When writing my Year in Review post last year and reflecting on my first year at college, I was surprised by the immense amount of personal and professional growth I underwent in just nine short months. Looking back on my sophomore year now, I realize that, again, I have surprised myself with my growth. This significant quality of growth is due to many varying factors, one of which is my involvement with Dunn Sport and Wellness Scholars.
Being surrounded by a group of such supportive and high-achieving scholars has provided the positive environment in which I have had the opportunity to thrive. The Ohio State University offers more than sufficient opportunities for each student to thrive, but it is up to the individual to take initiative and utilize those opportunities. Here, in Dunn Sport and Wellness Scholars, the wonderful staff members provide us scholars with not only the opportunities to get involved, but the encouragement to succeed. The speakers at DSWS meetings promote important life lessons: find a career that excites you, push yourself out of your comfort zone in order to grow, do things that make you happy, and maintain balance in order to stay healthy both physically and mentally.
Throughout my two years at The Ohio State University, my professional skills and experience have developed and I have matured in my understanding of myself and of the world. When I entered Dunn Sport and Wellness Scholars as a freshman, I was an undeclared major and was unsure of my career aspirations. The DSWS leadership class helped me understand how to utilize my skills when searching for a career field. During my freshman year, I took classes in psychology and criminal justice because they interested me. Sure enough, I found myself absolutely intrigued with my studies so much so that I enjoyed reading the textbooks. I pushed myself out of my comfort zone by reaching out to professionals in law enforcement to enhance my knowledge of the career field and to build my professional network. The summer after my freshman year, my career aspirations were reassured as I completed an internship with the Homicide Cold Case Unit of the Columbus Police Department. That internship experience also helped me become much more accustomed to and comfortable with working in a professional setting. After the internship ended, I began working as a Student Safety Service officer with The Ohio State University’s Department of Public Safety. This job has had the most influence on my development this year. The odd hours have improved my time management skills, the unexpected situations I have encountered at work improved my ability to assess and handle stressful situations, and my interactions with coworkers have given me lifelong supportive friendships and introduced me to a variety of career paths.