I’d like to say that I knew what I was getting into when I had decided where I was going to college, but I had absolutely no idea what was in store for me at The Ohio State University. I had no idea that I would get the opportunity to work with children and show them different experiments to develop their interests in the STEM—that’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics—fields, or that I would eventually be the second chair tuba player of the Ohio State Wind Symphony. I have changed in so many ways since I started college, but I believe that these changes will help me to succeed in life.
After being admitted to OSU, I kept trying to find groups or clubs I could participate in on campus; I yearned to be a part of something meaningful. When I learned that I had been accepted into the OSU Scholars program, I was ecstatic. All that was left to do was to submit my preference of specific program. Yet, that seemed to be the hardest part. Being a double major in music and a science, I was torn between the STEM Exploration and Engagement (STEM EE) Scholars and the Arts Scholars programs. I knew I would be able to find friends in both, and be able to have new experiences that would allow me to grow as an individual, but I did not know which path to take. After what seemed to be an eternity of mulling over the decision, I came to the conclusion that since I was still uncertain of what STEM major I wanted to pursue, I would apply to the STEM EE Scholars program in order to aid my decision. Since Being accepted to the STEM Scholars, I have changed my STEM major three times, from Mathematics to Astronomy and Astrophysics, from Astronomy and Astrophysics to Physics, and then back to Astronomy and Astrophysics. I am glad to say that being in this scholars group has allowed me to investigate the options of each major and receive opinions of others on such majors. It has allowed me to explore different career options, as well.
I always knew that I would want to be a teacher someday. Whether I am or not, I will be content with my majors; however, if I am able to be a teacher someday, I will be able to convey to students the joys of STEM. I will do my best to explain the material in the way that the students will understand the most, in a way that will hopefully ignite a spark inside those who can someday see themselves becoming a STEM major. If I do not end up being a teacher I aspire to be a knowledgeable figure who can assist students, much like myself, in deciding what path to take in college.
Being in the STEM EE Scholars program has provided me the insight I had previously sought to be able to decide what path to take in furthering my academics. I believe that if I had not been a part of the program, that I would still be unsure about which major I should pursue, uncertain about what path to take in life. But because of the STEM EE Scholars, now I have a goal, a dream which I know is within reach.