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Playing Politics for Regional Campuses

| Buckeye Voices at Ohio State Newark

Zach Sparks stands at The Ohio State University at Newark smiling in front of McConnell HallZach Sparks, junior psychology major (attended Regional Campus Day at the Ohio Statehouse on February 12 with fellow student Jesse McAndrew and Ohio State Newark Dean/Director William L. MacDonald, PhD.)

Regional Campus Day at the Ohio Statehouse was the most stereotypical political experience you could imagine. Not the TV-soundbite, petty back-and-forth politics dominating the news cycle right now, mind you, but the real, honest-to-God political legwork that is constantly happening behind the scenes of every political decision being made.

We started the day going to a conference room with all the other students and deans to meet with Chancellor Randy Gardner. When we arrived, some of the other students were sharing their stories and explaining why regional campuses were important to them. We got to hear about the challenges of being a nontraditional student from a mom with three kids, a tale of being an involved and active student from a student government president, and the experience of being an immigrant from Europe coming to learn in the U.S. with hopes to become a citizen. These stories, along with the others we heard, each highlighted a different element to the regional campus experience, and it was amazing to be able to hear from so many other students from across Ohio. Afterward, the chancellor discussed why he cared about regional campuses and how much he appreciated us coming, and he wished us luck as we began our day of politicking.

After this meeting with all the day’s attendees, we all dispersed to begin meeting with our respective state senators and representatives. We were booked for four meetings throughout the day — two senators and two representatives — and each of these meetings followed the same pattern: We would show up at our registered time; the congressperson would actually be very busy and a staff person would meet with us instead; Jesse, Dr. MacDonald and I would all explain why we care about regional campuses; we would all thank each other, and we would leave. Simple as that.

I understand that this description of events could come off as simplistic or even a bit dismissive, but I want to strongly empathize that it isn’t meant to in any way: That’s just politics. Jesse, Dr. MacDonald and I each got to play the role of being a lobbyist for the interest of regional campuses that day, and we played the part well. Even if we were not there to take a stance on any specific legislation (something we were asked about in each office), each of those congressperson’s offices got to see three people that took the time out of their day to show up, tell their story and say “Hey, don’t forget about us.”

To me, even though I’m still pretty new to the political game, this is the most basic yet essential part of politics. We weren’t there to push any specific agenda or tell the congresspersons to vote this way or that; we were there to give a face to a very important demographic in this state. We showed up to remind the congresspeople that each of their decisions has a real impact on real people, whether that’s students who are supporting a family back home, immigrants just trying to start a life in this country or college drop-outs, like me, who need regional campuses to have a second chance.

Even though a lot of that day was spent sitting in an office waiting room or walking around lost in a 30-floor skyscraper, I’m very glad I got to be a part of it. My experience on this campus has dramatically changed my life and opened new opportunities for me, and I know many other students think the same way. Keeping regional campuses in the minds of our state legislators is so important for the success of those campuses, and I would gladly spend another day playing politics to make that happen.

Community Service: How being a helping hand enriched my Ohio State Newark experience

| Buckeye Voices at Ohio State Newark

Roman Lee, public affairs, 2021

Community service goes a long way and has a positive impact on the issues, people and community being served. I love volunteering because community service is one of my core guiding principles. The Ohio State University at Newark gave me the opportunity to not only learn and set myself up for my future career, but also to continue volunteering in both the campus and Newark community. I was a part of Habitat for Humanity Collegiate Challenge, Journey Campus Ministries, COTC Ambassadors and the Laurel Collegiate Society. I served as the student body president of Ohio State Newark and Central Ohio Technical College. In my opinion, service to others is very crucial today because society faces many social, economic, racial and political obstacles that strike a divide among people. I see taking time out of my busy schedule to give back as a way to not only give back to those in need, but also to establish a connection with someone who comes from a different walk of life.

