In my sophomore year, I have focused on a few different aspects of the G.O.A.L.S. In my previous G.O.A.L.S. statement I talked of traveling abroad to Europe. I have successfully applied to the Engineering Ancient Greece program and will be studying abroad in May. My study abroad opportunity will help me enhance my understanding for global diversity due to the fact that I have never been out of the country. This experience will be new and exciting in my pursuit of global awareness and new cultural experiences.
I have worked on my leadership skills through my rowing experience. At the end of my freshman year I was voted to be one of the two women’s captains for the OSU Crew. As a captain in only my sophomore year, I needed to be a leader to people who were not only my peers, but who were often older than me. I learned that being an effective leader to those who do not have to give you the respect of a leader meant that I first had to earn trust and respect. I did this by listening first and addressing the team second. I tried to listen to concerns and struggles and help the best I could. I learned that the team responded best to constructive help and specific instructions because it is a sport that most of the novices have never done before.
The other aspect of the statement I have put focus on is service engagement. Through my scholar’s program, Mount Leadership, I am participating in a year of service. The Year of Service focuses on the benefits of serving at a one or two locations for many hours. So far I have completed over 50 hours of service at two different locations: Manna Café and the Golden Hobby Gift Shop. I have found that extended service has enabled me to make connections with my fellow volunteers and with the people I serve in a way that short term service has not.
At Manna Café, I am able to go in every week and greet the regular volunteers. I then have the opportunity to serve food to a group of people, which usually consists of a regular group as well as those who may be there for the first time. I have been able to create real connections with the people I served food to week after week and I have found few activities I have participated in quite as rewarding.