Reflection on the G.O.A.L.S.

As I reach the halfway mark, it’s an apt time to reflect on my overall progress. Without further ado, let’s dive in:

Firstly, I have taken great strides toward original inquiry. I have finally set up research in both mathematics and physics for over the summer, of which I am proud to be involved in. It took a lot of perseverance to find professors/programs looking for students, so my advice to any is to reach out again and again and again; that’s what ultimately worked for me.

My academics have been both very strong and very challenging. There is no shortage of classwork between two majors and 18 credit hours every semester. I am taking the most advanced classes that I can reasonable fit into my time, with that caveat that I take three math/physics courses at a time so that I can balance their workloads with my teaching position.

Speaking of which, my position as a Math Student Instructional Associate (the full title for the position, which includes working as a tutor and a teaching assistant) has been an excellent experience in a leadership position. Specifically, as the teacher in a recitation classroom, I serve as a guide and a resource for the students. I’ve always valued disseminating knowledge, which is a crucial aspect of my future goal to pursue research.

Along with teaching, I serve as a peer mentor in the honors program. I will continue to do so, though there’s no pay involved (unless you count the occasional cookie from the honors advising’s wonderful baker). I always have trouble making time amidst my academic workload, but I am enormously glad to be able to assist the fledgling buckeyes.

Finally, the last major aspect of the past year has been the STEP program. Currently, I have my sights set on a study abroad project for next year. Specifically, the program that I am looking into will visit London and Paris, two wonderful cities with even better histories.

Thus we’ve come full circle and addressed all the G.O.A.L.S of the honors program. So far so good. Now, as I move into the second half of my undergraduate year, it’s time to look forward. Graduate school applications and GRE’s are around the corner on top of increasingly challenging material to master– I’ve got my work cut out for me.