HES Group Activity

My group decided to go to Cup O’ Joe in Clintonville. We started out the morning on the wrong bus, going the wrong way. Once we found our way to the coffee shop, we were greeted by an active atmosphere full of color and warmth. I ordered a chai latte and a blueberry bagel, and we found an open table. We had a great time just talking and enjoying our drinks and breakfast. We got there around 10am and didn’t leave until 12:30. I would suggest Cup O’ Joe to anyone looking for a place off campus to settle in and study. I will probably be heading out to this coffee shop again come finals season. I learned that I need to venture off of campus sometimes to find a quiet place to study.

Columbus To Do #2

My last couple stops around the Columbus area included the Columbus Zoo and My most Aquarium, and COSI. My most memorable part about these visits was at the zoo. I had never seen the baby polar bear until this time when I visited. I learned that the attractions that Columbus has to offer are always changing and supporting interesting new projects to be explored. This project has prompted me, however, to want to explore more of the festivals around the Columbus area. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend any within the time of this assignment. I recommend spending time and embracing every experience that Columbus has to offer.

 

One of my stops along the way was The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. I was blessed with a beautiful day at the zoo. The temperature was nice and cool, prompting many of the usually lazy animals to play around a bit more. I was able to visit the majority of the zoo, excluding the Australia part. I was able to finally see the baby polar bear swim and play. I would recommend this to anyone of all ages, it is a wonderful experience.

 

Next I went to COSI, Columbus’s Center Of Science and Industry. It was a special evening with less crowds, which makes it perfect. I was able to explore COSI’s new green energy section, and it has really improved in the last couple of years. COSI also has a coffee shop, however they ask that you do not take your drinks into the exhibits, instead you must sit in the coffee shop to finish wasting valuable COSI time. My main recommendation for COSI is to go when there is not a large crowd. There are so many parts to explore and enjoy, COSI is a go to spot to visit in Columbus.

My mom and sister enjoying Ocean.

 

 

What Has Molded Me

High School: Theatre and Dance

Throughout my high school career it was assumed that I would be a theatre major. I was always in a show, whether it be a strait play, a musical, or a ballet. At one time, I was dancing up to seventeen hours a week, if not more. Theatre and dance are both very critical “hobbies” (lifestyles to some). You spend the majority of your time being judged, either by your appearance or your talents, and I loved it. Through hours of rehearsal I have learned endurance. I have learned that it is okay to not understand something the first time, and that sometimes, even with an immense amounts of practice,  you may never get something perfect. After learning this it is easier to let go. Due to living a fairly hectic life full of changes and “going with the flow” I have become a more laid back person. Admittedly, this can appear lackadaisical, however, it allows me to maintain a cool head in stressful situations.

Back stage of Central Ohio Youth Ballet’s Production of The Nutcracker, my third year as a principle dancer.

 

College: The OSU Spirit

Granted, this is not a physical object, or one specific event, or something that I have participated in such as a sport. However, my college experience would not be the same without it. In high school I was not the largest advocate for school spirit. I participated in pep-rallies and dressed up for homecoming week, but was never covered head to toe in Newark High School spirit wear. At Ohio State the overall community of university pride has helped form me into a more enthusiastic student. Having pride in ones university I believe pushes you to excel in your classes. Struggling through classes as a group, but then discussing the game (even when you don’t know what is happening) is extremely uplifting. Having a common bond with such a mass amount of people is really inspiring. I believe, even in this first semester, the Ohio State University spirit has improved my outlook on difficulties and community.

An early morning on South Campus watching the Ohio State Marching Band practice with alumni back for the alumni game.

 

Columbus To Do List #1

This semester I have decided not to focus on one list, but to experience things as they come to me. I have decided that I will go to German Village, the Columbus Zoo, and the Columbus Museum of Art. Due to growing up in the area I have already visited these locations before, however, I am excited to share these experiences with my friends who come from farther away. So far I have already visited German Village and the Book Loft. This Saturday I will be going to the Columbus Zoo and I am very excited to see what improvements they have made in the last few months. The Columbus Zoo is an ever changing, ever growing establishment within the Columbus area and is always a pleasure to visit. The Columbus Museum of Art is the same way, in that it is always changing. I am excited to see some of the new exhibits there and to be able to show my friends around the area and the museum. I hope to see new things this semester through this experience, and get to know Columbus better.

So far I have already visited German Village with a few friends. The bus ride to and from German Village was not as bad as I expected. Spending half an hour on public transportation sounds very daunting, however it was fun and went quicker than expected. We decided to go to the Book Loft, which we spent about two hours perusing the books and other knick-knacks within the store. My friends both bought books that they were looking forward to reading. Afterwards, we decided to visit the coffee shop next door called Stauf’s Coffee. I got a drink called a Chai-der, a mixture of chai tea and apple cider. It was one of the most delicious things I have ever drank. The whole area is adorable and has a historic vibe to it. I would most definitely return to the German Village area with friends again.

