Hello! My name is Sylvia Ghotra and I’m from Macedonia, Ohio. I will be a 3rd-year microbiology major in the Biological Sciences Scholars Program in the Autumn 2022 semester. I’m determined to major in microbiology in hopes of attending medical school in the future so I may pursue a career in which I’ll be able to help others with their health and exert a positive influence over their lives. Moreover, I intend to go to medical school to expand my knowledge of life in general. I’m intrigued by the human body and all of the meticulous aspects that go into its existence and function. Medical school will allow me to constantly learn new things by facing challenges that provoke critical thinking and apply the lessons that I will acquire in life.
I am involved in organizations on campus such as the Sikh Student Association, Buckeyes for Save a Child’s Heart, First-Generation Pre-Medical Student Association, and Buckeyes Against Cancer. In the Sikh Student Association, I decided to create the Seva Committee during my freshman year. “Seva” means “selfless service” in Sikhism. I created this committee for the purpose of incorporating more volunteer opportunities to give back to the Columbus community, and allowing myself to strengthen my faith/morals away from home. In Buckeyes for Save a Child’s Heart, I have served as the Social Media/Outreach Officer and will be upholding the Secretary position in the upcoming school year. Furthermore, I’m involved in volunteer opportunities with Crisis Textline and research in the Dr. Mora’s and Dr. Rojas’ lab with the affects of aging on lung cell function/repair. By participating in these activities, my goals and way of thinking have evolved tremendously through the acquisition of various skills.