Hello! My name is Maria Hays, and I am studying Health Sciences in the College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences as well as minoring in Biology. I plan on pursing graduate school and becoming a Physician’s Assistant with a focus in Sports Medicine and Orthopedics. At Ohio State, I am a member of the Dunn Sport and Wellness Scholars program, which emphasizes leadership, community service, and the promotion of both physical and mental wellness in all dimensions of life. Being a DSWS scholar has helped me realize the importance of giving back to the community as well as taught me valuable lessons on becoming the best individual and leader I can be. Through this experience, I have been able to connect my love of sports and wellness to a balanced lifestyle and foster close and authentic relationships with other students with diverse backgrounds, yet still similar interests.

Other ways I am involved on campus include volunteering at the James Cancer Hospital weekly and being involved in undergraduate research with the Volek Exercise Science labs. In addition to these, I am a member of Future Buckeye Physician’s Assistants, Exercise is Medicine, and Exercise Science clubs, and participate in various volunteering opportunities and intramurals. The information and lessons that I learn from these combined experiences help me develop a well-rounded balance to my life, a furthered knowledge in my interests, and transferable skills such as professionalism and communication. However, outside of OSU, I love to be outdoors, travel, hike, and spend time with family and friends!

I am extremely passionate about healthcare, helping the community, and doing all that is possible to aid the improvement of others’ lives. I firmly believe that everyone deserves a chance to live a healthy, balanced, and happy lifestyle, and I aim to direct this passion towards helping others through my career as a Physician’s Assistant.