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

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.

The Right Choice

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.

Kasey and Karaoke Update

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!

Kasey and Karaoke

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

Meet Beth

My name is Beth Beatty.

I went to a smaller high school in south eastern Ohio where I graduated with about 150 people, so I knew large classes were not for me. Knowing that I wanted smaller class sizes helped me decide on going to The Ohio State University’s Newark campus. I went to Newark full time for two years before I became a dual-enrolled student. Now I am a fourth year dual-enrolled student both on the Newark and Columbus campuses. I am majoring in health sciences with a minor in clinical and individual differences with the goal of becoming a pediatric occupational therapist. I begin applying for grad school this summer, and of course Ohio State is at the top of my list. I spend every home game in the ‘Shoe watching the best football team! When I’m not in class, I’m most likely in the Warner Center either downstairs with my friends or upstairs in The Office of Student Life. Last year I started two different jobs within Student Life: I work at the front desk along with being a student assistant for student activities.

When I first started classes at the Newark campus I’m sure I felt the same way as most of you do now… I was ready to pack up my things and move right on to Columbus. I was convinced that Newark was going to be a boring campus. I was sure that I wasn’t going to make any friends nor have anywhere near the college experience as my friends in Columbus. My entire experience was flipped once I became involved on campus, I joined my first club as the secretary of Student Government. A few weeks later the next opportunity came for me to really enjoy my time on campus. The Campus Activities Board was starting back up and they needed someone to take the media position. In my following years on campus I became the President for Student Government, became active in Active Minds, went on the Habitat for Humanity spring break trip twice, created my own student organization Naps Against Poverty, and stayed active with Campus Activities Board. After that, I was permanently attached to this campus. I have been given even more opportunities to grow and meet new people in the past four years.

As my senior year quickly approaches I have realized how much this campus has made a positive and lasting impact on my life. I cannot say if it’s the faculty and staff, the opportunities I have been given or the fact that everywhere I am on campus someone knows who I am. I can for sure say that I am anything but ready to graduate and leave this wonderful campus community where I have been shown what it means to be a Buckeye.

Adventures in Cuba

Josh Flickinger, sophomore

In late May, a group of 22 Ohio State students had the opportunity to travel to Cuba. I was one of those students. Some of us were from the Newark campus, and some were from the Columbus campus. We were there to learn about race in Cuba and how its perception has changed over history, but the experience ended up being something much more than just another class for many of us.

For ten of the eleven days, we stayed in Havana. The homestays there are called Casas. We were split between three of them. A faculty member stayed with each group. Ferdinand Avila-Medina, the learning skills specialist at Newark, stayed with my group in Casahabana. Dr. Alcira Dueñas, a history professor at Newark, lived with another group just a few blocks from us on the same street. Dr. Tiyi Morris, our professor for the class, stayed a bit farther away with the rest of our classmates in Matilda’s Casa. Each morning we would wake up to a breakfast of fresh fruit and juice, strong Cuban coffee, warm bread and butter and eggs served by Casahabana staff. Then we would meet our bus and go to the morning’s educational activity. There were two each day, one before and one after lunch. We were free between the afternoon activity and dinner. My housemates and I usually used that time to write the reflections required every day by the course. After dinner, we were allowed to explore Havana until curfew at 12:30.

The course was focused on race and Afrocuban culture. Most of our activities pertained to how they manifested in Cuban culture in general. We went to museums on the slave trade and Afrocuban religions. We attended workshops where we got to dance, make art and to build our teamwork skills. We watched performances of dances, visited historical sites and met with religious leaders. We talked to world-renowned professors and journalists about racism, opportunity, history and education. It was a lot to take in, especially in such a small amount of time, but being there in person allowed us to actually experience the things we had been learning about in class. They became memories for each of us instead of just words on a page.

