1. Global Awareness: Honors students will examine what it means to be global citizens and will cultivate and develop their appreciation for diversity and each individual’s unique differences. Students will examine the world’s complex, interdependent systems, as well as their own cultural backgrounds.

What have you done so far to develop your Global Awareness? How do you plan to continue to work toward this goal? (For example, consider course work, study abroad, involvement in cultural organizations or activities, etc.) 

Throughout my childhood, my parents made it a point to expose me to all different types of cultures and ideas within the United States and abroad. It was one of our core values to see everyone as equal, and understand and accept the differences in societies that were different from our own. I still feel that this holds true today, and I am planning on working even further towards this goal through planning a RISE (Research Internships in Science and Engineering) Germany trip during my senior year. I feel that an experience working in science abroad will help me to build upon my own cultural background and help me develop an even more unique perspective on other cultures. 

2. Original Inquiry: Honors students will 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.

What experiences have you had so far that have helped you to understand the research or creative process? How do you plan to continue to work toward this goal? (For example, consider research, creative productions or performances, advanced course work, etc.) 

Since August 2016, I have been heavily involved in clinical research at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus. Serving as an undergraduate Research Assistant in the Emergency Department, I am able to see all sides of the both the research side and the patient care side. As a pre-med student with ambitions to become a physician, this research opportunity has opened up so many doors for me, including an opportunity to work in the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Microbiology Lab for the summer, as well as the opportunity to continue enrolling patients in many of our ongoing research studies. These experiences allow me to gain a better idea of what it takes to take an idea and turn it into reality. This past winter, I worked with my colleagues on creating a quality improvement project in our own Emergency Department, which now teaches multiple patients each day how to use their EpiPens and inform them of the best practices for carrying and storing the potentially life-saving medication. 

3. Academic Enrichment: Honors students will pursue academic excellence both in and out of the classroom. Students will use the Honors Contract to construct purposeful and intellectually stimulating programs of study.

How does your Honors Contract demonstrate a commitment to the goal of Academic Enrichment? How does your planned curriculum relate to your future aspirations? (Consider, for example, the following questions: Why did you choose the major(s) (and minor(s), if any) you chose? Why did you select the GE courses you have chosen? How do your selections demonstrate a commitment to excellence?) 

During my first two years at Ohio State, I was a member of the Honors Integrated Business and Engineering program studying Biomedical Engineering. After two years of engineering and learning more about myself and personal interests, I have chosen to change my major to a B.S. in Chemistry to closer align my coursework with my career goals. I aspire to become an emergency department pediatrician upon completion of medical school. Because I still have interest in many of the engineering topics but would not be interested in an engineering career, I have chosen to also complete an Engineering Sciences minor. My general education selections fit to my major interests of both Engineering and Medicine. My microbiology elective serves to allow me to learn about the history and spread of AIDS, while my physics elective will give me an opportunity to learn more about the progression of technology. I believe that the classes I have chosen will blend together science and technology to prepare me for the ever changing technological advances in the medical field. 

4. Leadership Development: Honors students will build on their educational experiences to become leaders in society and the world. Students will pursue co-curricular activities that allow the students to cultivate leadership skills and competencies.

With which activities are you involved? How does your involvement contribute to your development as a leader? How does your involvement relate to your personal and/or career goals? 

At the end of my freshman year, I was elected to serve as the Engineering Council Representative in the Biomedical Engineering Society. Aside from being responsible for attending meetings to secure the College of Engineering’s funds to the organization, I was heavily involved in planning the organization’s main events, such as Networking Night and many of our mentorship events. As a result of the interactions within BMES, I was able to discover that a future in Biomedical Engineering may not be for me, and was able to adjust accordingly. Within this past semester, my friends and I have worked tirelessly to start the Medical Innovation Club, which will serve as a multidisciplinary organization that aims to bring students of all majors together to work on capstone-like projects to enter into design competitions around the nation. Starting this club suits my interests in both medicine and engineering. During this upcoming year, I also hope to serve as a General Chemistry Lab Teaching Assistant as well as an active member of the Pre-Medicine Club, both of which will help me become a more well rounded leader and student. 

5. Service Engagement: Honors students will build on their educational experiences to serve society and the world. Students will pursue service-oriented activities that are socially beneficial to the community and that contribute to the students’ own learning and development.

List the service-oriented activities with which you have been involved (both ongoing and short-term commitments). How do you plan to continue to engage with the community? 

Throughout my freshman year, I was an active member of Buckeyes Against Hunger, packaging food for underprivileged schools each week at our meetings. After becoming the Engineering Council representative of BMES, I also helped out at several of the organization’s events, such as American Red Cross Blood Drives and engineering career fairs. In the upcoming year, I plan to continue volunteering my time to give back to the community through volunteering at local races, local food banks, and helping to do healthcare-based volunteer engineering work through the Medical Innovation Club.