As I reflect on my past two years at The Ohio State University, I can confidently say that I have grown a lot both as a student and a person. Coming into college, I had the idea that I would have an easy transition from high school. I was very good with managing my time, I knew how to be organized, I was ready to work hard, I was outgoing, and I had a general idea of what I wanted to get involved in. Fast forward four semesters, and I am finally starting to feel as though I have found my place at Ohio State. I know over the next two years, I will grow even more and I am looking forward to that. I would love to share the details of what I have learned so far.
Freshman year, was definitely one of the hardest years of my life. Nothing dramatic occurred other than I was surrounded by 60,000 students, a choice of 1,000 clubs to join, as well as decide which major would fit best with my passions. I felt very overwhelmed. Within the first semester, I discovered that I was meant to be a teacher for the early grades. I love kids, building relationships, and being there for people at pivotal moments in their life. I have a desire to teach young children more than just what is in the curriculum. My volunteer experience and my field experience with children so far in college, has only solidified this decision to study early childhood education.
The second important thing that I learned about myself freshman year is that staying true to who you are is very important. I had certain values coming into college and I am glad that I didn’t give those up for the expense of “fitting into” the so called college lifestyle. By remaining true to my values, it took a little extra time, but I found friends and developed relationships with people who have the same values as me. I found friends who I could be my complete self around and who I know will be lifelong friends.
Sophomore year has treated me very well. Something I have learned this year is to take risks and try new things. If something doesn’t work out, it is okay and there will be something else to try. I have joined new organizations on campus, applied for jobs, and I am returning to Europe to study abroad for a second time this spring.
This past year has also taught me that hard work does pay off and this motivates me for the upcoming years. I got accepted into the Early Childhood Education B.S.Ed. Program and I have maintained a 4.0 all four semesters. Over the next two years, I plan to continue to be an A student as well as take on more responsibilities by adding a part-time job to my schedule. Hard work and commitment is something I value and I want to continue to pursue both of these.
In the upcoming years, I do not plan to stay comfortable where I am. I want to continue to seek out new ways to offer up my time to others through volunteering as well as dive deep into my major. I also plan to continue deepening the friendships I have, as well as seek out new friends. I find it very hard to believe that my college years are halfway through. I am looking forward to what the future holds and I am ready to face it by taking on more responsibility and continuing to learn more deeply about the field in which I want to pursue.