The Win

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In April, of my senior year of high school, I received a plaque. It was just a black plaque, with the words “Overall High Score” written in white letters. To many people, that plaque would mean next to nothing, simply a decoration piece to be stowed away in a box or on a shelf, however to me it meant the world. I received that plaque at the end of my last dance competition, after 16 years in the studio, on stage, performing for crowds all over the country. It was not just the fact that it was my last competition, it was the fact that I had won. For the first time in my dancing career, I had won the entire competition and had the highest score. I spent thousands of hours, both in the studio and outside on my own, to get to this point. Sure, it is just one award, it does not mean anything in the long run. It will not get me a job or get me into law school, but it means the world to me. It seems as though I was validated, in that one moment, all of my hours of dedication, discipline and hard work, it all was culminated in that plaque. It was not easy at all, there were times I wanted to quit or give up, but in that one moment, the director of the dance competition handed me my award and I felt like I was receiving an Olympic gold medal. In some ways, it might have been my gold medal, my great achievement. This one award gave me encouragement, it told me that my hard work will pay off, in all aspects of life. Now, in college, there are bad days, or a rough test, or a problem I just can’t seem to fix. I just think back, to my plaque, which it took me 16 years to earn, and rest easy knowing that there is always a light at the end of a tunnel.

G.O.A.L.S.

Global Awareness:

– My Global Awareness will come with my study abroad plans, but also in the service I’ve already done. I am participating in a service project where I work with mainly Somalia refugees. These people have been through war, and escaped to gain freedom and a better life for their children. My experiences in learning about their stories has opened my eyes to the struggles that people are dealing with, and even though they live in Columbus, they carry experiences from the entire world. I look forward to my future travels and study abroad to see these experiences and stories lived out first hand.

Original Inquiry:

-My Original Inquiry comes in my participation with the STEP program at Ohio State. I could create a trip to Washington D.C. that specifically met my future goals and needs for my career. I was able to access tickets to museums, tours, and lots of other things that can give me a head start and allow me to explore my future far before I graduate from Ohio State.

Academic Enrichment:

-Academically, I have found a home in the higher level thinking of Political Science. I love this major not just because it is something I am greatly interested in, but I also have access to so many resources inside and outside the classroom. We often have guest speakers and presenters that are actively a part of the government. We don’t have to learn only about standard theories or things of the past, we continue to meet people of the present that are doing what we want to do with our lives. Political Science allows me to see my future while also learning the necessary skills to get there.

Leadership Development:

-I am a leader because I am involved in the Resident Advisor role. Not only am I leader on campus, but now I must serve as a role model for my residents. This is something I can use to develop my leadership skills, while making safety, security, and growth of my residents a top priority. This opportunity has allowed me to find a way to lead by example, but also lead by listening. I want to continue to serve as a role model, but also to grow and learn on my own about my leadership style.

Service Engagement: Honors & Scholars students commit to service to the community

-My service project with the Northern Lights Library Homework Help Center has allowed me to commit to serving my Columbus community. While acting as a tutor with this branch, I have not only gotten to serve, but grow with the kids that I help. These students are the future of Columbus, and it is a privilege for me to be able to teach them and foster their growth, and serve as an ambassador to the next generation.

Career

JOBS:

Miles Farmers Market                                                                                                                                      Solon, Ohio

Cashier                                                                                                                                        August 2014- August 2016

  • Operated and maintained a cash register, storewide product fluency, maintained a high level of customer service
  • Maintained a clean work environment, received outstanding evaluations and asked to return

 

Mandel JCC J-Day Camps                                                                             Beechwood, Ohio

Special Needs Companion                                                        `           May 2017-August 2017

  • Accompanied a camper diagnosed with Autism throughout the summer, provided a traditional camp experience to a child who would not be successful on their own
  • Always excited to spend time with campers and participate in all activities, received outstanding evaluation

 

Ohio State Office of Student Life                                                                   Columbus, Ohio

Office Assistant                                                                                         May 2017-January 2018

  • Maintained the front desk of a residence hall of over 700 students, fulfilled residents’ needs and requests
  • Worked with a diverse staff, always eager and prompt to work hard, no matter the task
  • Maintained strong communication skills, emphasized customer satisfaction, received outstanding evaluation

 

Ohio State Office of Student Life                                                                   Columbus, Ohio

Resident Advisor                                                                                              January 2018-Present

  • Maintained a floor of over eighty students, and oversaw their safety, academic and social achievement
  • Worked with a diverse staff, always eager and prompt to work hard, no matter the task
  • Maintained strong communication skills, emphasized resident wellness, received outstanding evaluation

 

INVOLVEMENT:

Mount Scholars Group                                                                                                                              Columbus, Ohio

Member Development Committee Chair                                                                                                 August 2016-present

  • Selected from a competitive pool of applicants
  • Participated in community service and school leadership, planned annual Mount Scholars Gala

 

Buckeyethon                                                                                                                                              Columbus, Ohio

General Body Member                                                                                                                         August 2016- Present

  • Raised funds to support families and patients of pediatric cancer
  • Participated in a 24-hour dance marathon

 

Dance Connection                                                                                                                                      Columbus, Ohio

Tap Dance Teacher                                                                                                                 August 2016-December 2016

 

Honors & Scholars Ambassador                                                                Columbus, Ohio

                                                                                                                        August 2017-Present

  • Educates current and future Ohio State students about Honors and Scholars programs
  • Attend events and share personal experience as well as facts to inform and navigate Ohio State’s programs

EDUCATION:

The Ohio State University, College of Arts and Sciences                                                                          Columbus, Ohio

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science                                                                                                                     May 2020

GPA: 3.8

  • Dean’s List Autumn 2016, Spring 2017
  • University Scholars Program

 

Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School                                                                              Broadview Heights, Ohio

                                                                                                                                                                             May 2016

National Honor Society-selected by a panel of 5 teachers         GPA 3.7

The Key Chain

The Key Chain

 

Walking into the summer after my first year of college, I had no idea what job I would have to make it until my sophomore year. I had a friend who was desperate for a counselor at a camp, and I said yes without thinking. Suddenly, I was interviewing for a counselor role. What I didn’t know was that I was interviewing to be a companion of an Autistic child. I had never worked this in depth with a special needs child, even though I assisted some during my high school years. I would be with this child from the beginning of their day to the end, and I would be in charge of creating a “normal” camp experience for him by modifying activities the rest of the group was doing. I didn’t feel prepared, but I needed a job and jumped head first.

I was apprehensive at first, but I couldn’t imagine my life without this camp and my favorite camper. The bond we developed is one of a kind, and nothing could have separated us at camp. There were hardships, obstacles, and many days where both of us were too tired to participate in anything. But the joy and love that I found in this camp, the camper, and my staff was everything. Hard days seemed irrelevant when my days were filled with making this child feel special, and like he belonged at camp.

Most importantly, this artifact represents me finding a path. I have a newfound passion for special needs children, and making sure that every differently-abled person is able to have the experiences like the ones I provided for my camper. He opened my eyes to the world of kids who are just misunderstood, and even though they can’t communicate the same way as us, they have just as much to offer. I now want to dedicate my life, both in my profession and outside in my spare time, to make every kid as happy as I am with my camper in the picture on the key chain.

About Me

My name is Maddy Drinko, a second year political science major from Cleveland, OH. I am a member of the Mount Leadership Scholars group, which allows me to fulfill my passions of leadership and service outside of my major. Along with those passions, my interests include dancing, softball, and special needs education. After college I plan to pursue a career in the justice system, hopefully attending law school after receiving my undergraduate degree.