College is challenging. That is what I have learned in my first semester here at OSU. But it isn’t as challenging as I thought it was going to be. I had to do some adjusting when it came to my learning style and study habits. I was not used to learning in a large lecture-style setting and I never had to study in high school, so I’ve had to create new study habits and manage my time better. My time management in high school was pretty good because I was always involved in extra-curricular activities; I always had a very tight schedule. Since I’ve begun college, I’ve had a lot more free time on my hands and have had to figure out how to limit my time with friends and my Netflix habit in order to have time to focus on my studies. Making friends has also been a little bit of a challenge because I am no longer in an excessive amount of extra-curriculars, but the friends that I have made are really great ones and I am so glad to have met them. The only fears I have for my future here at OSU are my rooming situation next year and my schedule next semester. I know I am going to, again, have to adjust my time management because I have taken on a heavier load of classes next semester and I will have all real classes – no survey classes. I know that it will take some getting used to, but I will be able to manage it as long as I keep myself on schedule.

I have absolutely loved being a part of the humanities group. I love the activities we do, places we visit and things we talk about in survey class. I have made some really great friends amongst the humanities scholars, especially on the Chicago trip. The Chicago trip has been one of the highlights of my year so far, the Ohio State vs. Michigan game is a close second. I’ve loved nearly every second I’ve spent here at OSU. Having my own independence, living on my own, making my own decisions and being entirely responsible for my education has so far been one of the greatest experiences of my life and I cannot wait for the rest of these next four years.

Meghan DeVol

Benjamin Fortman

Humanities Scholars’ Seminar

19 October 2016

‘But Out’ Reflection

1. I’d like to do more community service, but I don’t have the time.
2. I’d like to read more, but watching Netflix doesn’t take as much brain power.
3. I’d like to go to church on Sunday, but it is too early in the morning.
4. I’d like to learn better study habits, but I’m too lazy to go to office hours or tutoring.
5. I’d like to save my money, but shopping and online shopping are so fun and so easy.

1. I’d like to do more community service and I don’t have much time to do this. So, I need set aside time in my schedule to give back.
2. I’d like to read more and watching Netflix is so much easier and doesn’t take as much effort. So, I need to take at least 20 minutes out of my Netflix time every day to sit down and read.
3. I’d like to go to church on Sunday morning and it is early in the morning. So, I need to go to a later service – like an 11 o’clock or an evening service.
4. I’d like to learn better study habits and I am too lazy to go to office hours or tutoring. So, I need to set aside specific times each week for studying and go to office hours when I truly don’t understand something.
5. I’d like to save my money and shopping is one of my favorite things to do. So, I need to give my roommate my debit card and have her hold me accountable for my shopping habit.

I can do all of these things and I will do all of these things if I put my mind to it.

Suhaib Abudulwahed

“I am a young man from Iraq. We moved from Iraq to the United States in 2010, hoping for a better future. Coming from Iraq I experienced a lot of challenges as a child that helped me grow into who I am today. Now, appreciating the opportunities that are ahead of me, I am motivated to make the best of them. As of now, I am in college seeking the truest version of me.”

Meghan DeVol

Humanities Scholars Seminar

Benjamin Fortman

28 August, 2016

My First Week at OSU

I had no idea what to expect coming into my first week at the Ohio State University. Would it be scary? Would it be emotional? Exciting? Nerve-wracking? Stressful? Fun? It turned out to be all of things at exactly the same time and, therefore, I can successfully say that it was good but exhausting. I love my room and my roommate – living on my own is weird but also really exciting and it feels good to be so independent. I can tell I will be challenged this year, but that is always a good thing. Time management is going to be my worst enemy, but I have so many people already to support me along the way and for that I am thankful.

I like the humanities program already and I can tell I am going to have a good couple of years with all of the people in it. Everyone is so inviting and friendly and many of us have very similar interests. I expect to get a lot out of this program. I hope to gain not only friends and community but also a more enriched and well-rounded learning experienced. I hope that I do a lot of growing both at OSU in general and in the Humanities Scholars program; I hope to become even more independent and to gain valuable skills that will last me a lifetime. I know that I am going to put my very best foot forward this year and give my all in everything that I do.

I had no idea what to expect coming into my first week at OSU, but now that I have been here for a week I know that this year is going to be a great one.M

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