IA Symposium Project

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This year I completed my International Affairs Scholars Program project on my upcoming study abroad trip to Israel this summer. I will be doing an undergraduate study at Tel Aviv University, taking two three credit hour courses while I am there on the history of Israel and other topic concerning the Middle East. I also plan on completing a research project while I am in Israel, working with Columbus’ sister city of Herzilya to create a project that both cities can collaborate, strengthening their relationship. An example project I was considering was an international soccer match between one of Israel or Herzilya’s soccer team and the Columbus Crew.

Founding Father of Theta Chi, Alpha Lambda Chapter

This year I made one of the best choices of my college career so far by joining Theta Chi. We are a new fraternity on campus, growing to 70 members in one year. Being a new fraternity, our fraternity has the opportunity to set a new standard for Greek Life at Ohio State and establish a precedent and traditions that I will be able to see one day when I come back to visit my fraternity. I have grown close to everyone in the fraternity, even having a position on the Standards Board, as well as becoming the Risk Management Chair.

Toronto Trip

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My trip to Toronto this fall break was a great opportunity to not only enjoy time with friends in a new environment, but also explore the differences in culture between the United States and a foreign country, in this case Canada. We toured several museums and visited historical landmarks, as well as independently ventured around the city to fully experience the independence of being away from home. This experience helped me solidify my decision to study abroad this summer in Israel and has changed how I view traveling, as well as other cultures.

Political Science 4315 Final Paper

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My final paper for my Political Science: International Security and Cause of War class was unique because it gave each student a lot of freedom for the paper. We were required to pick a war or conflict, give a historical summary of this, and then apply two war theories to that specific case and show how they connect. I chose the Falklands War and explained how both systematic uncertainty and diversionary war played large parts in causing the war to begin between the Argentinians and the British. I also theorized a relationship between territorial disputes and sovereignty and how they affect the probability of a conflict ensuing. Although the paper was very time consuming and lengthy, I thoroughly enjoyed writing it  and received a good grade on it.

Intramural Soccer

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I joined an intramural soccer league this Spring to keep myself athletic and involve myself with more activities on campus. I do not play soccer, but I saw this as a great opportunity to grow closer to people I played with and keep my competitive spirit alive. It was nice to see improvements each game, and to earn my place in the starting 6 for the team. Our team held some practices and would also develop strategies before games together. We even made it to the playoffs, but saw an early exit in the first round.

This team gave me an opportunity to play with my floor-mates, many of whom are in International Affairs, and grow closer to them every game. This made me feel more secure as an out-of-state student and gave me a better sense of community within my floor and IA. I enjoyed myself thoroughly and will continue to participate in similar activities on campus to involve myself as much as possible and expand my comfort zone at Ohio State.

Club Gymnastics

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I joined the club gymnastics team this year, and it was one of the best decisions I have made in college. By joining this team I redeveloped my love for gymnastics and met an entirely new group of people I would have otherwise not become close with. We traveled to other schools to compete, and my teammates always push me an encourage me to perform to my best ability. When I am having a tough day or difficult practice, I know my team will support me and have my back through everything. I even met my roommate from next year through this team.

This picture is after a competition at Bowling Green, in which we won the men’s team all around competition. This was the first men’s team first place finish in five years, and to be a part of it was a very special experience for me, especially as a freshman on the team. This was also one of our gymnasts last competition, since he was a senior, and to be able to come out victorious for him felt great.

Religious Studies Field Observation

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I was raised as a conservative Jew, and had a lot of religious morals and values instilled in me from a young age. I attended Hebrew School through 9th grade and had a Bar Mitzvah when I was in 7th grade, signifying my transformation into a Jewish adult. I knew very little about other religions throughout my life, besides the basics of five of the largest widespread religions because of a class I took in high school, including Catholicism, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism and Buddhism. Coming into college, I knew I wanted to minor in Arabic, and have since learned a little more about Islamic culture around the world. However, I wanted to expand my knowledge of other cultures as an International Studies student and as someone with an interest in foreign affairs. I knew completing the field observation would give me an opportunity to expose myself to other religions, philosophies and sacred texts that I otherwise would not explore.

For my field observation, I visited the Church of Scientology of Columbus, along with a few other classmates from the lecture. I knew very little about the concept of Scientology going in to the meeting with one of the church’s members, and was excited about getting the opportunity to learn first-hand how Scientologists practiced their beliefs. I knew celebrities, such as Tom Cruise practiced Scientology, and was interested in finding out more. By connecting with and learning about such a unique religion, I was able to expand and diversify my knowledge of others, which is extremely important since I am part of the International Affairs Scholars program.

Year in Review

This year I got a job at ACUHO-I off campus. There I work with all aspects of membership for ACUHO-I, including serving the membership and assisting members and non-members with their needs. I help new members into the association and maintain relationships with current members, both US-based and international. I also work with all members to help them interact more effectively with the association and help both non-members and current members in any way needed. I also became a founding father of a new fraternity at Ohio State, Theta Chi, Alpha Lambda Chapter, with 70 members. We are one of the fastest growing fraternities on campus, and looking to set a new standard for Greek Life at the University. I also decided to go on a study abroad trip to Israel this summer and complete an undergraduate study at Tel Aviv University.