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While I had been taking great strides in improving my sense of focus and self-confidence prior to starting college, the great changes in my life that occurred then have pushed me back a few steps. Suddenly I had a new living space, harder classes, and a hoard of unfamiliar people to get lost in. It took a long period of adjustment to get used to it all, but I can now assuredly say that I am moving forward again in pursuit of my dreams. A few of these significant changes have been of great help in challenging me to improve myself and regain my self-confidence.

The coursework here has been rigorous and demanding, but in these past few months I have adjusted myself to stay on top of them. I struggled a lot in the beginning and faced many challenges in managing my time that I have since overcome and been made better for. My social life has also changed dramatically in addition to my academic life. When I first arrived on campus, I pushed myself to meet new people every day and to really immerse myself in the community. I joined a multitude of clubs and attended any social event that appealed to me, and while I did meet many new people there, it turns out I didn’t really have to travel far to find friends. Being in such close proximity to so many people has really helped me get out of my bubble and engage with my fellow students.

Since I arrived, I have had many valuable experiences that have changed me for the better, and I hope that I continue to grow as a person as time goes on. As my confidence improves, so too will my drive to succeed and be more active in creating my future.

Global Awareness

So far, I have completed a great variety of coursework during my time at Ohio State that has opened my eyes to the true amount of diversity in the world. After recently changing my major, I have decided to focus on Cultural Anthropology, and thereby exposing myself to the great differences of cultures throughout the globe. In addition, I have attended various cultural events on campus, such as Taste of OSU, that has allowed me to appreciate the diversity of different peoples. I hope possibly to study abroad as well, although these plans have not yet been solidified for the future.

Original Inquiry

I am currently working towards a path in research, which has proved challenging so far due to academic complications. I hope to pursue this goal in the future by taking steps to get involved with the community of my major, both on campus and off, such as through interactions with the Undergraduate Anthropology Club and with a recent volunteer position with the Ohio History Connection. Additionally, I may be studying abroad sometime soon, which will broaden my horizons and increase my understanding of the research process in my field.

Academic Enrichment

Despite a few difficulties in finding my way, I believe changing my major to Anthropology was the right decision. While I have still kept Astronomy as a minor due to my passion for the subject, I was unable to find the work truly fulfilling and after taking an Honors introduction course, I discovered a much more suitable route through my preference for qualitative science and more hands-on work. To supplement this, I have chosen a diversity of GE courses that incited curiosity in me and will help me learn more about the world from a variety of perspectives. I will do my best in courses that interest me personally, and so I hope to improve academically from these changes and the careful selections I will make in the future.

Leadership Development

In order to further my progress in gaining valuable skills that will benefit me in both the workplace and society as a whole, I have begun involving myself with organizations and roles within them that will foster these traits. Firstly, my job as an Honors Community Advocate offers an influential position as a mentor to underclassmen while teaching me interpersonal skills and the ability to manage activities and work with other people. In addition, my position as a Treasurer in the Science-Fiction Club on campus has also given me the chance to be in charge and have a positive impact on others. Both of these opportunities will serve me well in the future in my career and in my task as a responsible citizen.

Service Engagement

Volunteer work is a very important way of giving back to society, and one that I hope I will be able to participate in more often in the future. I am currently working as an Honors Community Advocate in my residence hall to help others in my community reach their academic goals, build meaningful and long-lasting relationships, and open up to the experiences Ohio State has to offer. Additionally, I have recently begun volunteering with the Ohio History Connection to further connect with the greater Columbus community and the history of the area. I believe these experiences, and the doubtless more I will contribute to during my years here, will help me engage more with my community and help others in need.