After visiting the Book Loft, we decided some good tea would be needed before we headed back to campus. This is my Chai-der beside my Poe-ka dot socks from the Book Loft.

Stevie Lohbeck and I in front of the Book Loft enjoying its fall decorations.

 

Year in Review

[ “Year in Review”  is where you should reflect on the past year and show how you have evolved as a person and as a student.  You may want to focus on your growth in a particular area (as a leader, scholar, researcher, etc.) or you may want to talk about your overall experience over the past year.  For more information, go to: http://honors-scholars.osu.edu/e-portfolio. Delete these instructions and add your own post.]

G.O.A.L.S.

[ “G.O.A.L.S.” is a place where students write about how their planned, current, and future activities may fit into the Honors & Scholars G.O.A.L.S.: Global Awareness, Original Inquiry, Academic Enrichment, Leadership Development, and Service Engagement. For more information, go to: http://honors-scholars.osu.edu/e-portfolio. Delete these instructions and add your own post.

Global Awareness: Students cultivate and develop their appreciation for diversity and each individual’s unique differences. For example, consider course work, study abroad, involvement in cultural organizations or activities, etc .
Original Inquiry: Honors & Scholars students understand the research process by engaging in experiences ranging from in-class scholarly endeavors to creative inquiry projects to independent experiences with top researchers across campus and in the global community. For example, consider research, creative productions or performances, advanced course work, etc.
Academic Enrichment: Honors & Scholars students pursue academic excellence through rigorous curricular experiences beyond the university norm both in and out of the classroom.
Leadership Development: Honors & Scholars students develop leadership skills that can be demonstrated in the classroom, in the community, in their co-curricular activities, and in their future roles in society.
Service Engagement: Honors & Scholars students commit to service to the community.]

Career

[“Career” is where you can collect information about your experiences and skills that will apply to your future career.  Like your resume, this is information that will evolve over time and should be continually updated.   For more information, go to: http://honors-scholars.osu.edu/e-portfolio. Delete these instructions and add your own post.]

Artifacts

[Artifacts are the items you consider to be representative of your academic interests and achievements. For each entry, include both an artifact and a detailed annotation.  An annotation is a reflective description of the artifact that attempts to communicate its significance.  For more information, go to: http://honors-scholars.osu.edu/e-portfolio. Delete these instructions and add your own post.]

About Me

Having fun while purifying some product through column chromatography during my internship at the Denison University Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

Hello,

My name is Anna Cotterman and I am a freshman in the College of Engineering here at The Ohio State University. I am from Newark, Ohio. During high school I was lucky enough to have some amazing teachers who were able to give me many educational and exciting experiences. I was a part of the Newark High School Science Club where we participated in STEM Fest every spring. During my senior year I was able to research and create my own bio-diesel, and eventually place in first place.  Through STEM Fest my junior year I was able to apply for a research position at Denison University’s Depart of Chemistry and Biochemistry. There my love for chemical research was able to flourish, and I was able to learn the many lab techniques that still help me today.

STEM Fest also helped me discover my passion for being active in making a difference in the world. My first year participating the challenge was a cheap and efficient method of water purification. While doing some background research I became immensely interested in helping. This later led me to becoming involved with a non-profit that works within the surrounding areas of Harare, Zimbabwe. My senior year spring break I was able to join Living Water of Ohio and United Hearts Trust Fund on a trip to Harare, Zimbabwe. There I was able to repair and learn about the inner workings of a Type-B Bush Pump. I was also an active part of starting the processes of building two more water wells. My goal after graduation is to continue working with Living Water of Ohio and similar groups to help improve the lives of those effected by the water crisis.

This year I will be a part of a research lab at The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy, and cannot wait to see where this will take me. I am very excited for all of the amazing opportunities OSU has to offer, and I hope to continue to grow and make a difference in the world through my studies here.

 

My Top Five Strengths:

Woo: Winning others over, this strength is an obvious one for me. I have always been able to quickly connect with other people, work well with others, and then be able to move on.

Communication: Communication and having the ability to influence others has always been a skill of mine. This strength is a skill that I use every day when interacting with others.

Activator: When there is a large project to be done I have always been one to plan early, then begin working as soon as possible. I am always willing to be uncomfortable and to learn through my actions.

Learner: I have always been excited about a new subject or concept to learn.

Restorative: When I run into an issue, I see it as a challenge. When something becomes a challenge that is exciting for me and then enjoy solving the issue.