I first learned the importance of service from my mother who taught me to live a selfless life. I’m also driven to help others due to the experiences I had as a child growing up on the west side of Cincinnati, Ohio, in an economically disadvantaged neighborhood in a single-parent household. Because of the actions of others to help us, my mother always taught us to lend a hand to those in need and to never ignore issues that may occur in our world. One memorable moment of selflessness and generosity was when my mother reached out to a homeless man who didn’t have enough money for a single banana at a grocery store despite our own struggles. My mother took a sandwich, pop and bag of chips from our groceries and gave it to the homeless man sitting outside the store in the cold. My mother later told us, “He needed it more than us. We may be struggling but there are some people out there with absolutely nothing. Never be selfish. If you can give, then you should give.” Her words and that simple act of kindness made an impact on me and how I decided to carry myself from then on. Because of her words, I started to help those in my community with cleanups or by doing lawn work for elderly neighbors who couldn’t. Doing service in the community was reinforced during my years at Elder High School. I’ve discovered that service is an action that can make a big difference in difficult situations. It can bring attention to critical issues that affect our communities.

When I came to Ohio State Newark, my experiences of community service drastically expanded. I joined the Habitat for Humanity Collegiate Challenge enabling me to go on two spring break trips to help build homes for those in need in Fort Smith, Arkansas and Monroe, North Carolina. Both trips taught me the importance of giving time to not only help one person but a whole family. I was able to help put a roof over a family’s head to provide a place for shelter, comfort and growth. I got to meet different people who have been affected by poverty or hard times in more ways than one. I also got the opportunity to build relationships with my peers who participated and those who oversaw the building of the homes. I learned why they do it and why the organization means so much to them. Habitat for Humanity Collegiate Challenge expanded my eagerness to help others in need. It also pushed me to challenge my peers to pay attention to issues that we face and to think of someone else when throwing away food or clothes that could be donated. Participation in community service expanded my knowledge of the world’s growing issues and inspired me to seek out more ways to aid communities. These experiences have helped me to decide what to focus on with my degree and what I can strive to accomplish every day. My college career and values as an individual are not complete without community service. Service to others helps build important characteristics within ourselves and makes a difference. My Ohio State Newark experience wouldn’t have been the same or complete without my involvement in community service.

Service to others will always be something that drives me to seek ways to fix issues that grip our communities. Ask yourself, ‘What am I doing for others? What could I do right now to help?’ There is no greater feeling than lending a hand to those in need and creating a positive connection with those around you.

6 Reasons to Choose The Ohio State University at Newark

| Buckeye Voices at Ohio State Newark

So you are thinking about being a Buckeye? Finding the best school to suit your educational goals and needs is a huge commitment. You have done the leg work and toured, researched and applied to a few or dozens of universities across the state and maybe even the country. Now that you’ve found yourself considering Ohio State, here are the top six reasons you should become a Buckeye!

  1. Get started in research even as a freshman

“I chose Ohio State Newark because we have the opportunity as undergrads to participate in real research. Not a lot of colleges allow students to conduct research early on. The first year I was able to participate in research studies, and now I am getting exposure to the process of doing my own research. I am doing all the paperwork and coming up with research ideas. Ohio State Newark has given me a gateway to be published as an undergrad and being a researcher.”

-Zachary Sparks, Psychology major, Class of 2021

  1. Broaden Your Horizons with Education Abroad

“Ohio State offers a wide array of study abroad opportunities that many college students do not. Studying abroad allowed me to learn about another culture and see the world with my fellow classmates. Through my study aboard experience to Liverpool, I made lasting memories and friendships.”

-Conner Moore, English major, Class of 2019

  1. You’re More Than Just a Face in the Crowd

“I knew from the beginning I wanted to attend a college with smaller class sizes. Ohio State Newark’s class sizes allowed me to actually be able to engage in class and get more out of the lectures. The class sizes allow us to do more discussions, and I get to talk and get to know my fellow classmates better. I am able to engage with my professor on a one-on-one basis and get the necessary hands-on help I need.”

-Megan Moody, English major, Class of 2021

  1. Build a Strong Foundation

“Ohio State Newark was the best college choice for me because of the campus environment. It had a very family friendly environment from students to staff; it shows that this is more than just a college campus. Personally, I didn’t choose this option to save money or due to grades but to get the best head start possible to my academic success. When the time came to transition to Columbus to complete my degree, there were many resources available to make the transition to Columbus as easy as possible.”

