During my time at the Ohio State Univeristy, I took the opportunity to use d-tix to purchase discounted tickets that allowed me to attend concerts, go to Columbus Crew games, see movies, go to the Candle Lab, etc. Therefore, I wanted to take Natalie to Gateway by using this amazing resource on campus. We bought our $3-dollar tickets that Thursday morning and walked to Gateway. Gateway is independent cinema that shows blockbusters, indies, docs, and local films on a weekly basics. As well, Gateway has an undersea bar and an art gallery in the movie theatre. Thus, I decided to take my mentee, Natalia Seeman, to Gateway because of how close it is to campus and we both wanted to see Shazam. Also, Natalia hasn’t been feeling too well all week, thus I wanted to not take her far from campus. I had my RA class until 8 pm that Thursday, so we first decided to get some Chipotle before the movie that started at around 10 pm. We both walked to the Chipotle on High Street that is across the Ohio Union.

I ordered a burrito, meanwhile Natalie got a bowl. While waiting for the movie to start, we talked about what was going on in both of our lives. We started off by talking about me becoming an RA in Jones Tower next school year. We discussed about what my floor theme should be next year. I was thinking about making the floor theme “Vogue” and painting models. Also, I want to have a string of flowers at the entrance of my floor, but I expressed to Natalia that I am concerned that it will be too girly. She said to solve that problem I could potentially do a Paris Fashion Week theme and include the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower. That was a good idea on her part, and I might use that as my floor theme. Since we were on the topic of housing next year, I asked where she was going to live on campus next year. She said her lottery number was so bad. Her and another ACES member got a double in Bradley Patterson. In Natalia’s opinion, the big downside of staying at Bradley Patterson was that the building had no air conditioning. Natalia and her roommate did not was to stay in a building with no A/C, therefore they are both planning to live with their siblings next year off campus. Natalia’s brother has an apartment on North campus, which is close to her classes. At this moment, Natalia hasn’t declared a major, but she is still probably still going to study public affairs. As well, this semester Natalia is doing great in her academics and feels like she will do great on her finals. Her easiest class this semester is Classical Mythology. This semester, she is really trying to focus on boosting her GPA.

Over break, we both have jobs. Natalia is going to work at a warehouse back in her hometown for the summer to save some money to pay for the apartment’s bills. Her parents told her and her brother that they will pay for their rent but the two of them will be responsible for paying their bills. Also, next school year, Natalia is planning on getting a job. Meanwhile over the summer, I am going to Minnesota for a Nurse Assistant internship at the Concordia Language Village. We are both equally excited for summer break to start! We both have our last final on April 29^th. Yet, Natalia is planning on moving out of Smith Steeb on April 23^rd and plans on driving back the morning of her final.

After finishing our Chipotle, we decided to walk over to Gateway. At Gateway, we bought our tickets and walked around the little art gallery. Then, we decided to go and sit in our seats. Shazam was really fun! We both found it very funny. Afterward the movie, we walked back to our dorms and said our goodbyes. I wished Natalia the best of luck on her finals and told her if she needed any help next year to feel free to contact me.

Overall, I feel like we had a great time talking at Chipotle and watching Shazam at Gateway. I would say my favorite part was getting to talk to Natalia about what was going on her life. Also, another plus side was getting those cheap tickets to go see Shazam. I learned that Columbus is filled with unique experiences and locations that is not very far from campus. Going to Gateway allowed both Natalia and I to realize that there is so much to be offered with just a 5-minute walk from our dorms. I would definitely recommend going to Gateway and watching a movie at this unique cinema. Also, make sure to get those discounted tickets because it definitely made it cheaper than what the original movie ticket costs.

Natalie Seeman and I met up recently at Curl Market to catch up on how her second semester was going and how the end of her semester went for her. I had a pleasant discussion with Natalie. First off, we started talking about academics. Last semester, I recalled Natalie was struggling in economics. She was very worried about failing that course. But Natalie ended up doing better than what she expected. She was pleased with the grade that she achieved in that difficult class. Natalie also struggled math, but she was able to pass the course. During her first semester, Natalie quickly realized that she needed to change her study habits from high school. Before in high school, Natalie would be able to procrastinate and study last minute to get an A. Now she studies in small chunks for her exams at least a week early because it makes her more efficient and this strategy has worked well for her during the autumn semester. Also, she really enjoys working with study groups because she can discuss with her peers if she has any confusion on a topic in that course. So far, Natalie does not feel like she has any challenging courses this semester because how her courses are structured, she doesn’t feel like it would be challenging. Due to this, Natalie has been doing good this semester.

Other than academics, Natalie has been doing good in her social life. Last semester, Natalie was involved in the Casual Sports Club at OSU. This semester she continues to be a part of this club. She participants in the club whenever she has free time and when she wants to have a break from studying. Natalie will probably be involved with the Casual Spots Club next year. She also plans on trying out for Club Volleyball in the fall. Apparently, Club Volleyball is very competitive. Natalie not only enjoys sports, but she also enjoys living in the ACES learning community. She is friends with all of the girls in the learning community and will even be rooming with a fellow ACES scholar, Hanna Lipic, next school year. Natalie has enjoyed the very tight knit community that the ACES learning community has created for her.

