Freshman Year:

This year was certainly pivotal for me. For the first time in my life, I had been given true independence—and had to learn the responsibilities associated with it. I had to adapt to a very hectic schedule and spend plenty of time practicing my time-management skills. It was not easy allocating time for studying, homework, and recreational activities. Still, I am pleased with how I handled my first year and I hope that I can keep it up.

Despite the newfound difficulties, I found enjoyment in befriending new people and being immersed in a brand-new environment. I liked being able to explore Columbus and participate in extra-curricular activities.

I also found myself enjoying the subjects covered in many of my classes and I feel as if they exposed me to many new ideas. I learned a great deal about topics ranging from the history of HIV/AIDS and Latin American cultures to chemistry and laboratory techniques.

This summer, before returning to OSU, I’d like to get more involved with volunteering—maybe at hospitals or food banks.

Sophomore Year:

Although this year felt cut-short, I still feel that it was overall a great one. I have made significant progress from last year and I intend on continuing this trend.

In terms of global awareness, I feel as if I’ve been making good progress. Academically, I’ve taken Spanish courses that explored the cultures of Spain and Latin America, introducing me to not only the language and dialects, but also music, food, and traditions. I’ve also begun to partake in events focused on different cultures, such as the Taste of OSU. I cannot recall any experience quite like this; never had I noticed so many cultures interacting in a single building. I had hoped to study abroad this summer, but due to COVID-19, those plans were curtailed. I am hoping that maybe next year, these opportunities will be reintroduced.

So far, I’ve explored the idea of original inquiry primarily through my biology courses. In my first course, I was introduced to the ideas of experimental design in greater detail and had partook in the Prevalence of Antibiotic Resistance in the Environment (PARE) project. I later spent significant time learning to read and comprehend research papers, as well as identify areas lacking enough investigation. I was able to use this information to seek out plants that hadn’t been explored for the presence of fungal endophytes that lived within them. In my biology classes, I also learned about presentation, crafting posters and research papers. My general chemistry and organic chemistry courses taught me about the procedural details of research, granting me the skills necessary to use lab equipment safely and efficiently. Next year, I intend to participate in more formal research, hopefully pertaining to medicine.

Up to this point, I have succeeded in classes that contributed toward my Biology major and Clinical Psychology & Individual Differences minor while making me a more vigorous student. The general education requirements I chose thus far were intended to broaden my horizons and allow me to dive further into potentially interesting topics. For my Honors Contract, I plan to continue taking challenging courses that will fulfill my requirements and broaden my interests. I will continue to pursue academic enrichment through higher level courses in my major and minor and I will try to select courses that provide some variation within my focus areas. I initially chose Biology as my major due to my fascination with the processes of life and their connection to medicine—a subject of great interest to me. The higher-level courses I plan on taking will range from evolution to anatomy and physiology—encompassing a wide expanse of knowledge. My choice of Clinical Psychology and Individual Differences as my minor was also important because it helped me focus on mental health from a scientific perspective. This will grant me the opportunity to explore the often-neglected realm of the mind while still incorporating science. The classes I will soon be taking will challenge me, but I am confident that these trials will only strengthen my resolve. Together, these subjects will help prepare me for medical school and from there–a future career I will be passionate about.

I have been involved with the OSU Boxing Club and volunteering at the Wexner Medical Center. While boxing has helped me improve my physical fitness, volunteering has immersed me in a medical setting—one that I plan on spending significant time in as a medical practitioner. Through my participation in these activities, I have been able to form new connections and demonstrate an ability to lead in small groups outside of the classroom. Particularly, I’ve been able to provide guidance to Wexner Medical Center visitors with clarity and reassurance. I feel that the communication skills refined in these settings could be applied to a larger scale. In the coming semesters, I plan on getting involved further, perhaps taking up new responsibilities—ones that could help prepare me for a career in medicine.

This year, I have been more involved with service-related activities. Some of which include:

Volunteering at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Youngstown and Boardman, Ohio

Over the summer and extended breaks, I volunteered at these hospitals, providing food and beverages to visitors and refilling water for patients.

Volunteering at the Wexner Medical Center

These past two semesters, I’ve served as a guide to patients and visitors in the hospital complex and have also spent time helping staff at Harding Hospital. This Autumn, I plan on helping with coronavirus efforts at testing centers in the Columbus area.

Community Commitment through Pay it Forward

For this, I spent a day helping maintain a community garden for children, spending time weeding, watering, and decorating.

MLK Day of Service

For this, I spent a day helping clean up a local school and community center by sanitizing furniture and mopping floors.

Each of these activities have reiterated the value of service. To me, it isn’t only about a sense of fulfillment–it has become a duty to the communities that help support us. I plan on volunteering where I can in the coming years, and I can readily see myself giving back well into the future.