-Lawrence Clark III, Business major, Class of 2020

  1. Learn from World-Class Teaching Minds

“The faculty at Ohio State Newark led me to become an English major. Coming into college, I was undecided on what I wanted to do; it was through seeing the passion that my professors had for their respective fields that I felt inspired. The faculty provided me opportunities to explore fields from social media, marketing, business writing, and internships in the community. Without the faculty at Ohio State Newark, I would not be as prepared to adventure out into the work force because the faculty believed in my potential success to grow as a professional and person.”

-Lauren Toney, English major, Class of 2019

  1. Receive all the benefits of Ohio State – even football tickets

“Being a Buckeye fan and a sports fan in general, a good reason to choose Ohio State Newark is because you still have access to purchasing season tickets to football games! Not only can we purchase football tickets, but we can also buy tickets to any sporting event at an affordable price for pretty great seats.”

-Judson Lewis, Business major, Class of 2020

The Right Choice

| Buckeye Voices at Ohio State Newark

MacKenzie Webb, junior, business management

“Make good choices.” Those were the words my parents always hollered at me as I was dashing out the door to go on whatever adventure my friends and I had planned that day. For me, senior year of high school was when my parents gave me some control over the reins of my life and more freedom to make my own choices. The freedom was a head rush because for once, I was finally being treated like the adult I always wanted to be. The adrenaline rush of freedom came crashing down when the acceptance letters came in for my top two college choices. I remember wondering if I could make this huge life decision on my own. Ohio State Buckeye or Kentucky Wildcat? Who do you want to be? Will you make the right choice?

I bet you can guess what decision I made! I am so thankful I made the right choice for me by becoming an Ohio State Buckeye. Without The Ohio State University at Newark, I wouldn’t be half the student or individual I am today. The Newark campus was supposed to be a temporary home before I made the transition to Columbus. However, the campus, faculty and my fellow students made it too hard to leave, so I decided to extend my stay indefinitely.

Ohio State Newark has given me many opportunities to expand my skills and knowledge. After English 1110.01, Professor Shawna Green believed in my writing abilities enough to recommend me to take English 3467S to train to become a tutor at the Ohio State Newark Writer’s Studio. Through the Writer’s Studio, I have found a passion for helping students improve their writing skills. Getting to watch their confidence in their writing flourish is extremely satisfying to me. Working at the studio has given me the opportunity to meet like-minded individuals who have become friends for life. Through the Writer’s Studio, I also found the passion to continue developing my own writing which led me to pursue an unplanned minor in professional writing. The professional writing minor led me to an internship at the Office of Marketing and Public Relations on campus that has changed my writing abilities and solidified my choice to become a business major and a Buckeye!

One of the most important decisions in choosing a school is looking at the tuition cost. Even though it seems like an obvious factor to look at, many overlook the cost because they will take out student loans to cover it and won’t have to worry about paying it back until after they graduate. This was one of the biggest factors that sent me running the other direction from attending the University of Kentucky. While I loved everything the university had to offer, I could not justify spending thousands of dollars to receive a similar if not better education at Ohio State. It is not worth putting yourself into crippling debt when you have similar opportunities to get a great education.

Consider class sizes in your choice. Are you going to be comfortable asking questions in a room of one hundred people or more? Are you going to get the necessary attention from the professor you need to succeed? For me, smaller class sizes are a must. I am easily distracted by others and not the most outgoing when it comes to answering and asking questions. When I came to Ohio State Newark, I knew I would get the most out of my learning experience because I wouldn’t be anxious to go to class and participate.

While many students choose colleges far away from their families to experience their new freedom, it isn’t always easy to be away from them in a new place. Take the location of your school into consideration. For the past 18 years of your life, you have spent the majority of your time near family. They are oftentimes who you turn to when you need a boost of confidence or support. Remember to take into account how much you lean on your family. A school that is a couple of hours away will still give you the experience of being independent.

Making a decision is never easy regardless of how big or small it is. Choosing the right college is a big decision to make because it affects the rest of your life. While I was lucky enough to have made the right choice, many others make the college decision based on the sports team, the college parties, and how far it is away from their family. Oftentimes, they learn that college wasn’t the best fit, and they should have considered other factors when making their decisions. Make the right choice for your future by weighing your options and the factors that are actually important to you.

