End of Year Reflection

Although the end of freshman year hasn’t gone as many had planned, I’m grateful for all the memories and experiences early on. From the first Scholars event in downtown Columbus to Saturday morning volunteering, I have genuinely enjoyed my freshman year. Each event has helped me to branch out and really know the people with whom I have lived. Scholars has provided opportunities to make OSU a little smaller. It brings people into a community. It welcomes and embraces. The program, the events, and the people create a family network. I have found friends in the most unlikely of people and places. There is such diversity among the Scholars group, and yet we have been able to come together. We have found friendships with different people. We have stayed up late working on projects, went out as a group on the weekends, and even held funerals for those leaving. (RIP Michaela) There is something beautiful about finding this community in such a big place. In a university of tens of thousands of people, we were placed together and found a home. My own homesickness was diminished thanks to the friends around me. Whether they were all bunching into my dorm on a weeknight or dragging me out on a Saturday. I felt a part of something. That something, the scholars community, has been invaluable my freshman year. It has helped me find friends, helped me go out of my comfort zone, and made the switch to college easier. Freshman year can be measured in classes, GPA’s, late nights, and long projects. For me, it will be remembered by my community. From staying up half the night under the clock tower to getting Buckeye Donuts late at night to staying in on rainy weekends with my floor mates, that is my freshman year. Those are the memories I will come away with. That and an excitement to return soon enough.

Journal 3

For as long as I can remember I have been called an old soul. I have enjoyed spending time outside, I am introspective, and I feel comfortable being alone with my thoughts. I am not aloof, instead calm and quiet. Rarely do I delve into the idea that I am an old soul. It just seems to be me. I would like to better understand what it means, though. Throughout this next semester I intend on understanding what this means and further embracing it as part of who I am. This is about as original as an inquiry can be because it is so personal and unique. Every so often people will try to reflect on who they are, what their values are, and where they are in life. My inquiry relates to how I could better understand and relate to who I have been told I am. I have been told I am an old soul, but what does it mean and is it me? I can go about this research by first consulting a professor who teaches a class relevant to this study. My mindfulness professor could help me understand what an old soul is. By understanding who one is, I can talk with people I believe to be old souls. I can understand their interests, their thought processes, and their concept of what an old soul is. This inquiry would likely take a few months during the semester and would consist of multiple interviews. As early as next week I could contact my professor, research definitions of ‘old souls’, and begin interviewing over winter break. Aside from individual research and interviews, this project could be extended to my own reflections. I could participate in activities that old souls enjoy and journal my thoughts and emotions. I expect some activities to be as simple as spending time outside, while others as involved as learning an instrument. Regardless, the basal steps would be research. After contacting a professor and gathering definitions of old souls, I would interview. Research and interviews would need to be done before the midterm week of February 24-25. After this point I would have ample time to participate in ‘old soul’ activities and reflect on findings. The entirety of the project should be completed by the end of spring break to avoid conflicts with finals. By the end, I would hope to have a better understanding of what an old soul is, what interests old souls, and if I am an old soul. Although abstract and subjective, I believe the project could be beneficial for me as a person. It is in this time of research and reflection that I could better enrich my understanding of self.