Of all the official activities we did, my favorite was our visit to the Los Positos neighborhood midway through the trip. It was a sweltering hot day, and we met with a professor who led us on a hike through an underdeveloped and impoverished part of town. We started walking down a crumbling alleyway which soon turned into a dirt track that snaked down a long hill into an overgrown river valley filled with shacks. The dwellings in Los Positos seemed to be built out of whatever materials could be found, and they were jammed together along the sides of dirt paths since there were almost no roads through the slum. There was garbage everywhere, piled up on the hillsides, lining the streets, and floating down the creeks and water that flowed through some of the tiny alleys. Waste management services were not in place in the area, so where else was it supposed to go? The people there had come to Havana for many different reasons. Some had fallen on hard times, some had emigrated from the rural countryside looking for opportunity in the city, but most had grown up without many social resources, and they were stuck. All of us who went on the hike were sweating and worn out by the end. To be honest, it was one of the most uncomfortable days of the trip. The people who lived there couldn’t just leave when they were tired of the conditions. There were state and university programs at work trying to provide resources. We even met with an Abakua religious leader who worked in the community. Despite first appearances, there were many people at work trying to help those living in Los Positos, but that afternoon served as a stark reminder that despite its beauty, Cuba is a society that has problems to address, much like any other.

Not all of our activities were academic, but that doesn’t mean we didn’t learn from them. We had the opportunity to explore Old Havana, the historical part of the city that had most of the beautiful plazas and buildings. There were lots of tourists, but many of the people who filled the streets were Cubans going about their everyday business. We got to tour most of the historic squares and see some of the important statues and buildings. We walked around in groups, looking through the shops and exploring. For the most part, the Cubans didn’t speak much English. I didn’t speak much Spanish, and only a few of the students did. It made trying to figure out prices for taxis or souvenirs interesting, but by the end of the trip we picked up a few words and phrases. The Cuban people were generally forgiving of it though, and they seemed to be excited to meet Americans and practice their English. For us students, being somewhat independent in an environment that was so different from our usual lives gave us a chance to solve problems we had never faced before, and to try to see things from points of view that we never would have considered otherwise. To understand why Cubans did things certain ways – such as charging for using the restroom, congregating on street corners to use the Wi-Fi, or walking most places instead of driving – we had to think about what it would be like to live in a society outside of the United States, while experiencing it for ourselves.

We did have one free day during the trip. On Friday, we took a two-hour bus ride to Varadero in the Matanzas province. It was a beautiful drive. A few of us even noticed the sights in between naps. The Cuban countryside has everything from mountains, hills and valleys covered in tropical forests to vast empty fields used for agriculture. Varadero is a resort town, and the beaches there are considered some of the best in the world. When we arrived, we spent the day in and around the ocean after we checked in to the hotels. I was too sunburnt to do much more than loaf around in pain by the end of the day, but a few other students and I got to watch a live band cover 80s. Some others went to a nightclub nearby that the locals said had the best dancing. There was dancing almost everywhere in Cuba though. Everyone I met could dance, and almost all of them could dance better than most Americans I know.

At the end of the trip, we all had to write reflection papers that incorporated what we learned from the experience. For me, that was one of the most difficult papers to write because there was so much. The class showed us a side of Cuba that we hadn’t looked at before, and put what we already knew into historical context. The academic activities done while we were in the country cemented what we learned in class, and let us experience firsthand everything we were reading about. But the trip was more than that, it let us live with Cubans. We saw them go about their daily lives, we took part in those lives, and we picked up on social cues that we didn’t even know we were getting. And that’s why travelling to another country is such an amazing experience. There are some things that can’t truly be explained with words.

What’s Next

Emily Hankinson, Former English Major

After four years of hard work, I am finally a graduate of The Ohio State University. On May 7, Ohio State awarded 11,734 degrees. I am part of the biggest graduating class of Ohio State thus far and am joining an alumni association of more than 550,000 members. Standing in the Shoe surrounded by thousands of my closest friends singing Carmen Ohio made me realize that no matter where I go in life, Ohio State will always be my home.

During my last semester at Ohio State Newark, I achieved all my goals. I successfully completed a thesis on the interpretation and representation of violence in Suzanne Collins’ novel The Hunger Games and received research distinction in English. I finished my English major, professional writing minor and Spanish minor and graduated summa cum laude. I wrote my last papers as an undergraduate and met Cardale Jones at commencement. I walked down onto the football field, got my diploma, celebrated with friends and family, and knew that I had accomplished something huge.

With Cardale Jones
In the Shoe

Starting in August, I will take classes through Kent State University to pursue a master’s degree in library and information science. My focus is on academic librarianship and I plan to work in a university library. I will be working as a graduate assistant for the next year doing research, writing and helping with outreach programs. I’m excited to start work in a field more closely related to the career I want to pursue and to collaborate with professionals. Until then, I’ll be working in the Alexandria Public Library helping with the children’s summer reading program.

