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End of Year Reflection

It’s hard to believe my first year as a college student is over! The transition from high school to college has been something I never could have planned for. I’ve made some really great new friends this year, and I’m glad I have a support system to help me get through finals week, and all of the courses I’ve taken over the past year. Moreover, despite the difficult classes, they’ve all taught me important things. In particular, my fundamentals of engineering class, especially the second-semester of it, has allowed me to truly understand and practice a lot of engineering principles. For example, I was assigned a group of three other peers to work with throughout the entire semester. Together, we identified a problem and designed and printed a prototype that would solve this problem. Throughout this project, we not only learned important engineering entrepreneurial skills, but were also granted access to different types of technology such as SolidWorks and 3D printers. As a result the skills I’ve learned in this class has been impactful, especially since it relates so much to my major. In addition, I feel like I’ve entered my major almost blindly, since engineering is such a broad field, thus this class has helped solidify my career path. 

Conversely, outside of the classroom, I’ve acquired a lot of new skills and have gained a lot of experiences. In particular, I’ve learned how to skateboard and how to play softball. Moreover, when the weather is nice, I like to spend time outside of my dorm, therefore I’ve learned a lot of outdoor activities. In addition, I think having an outlet for stress and anxiety that result in classes is important. One thing I’ve learned about myself is that I need a creative outlet from all of my straight science and math and engineering courses. As a result, I decided to join the community orchestra, which has really helped me balance out the STEM major courses with my need for some creativity. In addition, seeing sunlight and being outdoors has also given me a mental break from my schoolwork. I think being inside, especially Morrill’s dark rooms, filled with artificial light added to the anxiety that I feel from my schoolwork, thus the fresh air and light I see when I step outside is refreshing and helps to take some stress off of my shoulders.

In addition, one of my favorite memories from the past year was traveling to CIncinnati with my roommates. In the middle of fall semester, my roommates and I went to Cincinnati, and stayed at my roommates house. In addition, we planned out some events to do while we were down there, but there were also spontaneous aspects to the trip, which was really fun. In addition, most of us had finished the majority of our homework, thus we didn’t have to stress about finishing all of our homework in between activities. As a result, the trip was mostly stress-free and very enjoyable, which also makes me look forward to trips like these next year. I’m excited to hopefully have less strict COVID-19 guidelines so that I can get to know people better, as well as the ability to go more places and do more things throughout the semester. I enjoy going out every once in a while to go bowling or roller skating, which is not only enjoyable because I’m with my friends, but it also helps me take my mind off of my stressful school work.

March Monthly Reflection

It’s hard to believe that my first year of college is almost over! While the days might have felt long, the semester feels like it has flown by! Moreover, most of my classes this semester have been interesting, especially my comparative studies general education class. In particular, this class has focused a lot on toxicity and environment, and how widespread toxicity is, yet it is so little discussed or even known. In addition, there is a major toxicity and previous Superfund Site only six miles from downtown Columbus! I’ve grown up in Columbus almost my entire life, and it still baffles me that I’ve never heard of it. In addition to the things I’ve learned about in my classes, I’ve learned a few things about myself. Specifically, I’ve learned that I need to budget my time more wisely, and allow myself more breaks, especially as the weather is becoming warmer. This semester in particular, I’ve spent a lot of time in my room doing schoolwork, thus I haven’t given myself a break to actually go outside and do activities other than schoolwork. As a result, I’ve gotten burnt out quicker, which hasn’t helped my lack of motivation. Moreover, I’ve been struggling with stress and finding a healthy outlet to relieve my stress. Since I’ve been spending so much time in my room, I’ve become a little more anxious, thus the stress that I’ve been experiencing feels amplified. Furthermore, I haven’t found a secure way or outlet of this stress. I tend to go outside and walk or run, but when the weather is not ideal, I have no backup plan for relieving any stress and anxiety. Finally, something that I’ve achieved this month is I got an appointment for my Covid vaccine! By the end of this month, I will at least have my first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, depending on which vaccine is available to me. I’m very excited that Ohio’s vaccines have opened up to the majority of Ohioans, and hopefully we’ll see the end of Covid and it’s restrictions soon!

Career Plan

 

With second semester classes currently underway, and the dread of scheduling approaching, I think it’s important to think about the future, and create long-term goals, especially in regards to my career. Specifically, after scouring environmental engineering job postings, I was able to find job listings that fell under my interests, and what I wanted to do with my degree. In particular, a job posting for a Water Rights Engineer was listed, and was obtainable for a recently graduated college student. The job listing itself had three branches or classifications for future hires, which was dependent on the level of experience a prospective employee had. These levels also showcased the opportunities for promotion within the company. The qualifications for Engineer I, or the entry-level position were most applicable to students who had recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree. Specifically, the Engineering I position required an understanding of water principles and hydrology, as well as familiarity with computer programming and safety procedures specific to Utah, where the job is located. In addition, soft skills, such as public speaking, presenting, and overall communication skills were desired. Finally, on the technical side of qualifications, the Engineering I job posting requires the completion of an engineering degree and the completion of either the Engineering-in-Training exam (EIT), or the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam (FE) within the first twelve months of being hired.

