My name is Denyzel Dichosa and I am a first year undergraduate student studying Biology (but planning on switching to Health Sciences) on the pre-optometry track, with a minor in French. I grew up in Avon Lake, OH and attended Avon Lake High School in its small suburb about half an hour from Cleveland. Coming to a large university such as Ohio State was the change I needed to spread out socially and academically as I began my college career. My future plans include finishing my bachelors of science degree here and hopefully continuing on to the College of Optometry graduate school located in the medical campus. I currently take part in the Pre-Optomtery Club and also am a proud, involved member of the Pilipino Student Association (PSA). I love partaking in PSA because I found a family and culture I relate with. And within the group, the friends I’ve made are helping me become a better student and stay motivated to keep going in the right direction academically.

With almost half the first semester over, I can say I’ve certainly surprised myself with how many new experiences I have already had. Activities like, dance, rock climbing, zumba, penny boarding, and thinking philosophically were all things I never expected to try! However, I am so glad I did. It was a fun change from the usual piccolo in marching band, or flute concert band and piano lessons (many musically directed activities) I stuck to in high school. My love for language is still in the process of being fulfilled and I try to practice in any way on a daily basis. French, German, Korean, and Tagalog are the few that I have dabbled in to learn.

As for qualities I possess that make me who I am, I’d put my strengths in my ability to work smart and get things done once I get started. Also I am working constantly on keeping an open minded attitude toward all situations and will do my best to help others however I can.