Life after Ohio State will be a big change. Even through the endless hours of studying, Ohio State is one of the best decisions I made. I want to thank the professors who challenged me, the friends who encouraged me, and the family who supported me. I’m ready to start the next chapter of my education with Kent State and look forward to starting a career where I can use my experience from Ohio State and Kent State.

 

Emily Hankinson was a student at Ohio State Newark majoring in English and minoring in both Spanish and professional writing. She worked 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.

Why to Love Ohio State Newark

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.

Spring Break in Berlin

Emily Hankinson, Senior English Major

Traveling 4,000 miles from home on an education abroad trip is not something I would have considered when I first started my life as a Buckeye at The Ohio State University at Newark. Now it’s at the top of my recommendation list.

I spent spring break walking through history as I toured Berlin, Germany. For the in-class component of this education abroad, I’m working with a partner researching German architecture and how the city and surrounded towns were affected by the World Wars.

Alex Kirarly and I took day trips to Potsdam and Quedlinburg as part of our research. Potsdam Park is home to the Sanssoucci and New Palace (Neues Palais) of Fredrick the Great, King of Prussia from 1740-1786. We toured the inside of both buildings and gaped at the towering ceilings and endless marble halls. Quedlinburg, a town just north of the Harz mountains, is a three-hour train ride from Berlin. We managed to travel to and explore these towns on our own, with no German language other than basic greetings.

As a class, we took a walking tour of Berlin where we saw Hitler’s Bunker, cathedrals, the Brandenburg Gate, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, the TV tower, the Konzerthaus Berlin and Bebelplatz, the site of one of the Nazi book burning ceremonies where students from Humboldt University and others gathered to listen to Propaganda Minister Joseph Goebbels.

We toured the Reichstag, the seat of the German Parliament as well the Stasi Museum and Berlin-Hohenschönhausen Memorial, the Berliner Untervelten (Berlin Underground), and the Berlin Wall. I especially enjoyed the Berlin Underground, Stasi prison, and the Berlin Wall because of our studies before the trip. The underground consisted of air raid bunkers and the conditions people had to survive during bombings. The Berlin-Hohenschönhausen Memorial is a museum that was formerly a prison for the East German Communist Ministry of State Security, or the Stasi. During this tour, we saw firsthand the conditions of prisoners and the excruciating physical and psychological pain they endured during their years in prison.

In our free time, some of us went to a cabaret-like performance, similar to those we’d studied in class and visited the Olmpiastadion where Jesse Owens, track star and student at The Ohio State University, made history in 1936 by winning four gold medals while Adolf Hitler proclaimed the superiority of the Aryan race. We sampled German chocolate from local shops in the city and snacked on döner kebabs while we walked. A group of us hiked up Teufelsberg, a man-made hill with rubble and the incomplete Nazi military-technical college (Wehrtechnishe Fakultät) buried underneath. Today, people gather on the top for picnics and the great view of the city below. Most of us went to Sachsenhausen concentration camp in Oranienburg, an especially powerful site. We walked the same paths of former prisoners and stood where thousands were executed or forced to enter a gas chamber.

There are some notable differences between the United States and Berlin, Germany. Most obviously is the language barrier, but don’t let this keep you from going. I didn’t know a single word of German before the trip and still managed to maneuver my way to and around two cities outside of Berlin. Many people speak enough English to understand simple questions and you will inevitably learn a little bit while abroad.

The transit system is another major difference. You’re used to getting in your car and driving somewhere, but in Berlin people jump on the tram or walk. The city has a series of trams, both under and above ground, and it can be intimidating at first, but you quickly pick up on the major stops and which trams to get on. Don’t worry about not being able to find anything to eat. I found out quickly the Germans love Italian food. Our first group meal was at an Italian restaurant and we went to at least two other Italian restaurants on our own. There is also vegetarian and vegan food, so if you know how to handle your dietary restrictions you won’t have a problem.

The friends I made on this trip are ones I will cherish forever. We conquered a city together. We experienced history, learned about a new culture and had the chance to explore a new place. I am grateful to Stephanie Brown, Ph.D., and Stephen Evans for taking us on this life changing trip.

Check out @OhioStateNewark on Instagram for more photos from Berlin.

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.

