This past Friday, I participated in GoBuckeye day and joined some of my fellow scholars in an informal “info session” in hopes that we could convince a few prospective IA Scholars to join. I decided to partake in this event because it was a great opportunity for me to reflect on my accomplishments and opportunities taken throughout the first two years of college, and because it allowed me the opportunity to effectively communicate these opportunities. Additionally, it gave me the opportunity to to foster the same warm, inviting, and exciting environment that was offered when I attended GoBuckeye Day about two years ago.
I came into the room expecting a more informal session and was embarrassed that I was a few minutes late because I had to load up a few bucks on my BuckID to do laundry, however I hope it wasn’t too much of a disruption. It was great to see that some students chose to attend this event and additionally that some were from diverse majors, such as engineering! As a non-political/government oriented major, I have never once felt “out of place” within IA, despite my numerous major changes. I wanted to make sure to make this clear to the student who was majoring in engineering, because I can only imagine that it may feel a little daunting to come into IA without knowing that. I also hoped that I made this clear by joining my peers in dialogue that expressed the multiple opportunities that I have come across thanks to my participation in IA scholars.
Additionally, I really enjoyed hearing what my peers are involved in and how these things may tie into IA. I am really grateful to be in a scholars program that is so diverse is every aspect. I continually learn more and more about the “campus happenings” or meaningful things I can get involved in through the vibrant group of friends I have made in IA. Hearing about how their experiences have been so formative to them finding their niche at Ohio State at this event was really great to hear. I truly think that the words of my IA pals truly attests to the unique drive, curiosity, and general dedication of this amazing group when they find something they can truly devote their energy to. For example, I knew that some of my peers have been involved in USG and STEP, however this meeting really allowed me to hear how their involvement in these programs at OSU had truly impacted their academic and social experience.
All in all, I think this event was very beneficial not only for the prospective scholars, but for me as well. This event really allowed me to look back on all the hard work my fellow IA scholars and I have put into the past ~2 years of not only our education, but holistic experience of being buckeyes. I have no doubt that the warm, inclusive environment fostered by IA has allowed us all to thrive in the unique ways that each and everyone has in the past ~4 semesters, and I have no doubt that it will continue doing so throughout my academic career as a Buckeye and beyond.