Global Awareness: I am currently enrolled in a First Year Seminar entitled “Flattening the World” which focuses on the topic of international development and the United States’ role within it. The course has helped me better understand the structure of foreign aid and learn more about why that structure is failing despite decades of effort. The course has been incredibly influential, helping me broaden my worldview and understanding of the dynamic nature of international affairs. Additionally, I am hoping to have the opportunity to travel to Hungary and Poland as part of a Global May program this spring, which I believe will also help me improve my global awareness through exposure to the history and culture of central Europe.

Original Inquiry: Over the course of my time here at Ohio State, I am hoping to have the opportunity to conduct research in the fields of Public Health or International Development, which I believe satisfies the traditional notion of what original inquiry is. Similarly, on a smaller scale, for the aforementioned First Year Seminar I am working with a partner on a project which examines the flaws in the Pakistani health care system. The goal is to use Communication for Development, the methodology used by my professor in his own research, to improve that system in small but impactful ways. Moreover, my own personal endeavor for my college experience has been the creation of an online blog, through which I hope to log the experiences I have over the course of my college career. While this isn’t original inquiry in the traditional sense, my hope is that this project will serve as an not only an incentive for me to reflect on the changes that I’m undergoing, but also as a means for learning and communicating about current events, politics, life in Columbus, and everything in between.

Academic Enrichment: Outside of the classroom, I am hoping that in the near future I will have the opportunity to secure an internship at a public health agency, law firm, or both. Ideally, a position such as this will allow me to take the knowledge I gain through my coursework and apply it to the real world. While still in the classroom, I plan on continuing to take courses which challenge me to work to my highest potential every day. As of now, this will likely come in the form of taking 1-2 honors or similar caliber courses each semester which link directly into my degree program and future plans.

Leadership Development: I recently joined a student organization here on campus called UHA Columbus which aims to improve health in the Columbus community through health education and preventative medicine. While I am currently not deeply involved in the organization, it is my hope that continued dedication next semester and beyond will allow me to take on leadership positions. I am also involved in another student organization called First Year Leadership Initiative which is designed to help first year students get acclimated to college life and develop valuable leadership skills which will help them both as students and as professionals. I hope to apply the lessons that I’m learning from FYLI on communication, organization, and collaboration to become the best leader I can be.

Service Engagement: I have long been passionate about the provision of healthcare and other basic necessities for those who are not fortunate enough to already have it, and I aim to use my involvement in UHAC and position as an Ohio State Buckeye to turn that passion into concrete projects which take action to provide these necessities. I also hope to find a volunteer position at Wexner Medical Center or other health clinic to learn more about the healthcare system in the US while giving back to the community here in Columbus. Alternatively, I may seek a volunteer position at the Legal Aid Society of Columbus in order to see how my passions fit within the framework of the US legal system, as I aim to one day create structural change to the healthcare system through health policy.