The past 8 months have been indescribable. Time really does fly when you do things that you love.
|| VOLUNTEER ||
Some of the most impactful and life-changing moments at OSU have been volunteer events. From Pay It Forward to Ronald McDonald House’s Buckeye Chapter to the Wonders of Our World program, I have been given opportunities to work with diverse groups of people with a common goal of bettering society. Wonders of Our World is a science education outreach program that connects undergraduate students with elementary school students in Columbus City schools. We work with varying ages to share interactive and educational science experiments to promote STEM fields and education. I believe everyone should work with young students at some point in their lives. Communicating with individuals of different backgrounds, diverse interests, and amazing imaginations is something that can only be discovered by working with children. I admire these individuals and I cannot thank them enough for the change they’ve made in my life. I hope to continue working with elementary school students, especially in the Columbus City School District.
|| ACADEMICS ||
The transition from yearly courses to semester courses is one of the factors that have led to my fast-paced college life. I’ve experienced the large 500-person lecture halls, the small 20-person courses, and the 5-person recitations–and enjoyed every single one of them. I’ve been able to conduct research on solar cells and present my findings with my peers, designed a research poster and gave my first poster presentation, and recorded a podcast-like review on the ethnography, Gangsters Without Borders (10/10 would recommend). I’ve somehow made it on the Dean’s List and that is now one of my driving factors to push myself academically. With fast-paced and individualized courses, I’ve learned to ask for help and take time to admit that I am struggling, but I’ve also worked harder than I ever have before and it’s a rush that I don’t plan on giving up any time soon.
|| PERSONAL||
Personal wellness is stressed at this University and I like to think I’ve been living a healthy life. But with unlimited access to cereal and samosas, you bet I’ve been hardcore snacking. Convenient gyms are a life-saver, though, as I spend late nights biking and listening to some StarKid musicals. I was surprised to see what a difference being healthy can do to someone. With a couple of nights comprised of more than 4 hours of sleep, some actual fruits and vegetables, more than 0 oz. of water, and bike rides, I was a new woman. Too bad I realized this feeling at the end of the year…
|| SUMMER ||
Just a couple of things that keep me going…
- NACURH Conference: I’ll be going to Louisiana State University for a Residence Hall Conference with OSU’s Residence Hall Advisory Council.
- California: A much-needed vacation to visit family and a time to embrace a weekend of non-Ohio weather.
- Camp Kesem: A year of hard work and preparation for this summer camp will all be worth it to see these kids. The Kesem community is one of a kind and I am beyond excited to spend a week with them.
- Research: I’ll be doing some research on undergraduate learning styles–a fun little project… stay tuned.