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.

G.O.A.L.S.

Global Awareness:

My major disciplines, Math and Physics, are internationally cooperative fields of study. Research is conducted around the globe, and these researchers are diligent at sharing new-found data and conclusions. In particular, I intend to expose myself to international research if at all possible. For instance, students can find research programs abroad. So, as I look for research opportunities, I will seek international options too, in order to advance my learning through exposure to the work done abroad.

Original Inquiry:

Research is fundamental to my current field of study. I intend to pursue a graduate education, which means I will be working toward a thesis, a research contribution. Consequently, a major focus in my undergraduate education is to gain research experience. So, I am challenging myself to high-level coursework in order to build requisite knowledge, seeking research opportunities over summer breaks, and listening to presentations on interesting topics in math/physics, to name a few things.

Academic Enrichment:

One look at my schedule belies the academic rigor that I am pursuing. I am already taking a proof-based math course in the 4000 level, and this is merely the introduction to the mathematics department’s honors math track. Furthermore, I am also pursuing a second major in physics, and the advanced physics option even. In the future, I intend to enroll in graduate level courses as an undergraduate to make the most out of my college education and in preparation for attending graduate school.

Leadership Development:

As I strive to optimize my efforts in the pursuit of knowledge and research, I will lead by example. That is to say, by seeking to be the best that I can be, I hope to inspire others to similarly reach toward their goals. Whether it be through extracurricular organizations or simply through my dedication to academics, I aim to help others also to pursue their passions. Some examples of organizations that I would offer my service in leading would be the organizations such as Society of Physics Students, Radical Pi, and the Holography Club.

Service Engagement:

One avenue in particular that I intend to become involved with during my stint as an undergraduate student is with tutoring/teaching. That is, one major way that I intend to give back to the OSU community is through offering my knowledge of subjects to students. So, I intend to become a tutor/mentor to students in math and physics. Furthermore, I would also be willing to serve as a TA for a course and facilitate the education process for other university students.