Finding Fun in Newark and Licking County

Blackhand Gorge

Emily Hankinson, Senior English Major

At first glance, Newark, Ohio and the Licking County area may not appear to offer much. However, there’s much more beneath the surface, you just have to look. With nature preserves, museums, antique shops and entertainment such as bowling, theatre performances and unique restaurants, there’s something that everyone can enjoy. The Ohio State University at Newark and Central Ohio Technical College are right in the middle of it all.

If you’re feeling like an outdoor adventure, check out Blackhand Gorge. It’s one of Ohio’s State Nature Preserves offering beautiful trails and scenery, and it’s the perfect place for an afternoon of friends and fun or peace and relaxation. Take in some of the outdoor history at the Newark Earthworks sites. Visit the Great Circle Earthworks, the Octagon Earthworks or the Wright Earthworks to learn more about the Hopewell tribe that called this area home approximately 2,000 years ago. Also, explore Dawes Arboretum and participate in the nature-related events they have to offer. Don’t forget about the number of golf courses, including miniature, that can be found around campus.

If you prefer the indoors, visit some of the museums, local shops and restaurants. The Works has local history, hands-on activities and classes in glassblowing. Around downtown Newark’s courthouse square, you can find local shops including antique, candy, boutiques and the National Heisey Glass Museum.  Stop for lunch at one of the unique restaurants like Barrel & Boar, The Draft House, or Park Place Bistro. Got a sweet tooth? Try Goumas Candyland or Sweet “23” for hand dipped candies, cupcakes, cream puffs and more. In the winter, the courthouse square lights up in a festive display of lights and decorations complete with a horse drawn carriage.

Downtown Newark is also the home of the Canal Market District, the site of farmer’s markets and arts and craft markets that are open from May through October. Make sure that you try some of the delicious ice cream Licking County has to offer after strolling through the markets. Four states have Whit’s Frozen Custard, but Granville, Ohio is home to the original restaurant. The Dairy Isle has soft serve ice cream and serves burgers, fries and corn dogs. Ye Olde Mill in Utica, Ohio is only a 20-minute drive from campus and is home to the production of Velvet Ice Cream. See how it’s made, take a nature walk, make a wish in the historic mill and have dessert in the Wheel Room Restaurant.

Fun nights with friends don’t have to get repetitive. Change things up and go to the Lou & Gib Reese Ice Arena. Skate for fun during a public skate event or attend a figure skating or hockey session. Get a group together for a game of broomball and then head to Rooster’s with a $2 off coupon to grab a bite to eat. Park Lanes Bowling Center offers weekly events and specials such as glow bowling, holiday celebrations and family and friends events. Both the Ice Arena and Park Lanes have teamed up with Student Life and occasionally offer free skating and bowling to students and two guests, so keep an eye on student activity events.

If you’re looking for a watery escape, try the Cherry Valley Lodge’s CoCo Key Water Resort. At a constant 84 degrees and measuring 50,000-square-feet, this aquatic playground is great for a day off with friends. Check for coupons before you head out and show them you liked their Facebook page for $3 off ticket admission.

Theatre enthusiasts will applaud the variety of events the Newark area has to offer. The historic Midland Theatre has performances year round with musical guests, comedians and special movie screenings. Enjoy this beautiful theatre that has made many improvements over the years. The Weathervane Playhouse does live performances of musicals and plays. It began as a barn, but is now an enclosed building with a lobby and main stage. If you’re interested in performing, they hold scheduled auditions for their summer season every winter. Thirty One West is a new music venue that hosts bands and performers from surrounding states, often for free or low-cost ticket prices. Their goal is to bring great art and music to Newark with bands, singers, artists and numerous other events.

Giving back is its own kind of fun and volunteer opportunities can be found throughout Newark and Licking County. The American Red Cross hosts multiple blood drives on campus and offers first aid and classes. The United Way of Licking County, Licking County Humane Society, The Food Pantry Network of Licking County and many more are always in need of a helping hand. Also, the Alexandria, Granville and Newark public libraries offer programs year round to either participate in or volunteer for such as pumpkin carving, gingerbread house making, movies, craft and book clubs and much more. If you’re interested in interning or volunteering, do some research and pursue options on campus to get college credit for an internship.

Newark and Licking County has more to offer than just corn fields and construction. You just have to look beneath the surface and get a little adventurous. It doesn’t take much to find something for everyone, whether you need some fresh air, time with friends, or a new place for lunch, Newark and Licking County really do have it all.

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.