Starting in September last semester, I had the wonderful opportunity to volunteer for After-School All-Stars (ASAS) at Moler Elementary. I first experienced the amazing work this non-profit organization does for the children of Columbus when I volunteered at the New Albany Classic, a Grand Prix horse showjumping event. As a member of the OSU Hunt Seat Equestrian team, my club volunteered in the V.I.P. Children’s tent, where ASAS was hosting activities. After having a wonderful experience with the leaders who were there, I gave them my contact information in the hopes of becoming more involved. A few weeks later, I began my time at Moler Elementary!

My first day was overwhelming, but the kids were very welcoming and seemed to love getting to know me, although I have to say they provided me with more joy than I probably provided them. I worked with kindergartners and first graders and was usually partnered with one or two other college students to lead the class. We begin the time by helping them with any homework, or, if they don’t have any assignments from class, we provide them with enrichment activities or worksheets. Then, we do a craft or science experiment. Most recently, they learned about chemical reactions and making hypotheses through a “dancing raisins” activity, which compared the reactions of raisins with club soda, sprite, and baking soda and vinegar. After this activity, we have a structured physical activity, where we usually spend time teaching them a particular sport, such as soccer, basketball, or tennis. Finally, their favorite time of the day arrives: dinner! All of the children who participate in ASAS come from low-income families and in many cases, this meal is the only food they will receive until they come to school again the next morning.

I have enjoyed my time at ASAS more than I ever imagined I would. The children are incredibly sweet, even though they are much rowdier and require more discipline than I anticipated. Being able to be with them all year has allowed me to watch them grow and get to know them on a personal level. As a Public Affairs major, this experience has also peaked my interest in education policy, a large focus of the Glenn College. Even as kindergartners and first graders, I can see where their education is behind in some important aspects, especially reading. I would love to be able to help correct this through the channels of government and non profits, such as After-School All-Stars.

If you would like more information on how you can become involved in this wonderful organization, visit http://www.afterschoolallstars.org/. As a volunteer, they were very willing to have me come just for one day a week from 3-6 p.m., but there are also opportunities for part-time jobs and internships which are Monday – Thursday. You will not regret any of the time you give to this organization, which is truly life changing for the children who participate.

As a Public Affairs major with a strong interest in state government, I am aware of how wonderful a location Columbus is and how many opportunities are available due to the state house being only a short drive down the street. Although I do not have plans to become a politician, I would love to work in the state house after graduation in an administrative role or in a policy analysis position. This interest led me to contact my state representative, Robert McColley. I was extremely excited and thankful that he had taken time out of his busy schedule to meet with me. Although I do not personally know Representative McColley, he is from my hometown of Napoleon, and I had met with him once before during my senior year of high school because of a scholarship interview.

Elected to the Ohio House of Representatives in November of 2014, Represenative McColley spent his past year working to further the interests of his constituents and proving his ability as a leader in the House. Prior to his legislative career, he graduated from Napoleon High School in 2003, attended The Ohio State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, and then attended the University of Toledo College of Law, graduating in 2010. McColley held numerous positions in Henry County, such as trustee for the Henry County Community Foundation, board member for the Center for Child and Family Advocacy, and a member of the OSU Alumni Club of Northwest Ohio. Now, as representative for the 81^st District, he serves on the Government Accountability and Oversight, Judiciary, and Ways and Means committees.

When discussing his career, Representative McColley spoke highly of the value of strong leadership skills in any career. Whether in his law office, a business venture, or today as a legislator, McColley spoke of the different syles of leadership and the need for flexibility when using these. When asked about his particular style of leadership, McColley said that he utilizes laissez-faire, democratic, and authoritarian styles in the different aspects of his legislator position. Regardless of the job, Representative McColley asserted that the ability to read situations and respond according to the individuals and goals involved is a key to one’s success as a leader. When working in any type of government job, especially one at the state house, it will be important for me to be able to ignore any partisan differences in the interest of carrying out policy. In order to do this, blending the different styles and responding according to the specific situation will allow me to be successful as a leader.

Another aspect of leadership of which Representative McColley spoke was the importance of maintaining a high reputation. I appreciated that he spoke of his personal values and his ability to maintain these despite the challenges a career in public service brings with it. His ability to recognize that reputation and relationships are the keys to being a good leader is important because it provides me with guidance on how to strengthen my own leadership skills. As McColley ended the interview with a final piece of advice on becoming a great leader, he reiterated, “If you can go by first starting off and having a good relationship with people and having an interpersonal relationship with people, then that is the foundation upon which you build your reputation.”