Last month, I had the pleasure and privilege of meeting President Michael V. Drake of The Ohio State University! I also met his wife Brenda Drake, as well as other officials such as Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston, the Senior Vice President for Student Life, and Steven M. Bergfeld, Vice President for Development.

President Drake was happy to take a selfie with me!

Not only did I meet these wonderful people, but I also attended my very first football game, which was on September 10, 2016: OSU vs Tulsa.

I sat in the University Suite of the Ohio Stadium along with them, and three other undergraduate students! My three peers are first-years also, and in the Young Scholars Program with me. We are first-generation, minority students who receive scholarships, mentoring, and other opportunities to come to Ohio State.

Watching the game was enjoyable; while people in the stadium were rained on during the second half of the game, we stayed cool and dry inside the glass box we were enclosed in. We also had a wide array of food to snack from: hot dogs, sandwiches, chili, tacos, ice cream, popcorn, cakes, and more.

I was fortunate to have the chance to meet Brutus face-to-face.

Overall, I had a lovely, fun, and exciting experience.

We ended the night with a huge win, 48-3, over Tulsa!

Best of all, I was able to take a photo with the school mascot, Brutus Buckeye!

This opportunity is all thanks to Dr. Mull, Assistant Vice President for Student Life, for providing me and the three Young Scholars with tickets!

Yours at Ohio State,
Melinda Dang