Entering college, Natalie was undecided on what major to purse. As an exploration major, Natalie was able to learn about the various schools on campus. Because of her major, she is now considering to purse a major and career in Public Affairs. She decided on this major because of her liking her Intro to Public Affairs course that she is currently enrolled in. Also, Natalie has always been interested in becoming a teacher. Therefore, she is also considering pursing a job as a high school teacher. She will be deciding next year if she will be applying to the College of Education and Human Ecology to purse in becoming a teacher.

Last semester, Natalie had lots of fun and did great in her academics. Her favorite memory from last semester was going to the Michigan game with her family. She loved the environment of the game and was very happy that OSU won. Even though she did great last semester, I want to still make sure Natalie continues to succeed at OSU in the spring semester. Therefore, I plan on helping her by giving advice on how to study effectively to make sure she receives the grade that she wants in her courses. As well, I plan on having communication throughout the semester to check up on how she is doing in school and her social life. Lastly, I would help Natalia with her applications to each major by offering to read her essays or give her general tips on how to successfully apply for a major.

Overall, Natalie is doing great in school and she always makes my day when I talk to her. By the end of this semester, Natalie would hopefully declare her major and I will make sure to help her along the way.

Questions:

Have you enjoyed the ACES living-learning community in Smith Steeb? Why or why not?

Have your career plans changed since your first semester? Why or why not?

What was your favorite memory last semester?

What kind of goals have you set for yourself for this semester?

What kind of study habits have you developed? Did they work successfully in the fall?

What class on your current schedule do you think will be the most challenging and why?

What have you gotten involved on campus?

Do you think you will keep your same involvement next year? Why or why not?

During my freshman year at OSU, I found going off campus to be very exciting. I was able to experience many things that I would not have every done during high school. From finding unique coffee shops to experiencing one of a kind events, Columbus offers a variety of experiences to a diverse group of people. For example, my freshman year I was able to meet Guy Fieri at an event that was held at the Ohio Expo Center. That was a unique experience because I grew up watching shows that Guy Fieri appeared and I never would have taught I would be able to meet in him in person. Even though it was very cool to meet Guy Fieri, I was more fascinated by the many cool coffee shops that are around Columbus. A coffee shop that I found out about during my freshman year of college that I loved was Fox in the Snow Cafe. I remembered last year I went with my ACES mentor and had such a fun time. Also, I had this AMAZING cinnamon bun at this cafe, therefore, I wanted my Natalie to experience this place. I know Natalie would love going to this place because she loves food just like me. Also, I wanted to select a place that allowed us to talk about how Natalie is doing in school and life in general.

My roommate has a car on campus, therefore, we drove to Fox in the Snow Cafe. During our car ride, we listened to music and talk among each other. Once we got there, we all ordered drinks and food. I was so excited to have the cinnamon buns at this cafe, but they sold all out of them by the time we got there. I was devastated because I really wanted Natalie to try these cinnamon buns. After hearing such sad news, I got a banana bread instead with the side of their good cream cheese frosting. Natalie ordered a hot chocolate! Overall, the food and beverages were delicious. Also, the scenery of Fox in the Snow Cafe was amazing. Every time I go, I forgot how peaceful and calm it is at this cafe. I love the plants being everywhere allowing the cafe to feel cozy. As well, Fox in the Snow Cafe has a big window that allows one to see the workers making coffee and see all the delicious pastries. Thus, coming to the Fox in the Snow Cafe gave me a change of scenery and pace from the busy life at OSU.

During our time at the cafe, we talked about how Natalie was doing. Overall, she was doing good at her school work. Her economics class was going better since the last time we talked. Also, that week she was going to hang out with her siblings, therefore, she was very excited to see them. The previous week, she was able to spend time with her father and brother. We also discussed about apartments because I’m in the process of finding a place for next year. Apparently, her brother has a cheap apartment that she will be staying at after he graduates.  We had a pleasant conversation and time at the Fox in Snow Cafe.

Even though our journey to get these amazing cinnamon buns didn’t go as planned, I had an amazing time catching up with Natalie. Fox in the Snow Cafe atmosphere was very relaxing and cozy. It was a change of scenery from the cafes at OSU. I would recommend someone to come experience the Fox in the Snow Cafe, especially if they have their cinnamon buns available! Going off campus made me realize that I should do it more often than what I have been doing this past year. Last year, every weekend I would go out and explore this amazing city. Yet, this year I have been focusing a lot on studying that I haven’t given myself the time to go out. Thus, this experience made me realize I should start going out and exploring the many events and places that make Columbus unique. Definitely as I enter my spring semester, I will set some time aside to go out with friends and explore the diverse city of Columbus. Also, I want to take Natalie to a place in Columbus that reflects the diversity of this city. We would probably go to a place that serves food because we both love to try new food. I am very excited to take her out next semester and to continue exploring the city of Columbus.