 

In order to fully qualify for this job, or a job similar to it, it is imperative that I work towards meeting the desired qualifications. In particular, I need to graduate with a B.S. in engineering, and complete the EIT or the FE exam after graduation. In addition, I need to develop my knowledge in specific areas of environmental engineering such as hydraulics and water characteristics. I also need to develop my communication and presentation skills so that I can comfortably give presentations and connect with team members. Finally, I need to gain hands-on experience in industry, either through internships or co-ops before I graduate. 

While this to-do list may appear daunting and overwhelming, I think coming up with a strategic plan to achieve each of these items will aid in the completion of these items. In particular, much of the coursework for environmental engineering is directed towards water and hydraulics, thus I will be developing my knowledge of water and hydraulics through coursework. In addition, much of the coursework I will be or am taking, such as Fundamentals of Engineering 1181 and 1182 work to improve team working and communication skills for students. Extracurricular activities such as Society of Women in Engineering and Environmental and Natural resources Scholars also strive to aid students in communication skills, and professional development skills. Furthermore, these skills can be used beyond college, such as applying to internships and co-ops. Since many jobs in industry require experience in the field, my goal is to complete internships in the summer, starting Sophomore year, once I have taken the appropriate coursework, and complete any co-ops that I can during either autumn or spring semesters. Finally, once I graduate my plan is to take the EIT or FE within the first year of working for a company, so that I can work in becoming a Professional Engineer (PE). 


           

January Monthly Reflection

I can’t believe I’m already in my second semester at Ohio State! Classes this semester seem much harder compared to last semester, but they are becoming more applicable to my major, thus they are also becoming more interesting. One of my favorite classes this semester fulfills one of my general education requirements, but the specific topics this course covers is very interesting! Particularly, we’re covering toxicity as well as the link between media studies and science and technology. I found learning about the different connections between media and technology really intriguing. Especially the viewpoint that science and technology itself is not particularly objective, but rather the reasoning and implications behind development of technologies are inherently political. 

In addition to classes, the current state of the world or even this country, has given me ample time to reflect and find some new things about myself. Furthermore, I learned a lot about my studying habits as I started the new semester. I learned that I don’t do too well with evening classes, and I learn better when I create my own notes in addition to any provided notes. Creating my own notes allows me to become more familiar with the material, and review the material more. It definitely took me a while, however, to figure out the strategies that worked best for me. I tried to take what worked best for me last semester, and apply it to this semester, but even so, I definitely struggled with staying on task and finding the motivation to finish my work. All of my hard work, however, paid off. I was admitted to my major this semester! Hearing the news was really motivating, and was a clear result of the work I put into my classes. In addition, hearing the news made me want to work harder, especially as classes become more interesting and applicable to the major I’m interested in!

Semester Reflection

It’s hard to believe the semester is coming to an end! The past three months have felt like a whirlwind, and looking back at my time on campus feels imaginative. Specifically, I was nervous about moving onto campus, but it was an easy transition. I immediately clicked with my suitemates and we began exploring campus and doing fun activities together. As a result, despite being nervous about becoming more independent, my suitemates made the transition much easier. The adjustment to online classes, however, was not as easy. In particular, “Zoom fatigue” set in early, therefore decreasing my motivation for schoolwork. In addition, my eyes were very fatigued from staring at a screen for the majority of the day, thus making it hard to find the motivation to complete assignments outside of class as well. Despite lack of motivation, I did it! I attended my classes, completed all my assignments, and I am nearing the finish line for this semester, thankful that it’s almost over but appreciative of the experiences I’ve had. 

Moreover, the experiences I’ve accumulated over the semester have been exciting and fun, thus making the people one of the best things about OSU. Even as isolation has made it hard to find new people to meet, the people I have met are really nice. In addition, OSU is good at promoting social events, whether it be tower events, or being able to tour the stadium. As a result, I’ve bonded more with the people I have met. We’ve then gone out to dinner and celebrated birthdays and birthdays together, immediately clicking and becoming friends. In addition, the scholars program events, although limited this semester, have been a really fun, and a good bonding experience. I’ve gotten to meet people in my family, as well as outside of my family, which has been fun, and mind-opening. In addition, the people I’ve met, especially my suitemates and close friends have helped me get through classes this semester. The online delivery method of learning is not ideal for my learning. Personally, I learn better through examples and demonstrations, but my friends have been a good support system for learning, and have helped me get through all of my classes and assignments. 

