When asked what’s one thing that changed the most over my first semester of college, my answer is always my work habits. In high school I was able to study the night before big tests or wait to start homework the night before its due, but that has all changed. I couldn’t relay on my old ways and I had to adapt new ways to do my work. I decided that whenever something was due, I would try to start it a week in advance. This would give me an opportunity to look at the material and identify what I needed to go and study or learn in order to complete the assignment. This new method I began doing also gives me the opportunity to use office hours and meet with professors or TA’s. If I was ever stuck in high school, I never would have time to ask questions because I started the assignment to late and I would have to do my best to teach it to myself which sometimes proved to be very stressful. Another resource that I have found very useful is where I live. Living with similar students with similar majors means we are in a lot of the same courses and are able to help each other with the material if we are stuck. This saves time and a hike to wherever the tutoring centers are on campus. My first semester in college drew out the baseline of what I should expect and what I needed to change, and I cannot wait for the challenges to come.
Engineers for Community Service (ECOS)
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 tas
k 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.
Engineering Expo 2018
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 goin
g 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.
About Me
Corey Dennis is a first year undergraduate student studying Mechanical Engineering at The Ohio State University. Corey is an
outgoing and adventurous type of person who is involved in Engineers for Community Service (ECOS), STEM Outreach, and also the Wish-Makers organizations on campus. He enjoys clubs related to his field of study because he believes teaching is better than learning. Along with all the student organizations, Corey is also involved in the STEM EE Scholars program at the university. He has been intrigued and has excelled in math and sciences his whole life and believes that a program like this will allow him to connect and grow with his field. Corey plans to further his studies over the summer with several courses or internships that will give him what he needs to succeed. His main goal in becoming an engineering is creating something that will help better the world in an efficient and affordable way. Outside of school Corey enjoys fishing, watching football, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. If you have any questions for Corey, feel free to email or contact him at any time.