This year was not what anyone expected. Getting adjusted to college was difficult enough, but COVID increased the learning curve tenfold. Despite it all, I still managed to get involved and have an unforgettable freshman year! I joined three clubs this year–Design ThinkTank, Pen PALS, and Fisher Ink.
Design ThinkTank helped me apply what I learned in my classes for my minor, Design Thinking. Through the club, I participated in a Design Thinking workshop. Currently, we’re working with a client, Three Tree. Their service is an app that enables consumers to reduce their environmental footprint through daily habits. Using the Design Thinking process, we are coming up with a viable business strategy to keep the organization financially sustainable.
Through PenPALS, I was paired with a 4th grade student from a local school to be my pen pal. By writing letters to him, I helped improve his literacy skills. I even got to meet him (virtually) at the end of the year event!
Fisher Ink Magazine was the final club I joined this year, and by far my favorite (though I love them all!). I wrote a news article, an opinion piece, and a music review. I also took pictures for my article that were featured in the issue. I am thrilled that I could share people’s stories and express myself through Fisher College of Business’ official magazine. Next year, I am excited to continue my work as the Co Vice President of Writing.
Alongside clubs, I began to explore research opportunities as well. I networked with many marketing professors, including those I met during Eminence Finalist Friday. Through that, I was invited to Marketing Research Brownbags. These weekly events are an opportunity for graduate students and faculty to present their research. Because of this, I’ve learned about the many avenues of marketing research. Additionally, I have reached out to the presenters to have one on one conversations about their work.
Currently, I am helping Marketing professor Selin Malkoc compile data on vaccination ad campaigns across several states. She plans to use this data for a paper that aims to form a connection between the wording of said ads and the turnout for vaccines. This project is what I anticipate to be the beginning of many years of consumer behavior research for me.
I also took on some longer-term projects this year. Five other Eminence members and I started EcoSpace, an organization utilizing ArcGIS software to hold corporations accountable for environmental regulations. Since the beginning of the semester, we have worked to develop a website, get trained in ArcGIS, and connect with faculty to make this vision a reality. Next semester, we are taking a class with Dr. Bartow Elmore to continue work on this project. We anticipate expanding this project over our four years.
Another project I became involved in is The SOAR Initiative, an upperclassmen Eminence project focused on harm-reduction. The organization is now a nonprofit. I’ve used my marketing and design skills to create promotional materials and recreate current informational flyers. I’m enjoying it a lot, and hope to remain involved throughout my time in college!
As an Eminence Fellow, I also helped develop another service project. A few cohort members and I met with the Ohio Prison Exchange Program (OPEEP) and learned about the lack of a college education in the prison system. Through our conversations, we decided we wanted to bring our resources to prisons and share them with whomever wanted the opportunity. We presented this idea to faculty in April and are moving forward with the project over the next three years.
I became more involved in my faith life during this time, as well. I found a flourishing Catholic community at Ohio State, and started going to the Newman Center. Through the church and an organization called Saint Paul’s Outreach, I joined a weekly Bible study where I learned more about God’s word and grew in sisterhood with several other young women. Next year, I am going to be leading a Bible study group, and helping women become closer to God.
After all that, I still had time to make friends and enjoy the beautiful campus. I think I’ve explored 60% of the buildings on campus so far, and will definitely hit the other 40% in the next three years! I got to know the other Eminence Fellows, and I’m rooming with 3 of them next year. Over the summer, I’ll be an apprentice at Procter & Gamble–after that, fall semester will be right around the corner. I can’t wait to see what next semester will be like (hopefully more normal!) and am so happy about the year I’ve had!