Through my scholar’s group, Advocates of Communities and Education, I was able to meet my mentee, Natalie Seeman. Natalie and I connected for the very start due to our energetic and loud attitudes. I knew from the start that I would love to be Natalie’s mentor. Recently, Natalie and I met up in the Ohio Union to get to know more about each other. I got the chance to get to know general information about her, how she is adjusting in her classes so far, the type of involvement she is interest in at OSU and ACES, and how her college transition is going so far.

Natalie likes many things including volleyball, eating various types of food, and socializing with others. One of the questions I asked Natalie was what she was mostly looking forward in ACES and she said the social events. Because of her outgoing personality, Natalie wants social events that will allow her to meet more people in ACES who aren’t living on her floor. Also, the social events sound fun to her. I can totally relate with Natalie with trying to meet more new people because I also have a very outgoing personality. As well, I find it interesting to talk to various people and listen to their different ideas. Not only is Natalie excited about her involvement in ACES, she is excited to join other clubs on campus. The type of involvement that Natalie is interested is athletic clubs. Currently, she is planning to join club volleyball next semester, but in the meantime, she is in a group chat with other freshmen who are interested in playing volleyball on their free time. Also, Natalie wants to join a service club hat volunteers at the homeless shelters. I told Natalie that she could volunteer at the Star House which helps the homeless youth. As well, Natalie loves dogs therefore she may be joining OSU 4 Paws for Ability sometime this year.

Natalie and I also discussed about her academics. I asked Natalie what her most challenging course was so far, and she responded microeconomics. When I learned that Natalie was struggling in microeconomics, I started helping her out by telling her about resources such as the Dennis Learning Center that will allow her to connect with someone who has experience with this course and can aid her. As well, I told Natalie to start reaching out and discussing with her professors when she is struggling with course material. In addition to receiving help from her professors, Natalie can start making connection with them and later ask these professors to write her letters of recommendations for graduate school or potential jobs. Since Natalie’s brother is taking the course as well, Natalie plans on having him study with her and helping her out. At the moment Natalie is undecided and therefore does not know what future careers she would like to go into at this time. Yet, when asking about her dream job, Natalie responded with being the coach for the U.S. Women’s National Volleyball Team because she is passionate about volleyball and she enjoys teaching the sport to other people.

Upon asking Natalie what the most surprising aspect of OSU was since arriving to campus, Natalie responded that she started to find the campus not as big once she started living in Smith-Steeb Hall as a student. As a student, she felt that the sense of community here at OSU is very supportive. I absolutely agree with Natalie. I remember feeling daunted about the size of OSU but after a couple of weeks I slowly started to memorize where the locations of North Campus, the Ohio Union, Evans Laboratory, etc. Also, I told Natalie to make sure to use the Ohio State app because that is a very useful tool. When I was a freshman, the app helped me a lot trying to find the building that all my classes took place, various c-stores on campus, how many swipes I had left, etc.

Overall, Natalie is such an amazing mentee and I am very excited to get to know her more throughout this year. Also, I am very excited to help her with her transition to college. I believe Natalie will do great things and her time at OSU will be successful!

The Program for Advancing Scholarship and Service (PASS) is a program that helps connect first year students, who have an interest in academic, cultural, career and community benefits of diversity, with various resources. My involvement with PASS has helped me adovacte diversity on campus and learning more about diversity. Through this program, I have learned various resources our univeristy provides such as the Dennis Learning Center, became a certified suicide prevention specialist, became involved in various community service activities, etc. Even though PASS has helped me expand my knowledge on various topics, I have also made many a great memories and long lasting friendships through the program.

In the summer of 2016, I was able to get involved in preeclampsia research at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. I have always been interested in entering the medical field and becoming a neonatologist, therefore I wanted to be exposed to the research aspect in medicine. At first, I struggled with the various laboratory techniques, learning how to program, and in general what my laboratory was researching. I felt overwhelmed with information that was very complex to me. Even though I could have easily given up on the research and enjoyed my summer, I decided not to. I was dedicated to learn the various techniques and have a better understanding of the illness that I was researching. I no longer felt intimated to voice my opinion at conference meetings with my principle investigator, doctors, and PhD graduates. After many days of hard work, I was finally able to perform the various techniques just like my lab manager did. Also, I had a deeper understanding about preeclampsia, and learned about previous research that my lab and other labs around the world conducted. Because of my dedication to my research, I was able to enjoy my time at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and learn valuable information and lessons. I’ve learned that one should not give up, but instead fuel themselves with motivation to succeed. Also, no matter how confused one is or the level of difficultity of the material, everything will make sense if an individual puts in hard work. I am still working with Nationwide Children’s Hospital to continue my research on the molecular pathogenesis of preeclampsia.