To be continued….
Semester in Review
Though I have only been at Ohio State for one semester, I have already undergone so much change as a person. Since starting my first semester of college, I have developed as a person, as a student, and as a citizen of my community. As a person, I have become more attentive, patient, outgoing, and open-minded due to my many new and different experiences here at Ohio State. For example, this is my first time living with roommates who all have different backgrounds, perspectives, aspirations, and expectations in life, which has undoubtedly altered my ability to be more attentive and really pay attention to their needs and expectations, to be more patient and open-minded when we come across controversial topics, and to be more outgoing and really get to know them. As a student, I have learned to adopt new study habits, to work together in an efficient manner with other students in order to better my understanding of academic material, and to know when to ask for and seek out help when I need it by going in for office hours or simply asking questions in class. Overall, as a student I have learned to branch out of my comfort zone and take new chances by accepting the fact that I may not be able to get through college on my own. Lastly, as a citizen of my community, I have learned so much about what it means to help others, what it means to make an impact on my society and the world around me, and what it means to come to understand other people and their diverse perspectives. Since coming to Ohio State, I have been making it one of my top priorities to get involved on campus and in my community by attending different clubs and getting involved in volunteer work. As of just a few weeks ago, I began volunteering at one of the nearby Columbus Public Library branches as a tutor in their homework help center, and in just these few weeks I have had the pleasure of meeting so many great students of all different ages and of all different backgrounds who all come together to accomplish one goal and better their education, which has taught me so much about my surrounding communities and about the people in said communities. I know that as I continue my education here at The Ohio State University, I will continue to grow as a person, to learn as a student, and to better myself as a citizen of my community.
G.O.A.L.S.
Global Awareness – The process of developing an appreciation and understanding for diversity and the the unique differences between cultures and individuals. As a French minor, I have a strong adoration for the French language and the many diverse cultures of the many different French speaking societies around the world, such as France, Senegal, and Quebec. I plan to study abroad hopefully this upcoming summer in Quebec in order to fully immerse myself in French language and the culture of the Quebecois.
Original Inquiry – The process of engaging in creative research and learning experiences in order to build upon logical understanding and general comprehension of specific material or experiences. I have recently been applying to undergraduate research positions with the hopes of fulfilling a position that could provide me with new work and academic experiences that would undoubtedly better my understanding of specific material and work experience.
Academic Enrichment – The process of broadening academic horizons by pursuing opportunities outside of the typical classroom setting that would improve upon and add to academic understanding and ability. I have been looking into many different job and volunteer opportunities related to my major and other academic interests with the hopes of being able to soon work as a student assistant at the Wexner Medical Center or participate in volunteer social work at a nearby clinic for example.
Leadership Development: The process of getting involved and taking initiative in order to develop leadership skills that can be implemented anywhere in society to better society. As someone who personally enjoys taking on responsibility, I plan to get involved on campus and in society by dedicating some of my time volunteering and to clubs that I feel will make an impact on me as an individual and my society.
Service Engagement – The process of dedicating time to better the lives of others or to better an entire community through service. I have been looking into and applying to many organizations or institutions where I can commit myself to service, such as the Homework Help Center at the Columbus Public Library.
Career
My Resume is visible and accessible here.
Artifacts
I have been studying French for six years and I have developed a passion and adoration for the language. Before I came to OSU, I knew that I wanted to continue with my French education, and to do so I quickly declared my minor in French language. Declaring my minor enabled me to reflect upon my time spent learning French and also enabled me to glimpse into the future where I am already making plans to study abroad in order to further study French and build upon my abilities to understand and appreciate the language. Declaring my French minor was a major step me as a student and as a person because it reveals how far I have come and how much further I could go and I am excited to see where this extended education could take me in life and how it could continue to develop my individual self.
I attended an event for my biological scholars group toward the beginning of the year which greatly helped me begin to embrace my new life in college. The event was simple: I went to see a movie at the Gateway with my roommate. Though the event seemed simple, it had a greater impact on me than I would have expected. This event was one of the first events where I truly began to get to know more people in my scholars program and I began to gain a sense of belonging on such a large campus.
About Me
Maria Howard views herself as someone who is creative, yet also analytical, friendly, adventurous, and bold. In the past, she has been dedicated to playing flute and piccolo and has enjoyed participating in backstage theater in high school. Maria hopes to continue pursuing these passions along with her current activities: volunteering and working at Barnes and Noble. Maria has always been fascinated by science and plans to pursue an occupation in the field of medicine, specifically clinical pathology. For now, she is majoring in biochemistry and pre-medicine, and planning on minoring in French.
