Being in a freshman survey class the last two weeks has definitely been bittersweet.
I remember walking into my freshmen survey as if it was yesterday. I can recall wandering the halls of the Journalism Building searching for my classroom. Back then, the halls felt like a maize. However, having a class in there every semester since then has taught me that there is actually only four halls in the shape of a square on every floor… if this does not describe the overwhelming feeling of starting college, I do not know what does! I remember walking into the classroom thinking, “Why am I here? Can’t I just read this stuff online?” and, “Who are those kids up there? They can’t be freshmen!” Sure enough, they were my peer mentors. I clearly remember the mentors introducing themselves, and micro-analyzing every word that they spoke. I took mental notes of the do’s and do-not’s, and picked out qualities of each I aspired to emulate in my college career.
And, that’s what brought me here.
My peer mentors were amazing individuals and instilled in me a sense of moral obligation to be the same example to new freshmen as they were to me. That being said, I have done my best every second of the last week that I was in training, or the survey class itself.
Week One was definitely a little chaotic, and awkward at times. I attended convocation with Rachel Steele’s freshmen on Monday, August 21, 2017. Many of the freshmen were a little winded from hiking from South Campus to the business school, as they had absolutely no idea just how expansive their new home was. Despite the heavy breathing, they all showed up with a nervous smile ready to meet their fellow honors students. The peer mentors in attendance introduced themselves to the students and shared an embarrassing or funny fact about their first week at Ohio State. I made sure to inform the new students that Scott Dining Hall has an ice cream machine, but that sometimes it malfunctions; like that one time freshmen year when it sprayed all over my new sweater (it was not funny at the time). Rachel then had the freshmen write a note to themselves that she will mail to them upon graduation, and seeing the look of wander and perplex on their face was pretty cute, I must say. I knew exactly what they were thinking- that four years was so far away.
Sadly, it’s not far away. At all. Like, really, it’s right around the corner, ready to sneak up when you least expect it.
After convocation, the next time I saw some of my new students was Wednesday, August 23, 2017; the second day of classes. They looked exhausted from the last day, and probably had some of the same thoughts I did when I walked into my freshmen survey class two entire years ago. Peer mentors introduced themselves more thoroughly than we did Monday, and participated in a few ice-breakers. I really enjoyed getting to meet the students and hearing about what dorm they were in, or what awful math class they are starting. I started to pin-point the students that said they were interested in law school as potential targets of my plethora of knowledge on the subject, as I am in the process of applying! All in all, this day was really about making sure the students were comfortable and had a solid understanding of what they were doing in a survey class. Their “why am I here” questions were answered excellently by Rachel, as Denise Allman did my freshman year.
Unfortunately, during week one I did not attend peer mentor training on Monday due to a conflict at work, or Thursday, when I was lucky enough to catch the stomach flu! At least I got that out of the way for the year.
Moving on to week two, I came to class Wednesday, August 30, 2017 with my Starbucks caffeine-rush in full-effect. I arrived 15 minutes prior to the start of the class and chatted with the freshman about their first week of college. Most of the responses I got were blank stares of students who clearly did not have a caffeine rush. But, that’s to be expected at 9 a.m. on “hump day.” There was a few students that asked me for advice on where to go grab a few groceries, or where to print some papers. I was happy to share my knowledge of the university with them, as I bombarded my peer mentors with questions all semester during my freshman fall. We talked about their roommates, whether or not they were homesick yet, and if they had ventured to that troublesome ice cream machine in Scott. I wanted them to know that I was one of them, and there because I want their transition into college to be as smooth as possible.
Finally, Rachel came to class and got everyone in order. During the session, we discussed Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson, the book they were given over the summer. Although I had not read it, I watched a TEDTalk conducted by Stevenson himself. It was fascinating, especially since I am interested in law. The students had some very interesting insights on themes covered in the book. They were so respectful of the diversity in the classroom, as well. I was honestly surprised that discussing race in combination with America’s justice system went so well. I was proud of their maturity!
The next day, Thursday, August 31, 2017, I attended peer mentor training. We discussed the general education requirements of the Honors College for B.A. and B.S. students, as well as Academic Plans. I found the session to be a good reminder of the things I had learned and referenced while completing my Honors Contract in March 2017. I am looking forward to helping students understand these things during week three, as I remember being so confused and nagging my peer mentors to explain the guidelines better. Thankfully, they helped me gain this understanding, and I will do the same for these new freshman.
Finally, I hosted a peer mentor event at Fox in the Snow Cafe here in Columbus on Sunday, September 3, 2017. Two girls attended and I was so happy to answer their questions… and show them where the best cinnamon roll in the world is made. They asked me about how to properly establish relationships with teachers to secure possible letters of recommendation down the road, and about relationships with significant others and roommates, as well. I spoke from my own experience over the last two years. One of the girls was interested in law school, so we decided to meet again to go over more specifics so she can get a better idea of whether or not law school is something she wants to consider. They were such great girls and reminded me a lot of my freshmen self. I encouraged them to reach out to me down the line with any questions they might have about Carmen, classes, scheduling, or just life in general.
So, me sounding so positive may make one wonder where the bitter in bittersweet is in all of this?
Well, seeing these young adults starting their college careers has made me realize just how fast the time has flown by here at the greatest school in the entire universe, in my humble opinion. I am graduating a year early, so this is my last fall here! I know how much joy Ohio State has given me, and I hope these kids find the same bliss here. I will do whatever I can to ensure this.