Life After Graduation

| Buckeye Voices at Ohio State Newark

Jessica Carrington

Ohio State Newark Alumna, English

First, congratulations! You are graduating college and that is no small step! Take a few moments to be proud of yourself and celebrate your accomplishments before worrying too much about the “real world”. This is something to be proud of. You’ve put in a lot of hard work to get to this day, and I’m proud of you for it.

Enjoy some free time if you have it. Do some traveling this summer, even just day trips around the area. Go somewhere new, do something outside of your routine, and learn something new! Learning experiences are everywhere, and a lot of them are free– take advantage of that.

One of the biggest tips I can give you is to network. Networking is vital, I know you’ve heard that a lot but honestly, it is incredibly important. I didn’t realize just how important it was until after I graduated. Stay in touch with your professors and mentors after graduation, they can put you into contact with people in your field. Look into volunteer and community service opportunities in the community–it’s a great way to do something productive and meet people to network with. You never know what sort of opportunities may fall into your lap, take advantage of those.

If you’re in search of a job post-graduation, apply for everything. If it is mildly interesting and you’re mostly qualified, apply. Your first job probably won’t be your dream job but apply for your dream job anyway. Write a new cover letter with each application and tweak your resume to be tailored towards each specific job. You will get rejections, you will get people who never contact you back, you will get interviews, and you will get a job. It takes time, but stay positive. Do practice interviews with your friends or even yourself. Research frequently asked interview questions and prepare answers to those in advance. Remember that you are on your own journey and it doesn’t have to match up to exactly what your friends and peers seem to be up to.

If you’re going to grad school, congrats! This is another huge step in life and I’m proud of you for being accepted and continuing to reach for your goals. Remember the study skills you’ve learned so far and the most effective ways you personally learn and apply those. Connect with people– peers, professors, mentors… network! Remember to take care of yourself, too. Sleep, eat, hydrate, go for a walk. You are your most important asset, so make sure you are taking care of you.

If you aren’t sure what your next step is, that is okay too! That’s where I was. That’s where a lot of people are. Take some time and do some soul-searching–figure out what you really want to do in life and what you’re passionate about, and start taking steps toward achieving those things. Don’t forget that as alumni you have access to various career services and career fairs, too. I’ve discovered that a lot of adults still don’t know “what they want to be when they grow up”, and that is perfectly okay. Stay positive.

Lastly, you are graduating from The Ohio State University, and that is nothing to scoff at. I’m proud of you. Lots of people are proud of you. Take a moment to be proud of yourself, and then go out there and tackle the world–in whatever way makes the most sense to you.

Kasey and Karaoke Update

| Buckeye Voices at Ohio State Newark

Guest Blogger

Kasey “Aaliyah” Jackson, Sophomore, Forensic Science Chemistry, COTC & Ohio State Newark

Hello again everyone, 

Last year my karaoke journey ended in Las Vegas as I placed 30th in America after I had placed 2nd in the Ohio Karaoke Championship which took me to Las Vegas. 

In Vegas, I did well but not well as I could’ve because I got sick and lost my voice two days before we left. I tried to press on anyway. 

Because of my hiccup for 1st place in the Ohio Karaoke Championship was a music arrangement error, I have decided to re-enter and I have gone through the proper lengths to purchase my own rights to the karaoke songs I have chosen this year so that I can practice and guarantee my practices and performances will be the same. 

This year the Karaoke World Championships have moved up so Karaoke Nationals has also moved up, which also means Ohio Karaoke Championships has moved up placing me in the first round of qualifying on April 3 at 9:30 p.m. Instead of having two songs this year for the first round they are only accepting one. The event will be held at Pastimes Crossroads, 121 E Campus View Blvd in Columbus. It is free and open to the public. If I qualify on April 3, the semi-final round will be held on April 24 and that will determine if I move on to the Ohio Karaoke Championship on July 12. I’m hoping for the best and I’m coming for that 1st place spot! I’d like to thank all the students and staff here at the college for all the support they’ve shown me throughout this journey. The best is yet to come!

