My second year was interesting!
In terms of academics, it was a little harder than my Freshman year. My Freshman year was a series of ups and downs as I just moved to the United States, did not know much about the culture so it took me some time to adjust. But in my second year, I was able to cope up and spend the little time we had on campus (due to COVID) with friends and professors. Unlike my first year in college, I visited office hours to talk to professors and get my doubts cleared, which was truly helpful!

I have earned my first part-time job as a Research Assistant at the Wexner Medical center in the Nephrology section during my second year. Our team is studying about Genetics of Kidney failure and the evolution of the APOL 1 gene. Our research is very interesting and in the process, I have learned a lot of new techniques such as PCR, gene sequencing, and translation.

Apart from academic and professional skills surviving through COVID also taught me to be more responsible, as we had to be safe, get tested, maintain our health, and stay at home. Staying at home taught me self-care as I started to have the time to sit and think through things to make decisions for myself. Furthermore, being at home also helped me learn some useful household chores like cooking, grocery shopping, and doing the dishes.

Overall, I had a busy, productive year. I look forward to having more fun (with less COVID) in the upcoming years.

My first year was a series of ups and downs.

In terms of extracurricular activities, I was able to join few clubs and stay active by attending a their meetings. I also actively participated in Biological science scholar’s events on and off campus which gave me insight into many service and research opportunities both on and off campus. However, unfortunately I really wanted to join BuckeyeFusion, but could not, as I missed the tryout days, so next year I look forward to be a part of this dance club.

In terms of relationships, I was able to meet a lot of new people through clubs, first year survey, BioSci scholar seminar, scholar’s events who will undoubtedly be a part of my life for the rest of my college life. Making new friends, allowed me to adjust and develop an understanding of the American culture (as this is my first official time in USA), allowing me to participate and actively celebrate different cultural activities (Pumpkin carving, Halloween celebrations).

In terms of academics, I was able to constantly maintain my grades at a certain level, but not entirely satisfied with them. Next year, I aspire to achieve the highest possible grades in every class, by managing my time, attending office hours when in doubt, moreover preparing and following a proper study schedule during exams.

Though my first year did not pass joyfully, I’m committed to not repeat my mistakes and blissfully look forward for a blast next year.