Stem Outreach is an organization that I have been a part of since the start of last year. Their goal is to spread stem related educational activities and projects to elementary through high school students, with the final hope that students take a larger interest in the respected field. I am a part of the design team which consists of creating new stem related projects that can represent a different topic of study. The meetings are fun and engaging when it comes to using new materials and designing new concepts by looking up tutorials, DIY websites, or just creating something yourself. All projects are usually do it yourself and very hands on and the end result for the kids is always a positive reaction (if their project was put together correctly), team members make sure all students end up with working components. Some projects include building speakers, LED’s, and even circuit boards. I never had an opportunity such as this when I was in elementary, middle, and even high school. Introducing topics like these to students at such a young age lets them make connections from school to the real world. Project days or even being taught background information on what project they will be doing is an excellent break from classic Math and English studies. All while they are still learning and can have fun.  Students in the community aren’t always introduced to these topics at a young age and I am glad to see an organization at OSU work to fix this.

Engineers for Community Service is a student ran OSU organization that is mainly compiled of engineers looking for volunteer opportunities. They are approximately 5 different sections of volunteering such as homeless shelter creation and the wheel chair ramp project. I am an active member under the wheel chair ramp construction project. Every Sunday about 20 engineers pile into cars and drive 15 min to the project site. We are donating all of our time and supplies to help a family in need. Some every day task include: post hole digging, cutting/sawing, drilling, and measuring. These tasks have all been improving for every member and we all learn something new every day. This event is not only great to help volunteer, but also to reach out to a community and actually see people who you are affecting. Throughout the course of 4 weeks, I have made friends who share similar interests and that are also in similar classes as me. Potential employers will be able to see this event as an outreach service and something that has been improving my overall people skills. I cannot wait to see the finish project and the reaction of those who we are helping.

The annual Engineering Expo held at the Student Union on Ohio State’s campus is a great way for future engineers to network themselves to employers. I attended this event in late September as a Freshman to learn the ropes and get experience for when I am looking for an internship or co-op opportunities. This event taught me how you need to prepare, how large it actually is, and I even learned tips to help be successful at the event the coming years. One encounter that really impacted me was the moment I spoke with the recruiters from Component Repair Technologies Inc. They gave me helpful information and insight on what companies are really looking for and even what to add to resumes that recruiters always look for. They were helpful while knowing I was a freshman because who knows, one day I might be working for them and they want the best possible candidates.  I feel going to an event like this as a freshman distances me from my peers who thought they were to early in the process to start networking themselves, while I thought this was the perfect opportunity. This experience not only worked on my speaking abilities but also put me outside my comfort zone with something I never had to go through before. I know that in time, I will not regret going to the Expo.