New Experiences

| Buckeye Voices at Ohio State Newark

Sam Morgan, Biology

Imagine going into something brand new with no idea of what to expect and without someone you know by your side every step of the way. Think of how scary and terrifying it could be to be alone in a brand new world. For me, this was what walking into college was like. I knew no one and I had no idea what I was getting myself into. My family was over an hour away, and if I’m being honest I think I missed my animals most. This wasn’t going to be like high school. I knew that. Everything was a brand new start to my future.

Being accepted to The Ohio State University was exciting, yet terrifying. I knew that college would be different from high school. I expected it to be insanely hard and full of parties, due to the way the media portrays college. However, when I arrived on move-in day, I knew this would be something far different from what television or movies had told me. I would sum up my first week in one word: scary. I had to share my room and get used to going all the way down the hall just to use the bathroom. I had many doubts and I felt there was no way I would be able to keep up with everything. I was worried I wouldn’t have friends, be involved, or be able to get a good G.P.A.

The first week of classes had me running all over the place. These classes were longer than any class in high school and that made paying attention a little difficult. Since I didn’t know anyone, I had no one to sit by which made me feel weird, like an outsider. I had no idea what was normal in college, so I spent a lot of time in my room that first week. At home, my room was always the place I would go to if I wanted to be alone or if I needed comfort. Now, I wouldn’t be alone in my room and that was weird. On the first day of move-in, my roommate and I went to get Chinese food. That’s when I saw someone I met at orientation! We invited him to eat with us but he had to go meet his roommate. After we ate, I was determined to find him so that I would have at least one other person I knew. I went to the third floor where he said he lived and I made my best guess at which room was his. Knocking on that door has changed my college experience for the better. His roommate answered and I asked if someone who fit the description of who I met at orientation lived there. Lucky for me there was. My roommate and I spent time that night talking to and getting to know them. As time went on we became great friends and that’s when I knew college wouldn’t be as scary as I thought. I realized that I wasn’t alone in this because they knew as little about college as I did. We all hung out every chance we got. We spent many nights in the amphitheater on campus just looking at the stars or by the fountains talking about our days or venting about our problems. We got to know each other very well, very quickly. We each brought new friends into our little group and soon it wasn’t so little. The friends I have made here are truly who have gotten me this far. They have helped me study, made me laugh, helped me through tough times and even let me drag them to ice skating. They are more than friends to me. I consider them family.

Through the Buckeye Generation Learning Community (BGLC), I soon got to know many other people on campus and I gained the confidence to introduce myself to more of them! I ended the semester on the dean’s list and that was more than I could have ever wanted. After my first semester went so well, I decided to try to get involved in things during my second one. I now volunteer with third graders in a program called Diversity through Artistry. Those kids have made me so happy and I have learned so much from them.

Overall, I like how my brand new start has begun. The beginning was scary. I was alone and I didn’t think that would change, but as the year moved forward, I made friends, passed all of my classes and I believe I did the best I could. Second semester is looking just as bright as the first. I am so grateful for every opportunity and for the BGLC. I intend on continuing to volunteer for different things because it makes me happy. Some people say that high school is the best four years of your life, but I disagree because college has already been so much more fun and informative about everything. I’m glad I applied to and chose Ohio State because my life has truly changed forever for the better.

More about Sam

My major is biology because I want to go into the medical field and work with children as a pediatrician, but I’m considering changing it to become an elementary school teacher. Either way, I love working with kids and helping them become better versions of themselves. I graduated from Hilliard Bradley high school.

Misconceptions

| Buckeye Voices at Ohio State Newark

Emily Simila, first-year, psychology

When people think of Newark, Ohio, the thought of a city like Los Angeles or Chicago doesn’t exactly come to mind. Why is that? One tends to believe what they hear, and not what they observe for themselves. Therefore, when I give campus tours, the number one statement that I hear is how happily surprised people are with the size of the campus and the endless activities that we offer. However, let’s get real here. The general population thinks that regional campuses won’t have that “homey” feel or the fun social activities for students. Ohio State Newark proudly breaks that stereotype.

