Service Engagement:
This semester at Ohio State I was a part of two clubs, Autism Speaks U at OSU and Students Supporting People with Down Syndrome. Through Autism Speaks U at OSU I had two wonderful service opportunities. First, we volunteered at the Walk Now for Autism Speaks Columbus Walk. At the walk we held a booth where we informed autistic people and their families about our club and we sold t-shirts as well. After working at the booth, we walked with everyone down in the city of Columbus to support all of those with Autism. It was so nice to meet all the wonderful kids at the walk and hear stories from them and their families about what it is like to be autistic or what it is like to have an autistic family member. Another volunteering event through Autism Speaks U at OSU was at Oakstone Academy. Oakstone Academy is a grade school for children with Autism and children without Autism. I read a book to a transitional kindergarten class then did a special Thanksgiving arts and crafts activity with the children. Through Students Supporting People with Down Syndrome, I volunteered at our “Play Date” event. Children with Down Syndrome with ages ranging from 8 months to 15 years old came to our event where we had set up an arts and crafts station, gymnastics station, face painting, music station, and balloon animal station. The children were so thrilled to spend the couple of hours with their peers and families and running around to all the fun stations.
Academic Enrichment:
Transitioning from high school level classes to college level classes is not necessarily easy for most people. I found this transition a little difficult especially in my Calculus 1151 class. In order to succeed in this class I sought out all the opportunities and resources Ohio State offers for one to succeed and achieve the grade he or she is striving for. Some of the resources I found very helpful are the online lessons posted on the Math Student Learning Center’s website. These lessons reiterated the material taught in lecture and covered in recitation. In the lessons were written examples, videos, and helpful tips for solving problems. In addition, the Math Student Learning Center offers tutoring hours for all students to come in and ask any homework questions to tutors in the room. This tutoring is completely free, which is nice for a college student. I highly recommend to anyone having trouble in a class to look for what help the specific department offers.