has several advantages. With a smaller class, professors are able to get to know their students and students get to know each other. Professors are willing to write recommendation letters for me and help me with research. I’m working with Dr. Robert Hughes on my thesis because of the classes I’ve taken with him in the past. For my thesis, I’m analyzing Suzanne Collins’ young adult novel The Hunger Games with a closer look at violence, how it’s portrayed throughout the novel and how characters and readers react to violence. Dr. Hughes always has a new perspective for me to consider and helps me organize my arguments clearly and build a strong argument. He is willing to let me explore my own insights of the novel while providing his own advice for a more in-depth analysis. My professors were also a big asset when applying to graduate school because they were willing to give me feedback on my application essays along with writing recommendation letters. I knew I could count on their letters because they knew what kind of student I was.
Professors also routinely ask students to help them conduct groundbreaking research. If you have an interest in doing research, ask around and find a professor with similar interests. If your professor asks for participants in research do it. Be sure to enter your research in the Undergraduate Research Forum. If you need help during any part of the process, the research librarians in Warner Library are happy to help.
The library is just the beginning of the resources available to ensure your future success. Student tutors are available for many subjects upon request. For additional Math or English help, the Math Learning Center and the Writer’s Studio are available for scheduled and walk-in appointments. Utilize them, because tutoring is included in your tuition dollars.
Paying that college tuition can cause a strain on finances. With scholarships, that financial burden can be lessened. Ohio State Newark offers over $700,000 in scholarships through the university. Many external scholarships are accepted at Ohio State Newark and some external scholarship applications are available on their website. Because I am so close to home, I decided not to live on campus. This is a huge money saver for me, because I don’t have to pay for room and board but I still have access to all the activities and resources on campus.
As an Ohio State Newark student, you can take part in a variety of student events and have access to a number of resources on campus. Weekly emails update you on activities happening through the campus like movie and karaoke nights, free ice skating or bowling, board game and Bingo days, and sports tournaments. The state-of-the-art Adena Recreation Center is now open to students, faculty and staff with a COTC ID or BuckID for free. Information about intramural sports is posted in the recreation center. Visit the Office of Student Life to find out about volunteer opportunities or even how to become certified in suicide-prevention (REACH Training).
Beyond activities and athletics, Ohio State Newark also offers career and internship opportunities through the Center for Student Success and Office of Student Life. The Office of Career Development and Experiential Learning Services provides individual career planning and consultation, including providing major information, for students and alumni of Ohio State Newark. The annual Career Fair allows students to meet and network with potential employers. A limited number of on-campus jobs are available and select classes involve an internship component where you get class credit for completing an internship.
The most exciting experiences I’ve had at Ohio State Newark have been education abroad classes. They include regular class meetings followed by travel to conduct research and experience the culture of a new place. Ohio State Newark is dedicated to keeping education abroad affordable by subsidizing costs and offering scholarships specifically for education abroad classes. You receive class credit as long as you pass the class and the education abroad component. In August 2015, I went to Costa Rica to study the culture, flora and fauna of Central America. I had a once in a lifetime opportunity to watch green sea turtles nesting, swim under a volcano, and boat along rivers looking at the incredible wildlife. I went zip-lining, white water rafting, kayaking and snorkeling, where dolphins swam alongside our boat and whales breached nearby. The trip expanded my Spanish language abilities, giving me the opportunity to speak to tour guides in their native tongue. I was able to experience a whole new culture and see what we’d learned in the classroom come to life. The Office of International Affairs plans and books your trip dates, transportation and accommodations.
After all my experiences, classes, work and time spent on campus, I found a great group of friends that I really enjoy spending time with. By working in the Writer’s Studio, talking to my classmates before class starts and making an effort to get to know people, I have a group of people I am be comfortable around. I know I’ll be able to count on my classmates and professors to help me grow. Through them, I have a firm foundation of where I want my life to go and what kind of impact I want to leave on the world.
I’m not just getting a degree from The Ohio State University. I’m leaving with a sense of home, acceptance and understanding. None of this would have been possible if not for the incredible opportunities offered here and the renowned faculty and staff that guided me throughout my education experience. Even though I’m attending Kent State University to pursue a Master’s in Library and Information Science, I will always carry Buckeye pride with me.
Emily Hankinson is a senior at Ohio State Newark majoring in English and minoring in both Spanish and professional writing. She works on campus in the Writer’s Studio and off campus in a local library. She plans to pursue a master’s degree in library and information sciences after graduating in May. In her free time, she likes to read young adult novels; travel; and spend time with her friends, family and two cats: Tigger and Sadie.