Sophomore Year in Review

This year I have had many defining experiences that came upon from expanding on the different interests I found freshman year. I was able to dive deeper into my volunteer work with Riverside Methodist Hospital and give over 50 hours of service. Through this I have been able to expand my views on the interdisciplinary work of health care professionals and the importance of compassion for every patient. I am able to interact with patients in the Emergency department, bringing them blankets, ordering meals or snacks, providing water. Being able to provide some form of comfort to patients who are experiencing a great deal of worry is truly fulfilling. Seeing an impact I could make sparked motivation to involve myself in other short term projects throughout the year. I got involved in a program called “2nd and 7” through Ohio State Athletics and was able to volunteer with my team. We would read stories and chapter books to elementary schools students and and act as a role model to the younger generation.

Academically speaking, I enrolled myself into an several rigorous courses and encountered new challenges. I was taking major classes and important science courses such as Organic Chemistry and Physiology. To keep up with the challenges presented, I started attending office hours regularly and finding new ways to study for exams. I was able to find successful methods and stick with these when we transitioned into all online classes in the 2nd semester. I will continue to find effective methods to learn and study as move through my college career.

Another opportunity I had this year was getting to shadowing an M.D who worked in the Wexner Medical Center. Dr. Casey Cosgrove is a Gynecologic Oncologist who has over 20 years of practice and was willing and eager to mentor me in my shadowing experience. I spent several hours each week sitting in on surgeries, rounding in patient rooms, and watching patient-doctor interactions in an offsite clinic. The experiences I have gained through shadowing has widened my perspective on the duties of health professionals and reassured my choice to go into the health care field.

Research started to become a large interest of mine throughout the year. Getting more involved in my research lab allowed me to come up with ideas of my own for independent research topics. Through shadowing experiences I had, I formed an interest in ovarian cancer and its link to metabolism insulin independent and dependent pathways within the body. Seeing firsthand the impact research can have on the treatment of cancer, makes me passionate in my pursuits. I am able to collaborate with a great mentor and head of my lab, Dr. Belury. I am eager to continue my research in the years to come and hope to publish an article before I graduate.

My time as a student athlete this year had been one to remember. The countless hours I put into my training,  juggling classes, and traveling for competitions on weekends payed off in the end. I was able to beat personal records I set for myself and ultimately accomplish my goal to qualify for the National Championship in Lexington Kentucky. Unfortunately the championship was cancelled the day before the events began due to national health crisis, but I was grateful for the opportunity to compete and proud of myself for the dedication and perseverance I showed to accomplish my goal. I will come back next year even better and ready to tackle bigger goals!

My first year was only the beginning, and I know I have much more in store for the years to come. I saw character growth and development as I dove head first into various academic, athletic, and social endeavors. As I continue through undergraduate, I cant wait to see what the future holds!