As a result, I think one of my achievements has been completing the semester. Although I still have finals to worry about, all of my classes are over! Beyond finishing classes, I also learned how to ride a skateboard! I’ve learned that skateboarding is very popular on campus, and my friends picked it up for something fun to do. As a result, we’ve gone to the stadium parking lot and have skated around campus for something fun to do. It has also been a good way to force myself out of the dorm, and to get away from schoolwork every once in a while. 

Finally, as the semester comes to a close, I want to set a goal for the next semester. Even though I dread thinking of what is to come in the next semester, I think it’s important to learn from this semester and apply those lessons to next semester. As a result, the goal I’ve set for myself is to achieve A’s and B’s in my classes, and to force myself to leave my dorm more. 

Alumni Interview

For my alumni project, I chose to interview Kelly Messer. Kelly is an environmental engineer who works in the public sector for the Columbus Recreation and Parks department. She is currently working on her PE or Professional Engineer license which would result in more opportunities for her in industry. In addition, Kelly graduated from OSU in 2017, and was initially a biology major. She changed her major, however, during sophomore year after realizing biology did not capture her professional interests. Moreover, during her time at OSU Kelly was a part of ENR scholars for both years, and was also an employee at the outdoor adventure center, which she highly recommended! As a result, I found Kelly’s combined experience at OSU and in industry extremely insightful, and helpful in easing my concerns about majoring in environmental engineering.

 

Moreover, during the interview, Kelly talked not only about her coursework and time at OSU, she discussed the difference between school and industry, which was very helpful. For example, she mentioned that classes, even those that pertain to engineering are very black and white, while the industry is very collaborative and developing. As a result, there is not always a straightforward answer to solving problems in industry, as there would be in school, which may be an adjustment. She also offered encouraging words about not getting too down on myself, because classes are hard for everyone. Even though I feel as if I’m the only one struggling, I am not alone, and should learn to be less harsh on myself. Even beyond school, Kelly offered good advice regarding what industry entailed, as well as the difference between different careers involved in environmental engineering. Specifically she explained the difference between the public and private sectors of engineering as well as the work-life balance that comes with each. As a result, learning the different careers I can go into helped me determine where I want to go, once I earn my degree!

 

Finally, Kelly was very helpful in giving advice for interviews and internships or co-ops. Beyond the typical advice given for interviewing regarding demeanor, she suggested researching the company and coming up with questions to ask them so I can determine if they’re values align with mine. She also emphasized the importance of networking, even if it’s not with a professor, but with a club advisor or a professional group. Overall Kelly was very insightful, and helpful for determining a career pathway. I will definitely use her advice for classes and networking as well as setting aside time for myself, and not pressuring myself too much. 

Monthly Reflection – October

 

As I enter my tenth week of college, which officially indicates the ⅔ mark through the semester, I continue to learn not only from an academic viewpoint, but from a personal point of view. Specifically, I have had a greater opportunity to try different activities such as baseball and skating. My suitemates and I are pretty active throughout the week and weekend, thus we’ll play tennis or baseball on the courts or in the fields. While I have had previous experience playing tennis, I have never really tried any other sports, so being able to hit a baseball was really fun, and attempting to ride a longboard was also interesting, but exciting. Finally, we go hammocking a lot, which I have never done before, but it was very relaxing and fun as well. As a result, I discovered many new activities that I never knew I enjoyed. From an academic viewpoint, however, I’ve been learning more about the career field I want to go into. While my survey class is specific to environmental engineering, I have to attend information sessions pertaining to the different disciplines of engineering in order to determine which major I will apply to next semester. While engineering is often seen as an entire entity, learning about the different disciplines and how they are the same or different is interesting. In addition, these sessions are more informative in determining which majors I truly want to apply to next semester. Despite the topics being interesting, they can also be stressful when it comes to planning out classes next semester, and ensuring I meet the requirements to apply to each major, thus I struggle with handling this stress. In addition, being in the tenth week of the semester, I sometimes struggle with finding the motivation to complete some assignments. I usually listen to music in order to focus, and I try to change my surroundings every once in a while, which helps me focus and complete assignments. In addition, talking to people has helped alleviate my stress quite a bit. I know that a lot of people are in similar situations as me, thus talking about it with them is very helpful. Finally, one thing that I accomplished this month is that I voted! Despite feeling stressed or unmotivated, I knew that I had to vote, especially with this election being so imminent and prominent. Dropping the ballot off at the post office was a very satisfying and gratifying experience, and felt like a really big accomplishment.

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.]

Career

[“Career” is where you can collect information about your experiences and skills that will apply to your future career.  Like your resume, this is information that will evolve over time and should be continually updated.  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.]