1. Global Awareness: Honors students will examine what it means to be global citizens and will cultivate and develop their appreciation for diversity and each individual’s unique differences. Students will examine the world’s complex, interdependent systems, as well as their own cultural backgrounds.

What have you done so far to develop your Global Awareness? How do you plan to continue to work toward this goal? (For example, consider course work, study abroad, involvement in cultural organizations or activities, etc.)

I have been accepted into the U.S., Europe and the Second World War study abroad program, which will take place in May 2019. Through this program I will visit several European countries to gain a better understanding of World War II as a whole and each countries individual role in the conflict. Outside of this program and my coursework, I am part of the German club, and I love helping to make German food for Taste of OSU in the spring.

2. Original Inquiry: Honors students will 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.

What experiences have you had so far that have helped you to understand the research or creative process? How do you plan to continue to work toward this goal? (For example, consider research, creative productions or performances, advanced course work, etc.)

In two of my History courses so far, I have done extensive research to write a final paper on a topic of my own choosing related to the class. I learned a lot about how to navigate online databases and how to request books through OSU’s library or through inter-library loans. This has been really valuable for me, and I know these skills will be useful when I get into some of the higher level research courses for juniors and seniors. I haven’t yet decided if I will be doing a research thesis, but if I do, I definitely feel more comfortable using all of my research resources after having to do it twice this year.

3. Academic Enrichment: Honors students will pursue academic excellence both in and out of the classroom. Students will use the Honors Contract to construct purposeful and intellectually stimulating programs of study.

How does your Honors Contract demonstrate a commitment to the goal of Academic Enrichment? How does your planned curriculum relate to your future aspirations? (Consider, for example, the following questions: Why did you choose the major(s) (and minor(s), if any) you chose? Why did you select the GE courses you have chosen? How do your selections demonstrate a commitment to excellence?)

I chose German and History as my majors because these kinds of courses always interested me in high school. So far, I have been loving these courses at OSU also. I tried to pick GE courses that would be interesting, and even help build upon my majors. For example, I am taking Classics 2220H for my Literature GE course, and we are reading the Iliad and the Odyssey, which I believe will really help me in my History major. Other GE courses, such as History of Rock and Roll, Physical Anthropology, or Geology of the National Parks were chosen more out of personal interest. When possible, I tried to take an upper division or honors version of my GE courses. I am hoping that some of these fun GE courses will inspire a minor in the future. Mostly, I just love that I am able to take so many different courses and learn so many different things during my time here at OSU.

4. Leadership Development: Honors students will build on their educational experiences to become leaders in society and the world. Students will pursue co-curricular activities that allow the students to cultivate leadership skills and competencies.

With which activities are you involved? How does your involvement contribute to your development as a leader? How does your involvement relate to your personal and/or career goals?

I am involved with the German Club and I am a puppy sitter with Guiding Eyes for the Blind here at OSU. Eventually I hope to hold an officer position with the German Club, as I did through most of high school. As a German major hoping to one day become a German teacher, this would be a really great experience for me, especially if I am ever in charge of a high school club as a faculty adviser in the future. I am also working at Connecting Grounds on campus, with the ultimate goal of becoming a student manager before I graduate. I feel like between these two main activities I will gain plenty of leadership experience to help me expand my skill set and to benefit me in my future career.

5. Service Engagement: Honors students will build on their educational experiences to serve society and the world. Students will pursue service-oriented activities that are socially beneficial to the community and that contribute to the students’ own learning and development.

List the service-oriented activities with which you have been involved (both ongoing and short-term commitments). How do you plan to continue to engage with the community?

As mentioned before, I am a puppy sitter with Guiding Eyes for the Blind, an organization that raises guide dog puppies for the visually impaired. I love dogs, and helping others in need is something that I am passionate about, so I feel as though this organization is a perfect fit for me. It is so amazing to be able to work with these dogs, and ultimately change these people’s lives. At some of our meetings we have guest speakers who come and tell us about the impact these dogs have on their lives, and it is one of the most rewarding service projects that I have ever been a part of. I hope to raise puppies for these organization even once I have graduated, because I am in love with the organization and its mission.