You may be asking, “What activities are you talking about?” The gym, Adena Hall, is the peanut butter to my jelly. When I give tours, the gym gets the crowd excited, as if they are seeing one for the first time. With the renovation of 10,000 square feet, Adena Hall now has a separate room that has a pull-down projector screen that allows you to put on any guided workout videos. With basketball, dodgeball, laser tag, volleyball tournaments and much more offered, Adena Hall is extremely hard to miss. The Warner Center is one of the top attractions. With a ping-pong table, foosball, pool tables and endless food, how could you go wrong? Lastly, when Ohio weather chooses to come through and cooperate, sand volleyball is the name of the game. Because Ohio State Newark is a smaller campus, a majority of students get the memo about certain activities; therefore, it is much easier to make friends.

Our Office of Student Life here pulls through like no other. The office sends out notices of MANY different and fun activities (and I am not just using the word “fun” for the heck of it)! Every week multiple events gather students in for a night they will happily look back on. Karaoke night, comedy shows, trivia, movie nights and adventurous games like “Murder in the Dark” and “Hungry Hippos”. Yes, we are in college, but we know how to put a smile on people’s faces.

At Ohio State Newark, it is our goal to make students here feel like a huge family. That is why community dinners are occasionally offered, free of charge. Pancake night was the top attraction so far this year! However, if you are an adventurous soul, Ohio State Newark can still supply you with all of your needs. Along the outside premises of our campus is a trail that travels several miles long, with beautiful views of nature. This is a common attraction for students that like to longboard, bike, run, roller-skate and so on. In addition, Newark has several parks, and one is located right off of the trail, behind McConnell Hall. One of the best activities to do in Newark is to rent a canoe at our local Infirmary Mound Park! Lastly, Dawes Arboretum is a nearby attraction that literally catches people’s eye.

You may be thinking “Emily, what if I want to do more stuff off of campus?” Well, if you are looking for a fun night off campus, right across from our residence halls is an ice skating rink. On Friday nights, many students go to this rink and have the time of their life. A bowling alley, roller skating arena and movie theatres are all around our campus too! Additionally, about two miles away from campus sits a street that will become your best friend; North 21 street. There is a Roosters, Panda Express, coffee shops and more. Additionally, just nearly 5-10 minutes away from Ohio State Newark, is a golf course, a spa, a country club, fitness centers, a theatre and more fun activities!

I can assure you that if you seek out these attractions and attend the activities provided by student life Ohio State Newark will be the place that you call your new home. I look forward to seeing you all next year!

More about Emily:

I am a freshmen here at Ohio State Newark, and I am also a buckeye guide on campus. I went to high school at Upper Arlington (go bears), and I am very interested in becoming a sport psychologist, therefore my major is psychology. I have always wanted to be a buckeye and have the privilege to say that I go to Ohio State University.

A Fresh Start

| Buckeye Voices at Ohio State Newark

Bryce Mortera, first-year, pharmaceutical sciences

January 8th, 2018, January 1st, 2018, and August 22nd, 2017. All of these dates may appear arbitrarily related to one another, but they are not. Each of these days signifies to me and to many other students something important: the start of something new. These days are the start of college, the start of a new year and the beginning of the new semester. Beginning a new experience is a unique time for many; having a clean slate offers so many possibilities that can allow individuals to grow and strive to achieve new goals for themselves.

Starting Right

One of the most important things to starting fresh is starting right. Although that might be an obvious statement, it is not always easy to do. I know this first hand. During my senior year of high school, I entered it with the mindset that “Senior year will be a time for easy and fun classes, along with some cringy senior quotes.” Although my senior year was far from that, that made for a good transition quote. College, as many new students will find out, is a place where you are in total control over what you do, and I do not mean that in the causal sense. As a first-year student, the number of responsibilities including complete control over your classes, maintaining contact to build strong relationships with faculty, attending your lectures and labs and much more fall on you. Such responsibilities may overwhelm some. Make it of the highest importance to organize yourself from day one.

