I will work towards my goal of Global Awareness hopefully through a study abroad trip.  Although I probably won’t able to work a full semester length study abroad program into my degree plan, I would love to take one of the other shorter-length trips, for example the ones that are a few weeks over winter break or into the summer.  On top of this, I will of course always be taking advantage of the global diversity that constantly surrounds me here on campus like the students from all over the world in my classes and residence hall, and the many organizations that promote diversity here on campus.  I will look for something like a global health organization that would align with my pre-med goals but also foster Global Awareness.  Last but not least, I will take many classes focused on other cultures through the diverse options that the GE allows.  Between the foreign language, historical studies, social sciences, literature, arts, cultures and ideas, and global studies requirements, there is a vast amount of coursework that would immerse me in a foreign culture.

I would like to get very involved in research here at Ohio State which would fulfill my goal of Original Inquiry.  The process of getting started in research can seem pretty overwhelming but there are a few things that make it very possible for anyone to find a spot in some research that interests them.  For starters, Ohio State is a top tier national research institution meaning there is cutting edge research going on in every field imaginable by thousands of professors and graduate students.  On top of this, there are organizations like the Undergraduate Research Office whose sole purpose is to connect undergraduate students to the research they are interested in.  There are also advisors and faculty all over campus that will help to connect students to researchers.  I will use my major advisor to help guide me towards research options that will best fit my future goals.  I am considering graduate school as a post-baccalaureate option so getting into research will be very important to determine if that is a viable career path for me.

When it comes to Academic Enrichment, I will make an Academic Plan that is intellectually stimulating, aligned with my interests, and aimed towards achieving future goals.  First and foremost, I will create a program of study that allows me to dive into the Neuroscience major.  Although it is a good major for undergraduate students looking towards medical school in the future, it is also one that I have found to be very interesting, exciting, and of course challenging.  For these reasons, it really is the perfect major for me.  I will also have many classes required for applying to medical school in my program of study that will challenge me intellectually.  After the science classes for my major and pre-med track, there are many other GEs that I look forward to taking.  The GEs can either be looked at like a set of requirements to graduate, or as an opportunity to create a personally crafted, well-rounded, unique, and interesting aspect to an otherwise cookie-cutter degree.  Each section of the GE has so many great classes offered within it that I find it hard to believe that someone would not be able to find any that truly interest them.  For next semester I am scheduled to take an intro to world cinema class that I am very excited about because I took a film analysis class in high school that I loved.

A goal that I have as I look towards my next few years at Ohio State would be to become a leader in a student organization on campus.  Of course the first step related to this would be to find a club that I am truly passionate enough about to lead.  There are so many different organizations available to students, all with leadership positions, so I really feel that I will have no trouble finding a few that I will really want to devote my time to.  And even if I can’t find a spot to lead in an existing organization, they make it very easy to start a new organization.  In fact, I think that would really be the most rewarding way to get into leadership.  Creating an organization would be an excellent accomplishment that could be around to influence students for many years to come.  I could also find leadership in research if I am given an opportunity to take on my own project.  Even just leading a study group would help to teach me how to be a successful leader.

I personally feel that Service Engagement may be the most important of the G.O.A.L.S.  It is such a blessing to be able to attend one of the greatest universities in the world, it would be wrong to not give back to those less fortunate, especially when we have so much to give.  It is very easy to find opportunities to serve on campus.  There are always outings to go serve, and even organizations whose primary mission is to serve all year round.  I would like to find a study abroad trip where service is a main component.  I have done trips like that in the past and I’ve always found them to be extremely fulfilling.  One of my larger goals would be to start my own service organization that promotes the happiness and healthiness of the buckeye population right here on campus.  That is a future project but I think it would be the greatest way to serve and lead at the same time.