Columbus To Do List Part 2

After visiting Franklin Park and Conservatory and Goodale Park, I was excited to learn even more about Columbus through other parks. In the same day which I visited Goodale Park, I decided to walk down to the Scioto Mile and Bicentennial Park. The walk was pleasant, albeit rainy, and the park impressive. It naturally drew attention from the city to the river and back again. There were seating areas, an event center, and structures which interacted with the landscape. The bridges crossing above allowed pedestrians to walk back and forth and see downtown Columbus in all its beauty. Aside from the swings overlooking the river, my favorite installations in the park were deer. Metal deer were positioned throughout; they overlooked the bridge and sat on the steps of COSI. Although unusual, they were a funny touch to the park. Just a few days after my visit to the Bicentennial Park and the Scioto Mile, I walked up a bike path with a friend. We crossed through Clinton-Como park and saw families playing on the playsets into dusk. As the sun set over the neighborhood park, I felt the community’s appreciation. Clinton-Como is integrated well into the community and feels like an extension to many people’s backyards. It felt cozy in the autumn sunset and a place which brings families together. Although not a groundbreaking design, the park is quaint and humble. It stands as a park which recalls memories of childhood. I like it. Somewhere between the designs of Clinton-Como and Goodale Park there exists Schiller Park. It was my favorite. I rode down to German Village with two friends and the neighborhood itself was worth the ride. Nestled along aging brick streets with restored Italianate gingerbread houses sits Schiller Park. The plots of land for houses are condensed so that residents use Schiller Park more so. We walked up to the entrance at the corner of a quiet street and found this charming park. There were installations of trapeze artists and other athletes suspended throughout the park which added to the uniqueness. The trees shed leaves and shone beautiful fall colors about. Near the entrance was a hill—something I greatly miss from Cincinnati—and so I laid down. I watched the trees wave and the sunlight glimmer. I focused on the light behind the branches and saw hundreds of sparkles. I was happy to be in this place. We continued to walk around the park for an hour or so. We learned about the park’s history, took in the landscape, and saw residents (and their dogs) loving their park. As the sun fell below the horizon and we left, I felt the need to come back. I wanted others to see this place. That is what parks ought to be. Parks, especially in Columbus, bring people together. They are a point of pride for the communities and a gathering space for all. Schiller Park was apparently my favorite. It was nestled into a quaint neighborhood and brought a peace I had not felt in a while. As Columbus continues to grow, I hope it maintains these gems and provides this peace for countless others. I will continue to explore new parks and hopefully bring new people to those that I already know. I hope that those in future classes understand the importance of this project and can see the same beauty in their parks, their pizza, their coffee, or whatever else they may choose. Understanding a community’s culture plays an incredible role in making newcomers feel at home. I’m starting to feel just that.

Columbus To Do List Part 1

In nearly every city, state, and country there exist plots of land which promote community, preserve the natural world, and bring a sense of peace. Parks, regardless of size, bring something unique to every city. Some of my favorite memories have been spent in parks and I can’t think of a better way to get to know a city than through its greenspaces. Within Columbus, some of the most admired parks are Goodale, Franklin Conservatory, Schiller, Bicentennial, and Clinton-Como. I’m excited to continue to learn about each one and understand their value in their surrounding neighborhoods. Simply being in nature, however, is fulfillment enough for me. I have already experienced this in two of the five parks. I have been to Goodale a few times already and every time I find another niche within. The park seems to be a point of pride for the community of Short North and is enjoyed by just about everyone. The pond and grotto, the shaded grass, and the scattered benches encourage a variety of people and bring the community together. Similarly, Franklin Conservatory and Park invites families and young people to walk along trails and experience the beauty of the botanical garden. The evening I went, there was a Pumpkin Night which brought droves of families in and ushered in the fall spirit. The park was vibrant as the sun set over bright leaves and reminded me of a park close to my home in Cincinnati. Altogether, I am gladdened by the parks that I’ve seen and excited to see the other three in the coming weeks.

Journal 2: Mentor Meeting

Over the past few weeks I have felt like I’ve been able to go to my mentor, Julia Workum, for advice or just a good conversation. Whether via text or in a group, she is always willing to help out and just talk. Our group meeting, although not very deliberate, was just fun. Julia, Jacob, Michaela, Tessa, and I met at KSA to catch up and hear about how each other is doing. We talked about what we’ve gotten involved in, how the scholars community is doing overall, and concerns and successes in our majors. I felt like I did a good bit of talking because I spoke about the clubs and jobs that I’ve joined, as well as common interests I have with others in the group. I really enjoyed talking with Julia and Michaela about politics, especially because we have touched on it in person and via text before. Until earlier this week, I didn’t know that Julia, like myself, is an Elizabeth Warren supporter. As well, Michaela likes Bernie Sanders. Whenever I find people even slightly interested in politics, I immediately inquire about their views and their thoughts on current events. This group wasn’t as keen on talking about it but I found some good conversation anyway. Besides politics, we talked about the food on campus, life living off campus, internships, majors and minors, and volunteering. The most interesting thing Julia mentioned was that she is a triplet. Through the conversations we were able to get to know each other better and strengthen bonds. I look forward to meeting with them in the future and know that I can go to them at any point in time. I think for the next event we’re going to just get a meal and catch up after fall break. In the meantime, I know that I can reach out to Julia and anybody in my group for someone to talk to.

