I’m nearly done with my second year at OSU. I think I’ve made pretty good progress on my GOALS!
Global Awareness: I intended to develop my understanding of other cultures by traveling to Panama for a summer study-abroad experience, but it was unfortunately cancelled due to Covid. I’ve still been able to learn a lot about other cultures through some of my gen ed classes. I’ve taken several classes that focused on Greek history and culture and they were fascinating. I would love to travel there someday, whether it be a study abroad or a trip on my own.
Original Inquiry: Undergraduate research has been something I’ve been wanting to get into for a while. I’ve done a few research projects in classes that I really enjoyed, such as the fungal endophytes project in Bio 1114H and the squirrel behavioral ecology project in EEOB 3410. I loved going through the research design process. I joined Dr. Carter’s behavioral ecology lab and helped record some data for a study the lab was doing. It was a great experience to learn more about what the world of research and academia looks like. I’m interested in doing something with the Aquatic Ecology lab and maybe doing my own undergraduate research project.
Academic Enrichment: The major I have chosen (evolution and ecology) correlates very closely to my future aspirations. I want to be a conservation biologist, which means that I want to find ways to help threatened species and ecosystems. I am open to my career being on the academic side, so I decided the honors program would help prepare me for more rigor in the future. It’s possible that I will pursue a higher degree after I get my undergraduate degree. I’ll also be prepared if I choose not to go into academia.
Leadership Development: I have been involved with a couple organizations, including Cru, which is an on-campus Christian organization. One aspect of Cru is the Freshmen Leadership Team, which prepares freshmen to lead in their every day lives. It is my personal goal to never stop developing my leadership skills. I want to be an efficient leader who also steps in to help achieve the goal. I would describe my leadership style as servant leadership. This is a style of leading where the leader guides the group, decides what needs to happen, and then works alongside the team, helping the members with their tasks. As I have become a stronger leader, I have become more confident and personable. This will help me when I eventually lead my own projects and present my findings.
Service Engagement: I enjoy participating in Community Commitment, which is a day of service near the beginning of the school year. I’ve been able to aid the Friends of the Lower Olentangy Watershed with removing invasive honeysuckle, and I would love to volunteer with them again. Another way I am interested in serving my community is with the student organization 1Girl. 1Girl trains female students at Ohio State to mentor middle school girls in Columbus. I mentored middle school girls for four years before coming to college and it’s something that is very dear to my heart. I would love to get involved with mentoring again in Columbus.