Staying Connected

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When I first came to college I was ecstatic to start classes, meet my professors, and get involved. Well, when classes began I got caught in the whirlwind of homework, quizzes, and exams. I focused all of my time on completing my schoolwork while fitting in whatever club meetings I could in the little spare time I had. After a few weeks of this marathon I found myself exhausted and needing a break. So, one day I decided to take a walk with no particular destination in mind. I came across the Olentangy River trail and found a nice place to sit and just observe. After that day I kept going back to just sit and think. This time allowed me to get fresh air while removing myself from the hustle and bustle of campus. These 30 minutes I spend without any schoolwork, friends, or my cell phone keep me refreshed and relaxed during the stressful weeks of exams. I realized how I need this time to stay connected with myself and balance the craziness of being a freshman in college.

Year in Review

[ “Year in Review”  is where you should reflect on the past year and show how you have evolved as a person and as a student.  You may want to focus on your growth in a particular area (as a leader, scholar, researcher, etc.) or you may want to talk about your overall experience over the past year.  For more information, go to: http://honors-scholars.osu.edu/e-portfolio. Delete these instructions and add your own post.]

G.O.A.L.S.

[ “G.O.A.L.S.” is a place where students write about how their planned, current, and future activities may fit into the Honors & Scholars G.O.A.L.S.: Global Awareness, Original Inquiry, Academic Enrichment, Leadership Development, and Service Engagement. For more information, go to: http://honors-scholars.osu.edu/e-portfolio. Delete these instructions and add your own post.

Global Awareness: Students cultivate and develop their appreciation for diversity and each individual’s unique differences. For example, consider course work, study abroad, involvement in cultural organizations or activities, etc .
Original Inquiry: Honors & Scholars students understand the research process by engaging in experiences ranging from in-class scholarly endeavors to creative inquiry projects to independent experiences with top researchers across campus and in the global community. For example, consider research, creative productions or performances, advanced course work, etc.
Academic Enrichment: Honors & Scholars students pursue academic excellence through rigorous curricular experiences beyond the university norm both in and out of the classroom.
Leadership Development: Honors & Scholars students develop leadership skills that can be demonstrated in the classroom, in the community, in their co-curricular activities, and in their future roles in society.
Service Engagement: Honors & Scholars students commit to service to the community.]

Career

[“Career” is where you can collect information about your experiences and skills that will apply to your future career.  Like your resume, this is information that will evolve over time and should be continually updated.   For more information, go to: http://honors-scholars.osu.edu/e-portfolio. Delete these instructions and add your own post.]

Appalachia service project (ASP)

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ASP is a one week trip with my church to central Appalachia where we rebuild homes for families in extreme poverty. For two years I debated going, scared of what I might encounter. Finally after going back and forth with this I decided I would try it out. I went to the first meeting in September and could not wait for the trip itself. ASP is so much more than helping those who are “worse off” than me. I have learned so much about construction, people, and life in general. All of the families I served have a story to tell. These people are some of the most welcoming, uplifting, and strongest I have come across. Compared to the community I grew up in these families have next to nothing, yet they are so happy and hopeful. I have learned so much from talking and listening to their stories. I look forward to this trip each year as it always opens my eyes to something new. ASP has provided me with endless memories and lessons that I will carry with me throughout life. 

About Me

Abi Holmes

Hello! My name is Abigail, Abi, Holmes. I ventured to THE Ohio State University, OSU, from Trumbull, Connecticut, a sleepy town on the shore. While my immediate family lives in Connecticut my extended family lives in the suburbs of Columbus. Unlike most out-of-state students I have a huge support group close by for advice, love, and home cooked meals. My family is incredibly present in my life, they are always there to support me and cheer me up. The best part of my day is coming home to my family for dinner, sharing the ups and downs of our days. Faith is very important to me, as I was involved with my church youth programs and service projects back home. I plan on continuing my faith here at OSU by getting involved with RealLife Cru on campus. I am a firm believer in working hard to achieve my goals. I am not the type of person who sits around and waits for opportunities to fall into my lap-once I set a goal I do not rest until I reach it. I am beginning my first year at Ohio State studying civil engineering in the Humanitarian Engineering Scholars, HES, program. HES encompasses exactly what I want to do with my life- use my engineering degree to serve my community. I want to join Engineers Without Borders and travel internationally with this group to become more connected globally. If it works with my schedule I would love to study abroad so that I can explore different cultures and learn more about our world. Ultimately, I want to create a memorable college experience by engaging with my professors and peers while getting to know and serve the Columbus, and even international, community. My highest expectation of myself is to try my best, whether that be in the classroom or getting involved.