Organization

As my second semester just started a little over a week ago, I had realized from last semester that I needed to be optimistic about the spring semester and the new opportunities that are ahead. This is one of the easiest parts of making a new semester and college in general as successful as possible. Besides maintaining optimism throughout this new experience, laying out goals and making a plan are also both highly advantageous for many. Knowing what you want to achieve for this specific time period is the first part of making a plan, followed by actually developing a way to finish those goals, whether it is through using a calendar system or just writing down the steps to complete your objectives. The third and final step that I would recommend to help stay organized is to be prepared to modify. Flexibility is the key to making any task or job work; so, be open and able to make sudden shifts to your original plan and or goal(s).

New Year, New You

Hearing the phrase “New year, New you” is a common occurrence around this time of year, but actually becoming “new” is a matter of determination and how well prepared you are to actually succeed in change. As I have said, starting fresh in college and in general provides everyone with the opportunity to become the best they can be. Here at Ohio State Newark, it applies just the same. Striving to become a well-rounded student in and out of the classroom is well within reach of all incoming and present students. Following your goals, staying optimistic, and passionate about those goals through developing and modifying a plan can lead everyone to succeed in a Fresh Start.

More about Bryce Mortera

I’m a Buckeye Guide here at Ohio State Newark! I’m currently working towards a degree in pharmacy with a minor in marketing or financing with plans to open a business in addition to working in a hospital pharmacy. Some of my hobbies/things I follow: Science news (especially chemistry!), markets/politics, and I enjoy volunteering with friends and family. My hometown is Mount Vernon, Ohio (which is about 40 minutes north of Newark); I graduated from Mount Vernon High School.

Kasey and Karaoke

| Buckeye Voices at Ohio State Newark

Guest Blogger

Kasey “Aaliyah” Jackson, Sophomore, Forensic Science Chemistry, COTC & Ohio State Newark

My singing history is very long, so I’m just going to touch on my recent success. About a year ago I auditioned for Ohio State Newark’s Got Talent where I placed second. After that performance, fellow students Elizabeth Beatty, Melissa Tobin and Hunter Spittler and Assistant Director for Student Life Justin Khol told me about Karaoke Night, so I started to going. I don’t think I’ve missed a karaoke night since.

This past spring the karaoke night event holders Tim and Vickie Craft asked me if I wanted to compete in karaoke. I told them I usually go home for the summer and that I wouldn’t be back until school started again. They said they would take my information and contact me when it was starting up. I came back and I went to the qualifying round, where I qualified and was the female winner for the first round. We were supposed to have a semi-final round but that round was eliminated and I immediately became a finalist. Finals were held at Woody’s Pub and Grill in Buckeye Lake, Ohio. We went two rounds; my first song was ‘Georgia On My Mind’ and my second was ‘And I am Telling You’ by Jennifer Hudson. The second was a little difficult because the arrangement was slightly different than what I had been practicing so I got stuck in the beginning of the song and the judges penalized me for it. I ended up getting second place still qualifying for Vegas; but only the first place winner had their fares paid. A very generous anonymous giver believed in me so much they offered to pay for me and my boyfriend’s way to Las Vegas so I could compete.

In Las Vegas, I will be representing the State of Ohio and in competition to win a prize of $1000 and a chance to represent the USA in Helsinki, Finland.

Las Vegas Karaoke Competition Schedule

ROUND 1 is Thursday September 28, and Friday September 29th.

I will compete Thursday between 10 am and noon.

I will compete Friday between 7:30 pm and 10:30pm.

ROUND 2 is Saturday September 30th if I make it.

I’m so honored to even be considered in this event and on this type of platform. I’m hoping to win, but if I don’t I am very happy to have had this opportunity to represent my state and schools.

After this competition is over I’m looking forward to finishing my education strong and seeking more venues to perform at. I want to thank those who have pushed and believed in me. Thank you to Justin Khol and Vorley Taylor for always making a way for me to perform. Thank You to my voice coach Perry Meyer. You are the reason I am going to Vegas, without you this would be impossible. Thank you to Vickie and Tim Craft for having so much faith in me from the beginning. Thank you to my entire family and all my friends. I appreciate EVERYONE!!!

My performances can be found on my facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/aaliyah.jackson