Welcome Week Reflection

Coming into Ohio State, I was cautiously optimistic. But when I got here, I thought that welcome week was exhilarating. The events and activities set up got me excited to be here and it was a pretty good time to meet new people and get to know campus. I never felt like I was lost or overwhelmed because of the accessibility and resources provided. I thought that the Ohio State app did a really good job of navigating and helping me get out on campus and explore. Convocation was a really cool opportunity to come together as a class and officially be welcomed into the Ohio State community. The Columbus Welcome after that was fun too because I got to know a bit more about the city. Aside from the larger events, I really enjoyed the time spent within the Scholars Mentor Groups. I was able to be part of a smaller group and find people I can look up to and go to for advice throughout the year and in years to come. The first weekend was a really great opportunity and it helped get me situated before starting classes. I honestly didn’t think about classes much before they started. Part of the reason being because I didn’t want to face the reality that school was starting, but also because I didn’t want to set unreasonable expectations. I wasn’t sure what the class environment would be like so I didn’t feel the need to walk in speculating what it could be. I just let the classes be what they would be and approach them according to how they’re set up. As to adjusting to the entire college environment—I’m still adjusting. It’s weird not coming home to my family and my dog every day but I also like the independence of life in college. I can wake up when I want and go wherever as long as my class schedule permits it. So far classes have gone well and I enjoy my professors. They have made the transition from high school to college a bit easier and I am grateful for them. As for just living on campus, the aspect that has helped me adjust the most is meeting such great people. This is largely through the Scholars Program and because of it I have felt more invited. I know people inside and outside of my classes and can spend time with them whenever. As I said before, I honestly didn’t walk in with any expectations. I wanted the college experience to evolve organically and not with the force of any predetermined expectations I could have made. The first weeks on campus have thus far been great. I have met people, learned more about campus and Columbus, and have already learned a great deal about architecture. The Scholars Program has played a crucial role in this. I have been able to live and work with some of the best Architecture students in our class and am lucky to call them my friends. As well, the mentor program has helped me in getting to know more upperclassmen and in being an advisor when needed. So far, I really enjoy the community at Ohio State and feel more at home as the days go by.

Year in Review

[ “Year in Review”  is where you should reflect on the past year and show how you have evolved as a person and as a student.  You may want to focus on your growth in a particular area (as a leader, scholar, researcher, etc.) or you may want to talk about your overall experience over the past year.  For more guidance on using your ePortfolio, including questions and prompts that will help you get started, please visit the Honors & Scholars ePortfolio course in Carmen. To get answers to specific questions, please email eportfolio@osu.edu. Delete these instructions and add your own post.]

G.O.A.L.S.

[ “G.O.A.L.S.” is a place where students write about how their planned, current, and future activities may fit into the Honors & Scholars G.O.A.L.S.: Global Awareness, Original Inquiry, Academic Enrichment, Leadership Development, and Service Engagement. For more guidance on using your ePortfolio, including questions and prompts that will help you get started, please visit the Honors & Scholars ePortfolio course in Carmen. To get answers to specific questions, please email eportfolio@osu.edu. Delete these instructions and add your own post.

  • Global Awareness: Students cultivate and develop their appreciation for diversity and each individual’s unique differences. For example, consider course work, study abroad, involvement in cultural organizations or activities, etc.
  • Original Inquiry: Honors & Scholars students understand the research process by engaging in experiences ranging from in-class scholarly endeavors to creative inquiry projects to independent experiences with top researchers across campus and in the global community. For example, consider research, creative productions or performances, advanced course work, etc.
  • Academic Enrichment: Honors & Scholars students pursue academic excellence through rigorous curricular experiences beyond the university norm both in and out of the classroom.
  • Leadership Development: Honors & Scholars students develop leadership skills that can be demonstrated in the classroom, in the community, in their co-curricular activities, and in their future roles in society.
  • Service Engagement: Honors & Scholars students commit to service to the community.]