After meeting with my Sapling Mentors, Joyce Smith and Alyssa Bowles, I learned more about The Ohio State University. We first talked about academics. Alyssa explained to me how she decided on her major. She had started at Ohio State with a major in Psychology, however she switched to Environmental Engineering. Alyssa was motivated to change her major by her involvement in the Environmental and Natural Resources Scholars group. I learned that I should not be scared to declare a major because otherwise I will never figure out what I want my career to be. Making a wrong decision on a major will only help me in the long run. I plan on using Alyssa’s experience to declare a major after freshmen year and not be afraid of switching it (if necessary). Alyssa also told me about her most challenging major class which was Math 1172. She told me about her five-day study plan for midterms. I learned how to prepare for my next set of midterms so that I am less stressed and more prepared. I plan on using Alyssa’s five-day study plan.
Alyssa told me about her involvement in Defend Our Future and Generation Action. Alyssa picked these organizations because she is passionate about Planned Parenthood and stopping EPA budget cuts. Freshmen year, she chose not to be involved in any student organizations. She assured me that it was fine to take time off from being involved; you can always get involved later. I learned that it is okay to take time to adjust to living in college rather than getting involved right away. I plan to take my time in finding student organizations that I can be the most passionate about.
When talking about ENR Scholars, Alyssa told me how to make the most of the program. She told me to go to as many of the events that I can. She emphasized that it is free fun. Alyssa especially like the backpacking trip to Dolly Sods and dog-toy making. Although I cannot go to the backpacking trip this year, I plan on trying to attend next year. I learned that you can both have fun with the different activities in ENR and make new friends with the other scholars.
Alyssa discussed her career plans for after graduation. She plans on joining the Peace Corps, her dream job, and working with them for two years. Afterwards, Alyssa plans on working for the EPA. If she does not get into the Peace Corps, her back-up plan is to keep on applying every year. She will also build up her resume by volunteering more. If her plan still does not work out, she will work for her hometown’s Parks and Recreation department. I learned that you should always dream big and never give up. However, I also learned that you should have a realistic and enjoyable back-up plan if things do not go the way you expect. I plan to find both my dream job and a safe back-up job.
After discussing academics and involvement, my mentors gave me general advice for the year. Joyce and Alyssa gave me the advice that they wished someone would have given them freshmen year. Alyssa wished someone would have told her to go get tutoring help on campus. She told me to take advantage of Ohio State’s resources. Joyce wished someone would have told her that professors are real people that you can talk to. She wished she would have known to go to office hours and befriend them. I learned that office hours are for getting to know your professors as well as getting help with academics. I plan on not being afraid of getting help from Ohio State’s tutoring resources and not being afraid of befriending my professors.
Joyce and Alyssa gave a lot of good advice and stories about their college experiences thus far. They have really helped with the process of adjusting to college. I could not ask for more understanding and wonderful Sapling Mentors.