AH ENG 2202 Paper 1-up5p5g The Sea View, Charlotte Smith-1bc2ckl
For my British Literature class, we were instructed to create a paper entailing a close-reading of a given passage. Our options were passages from Mary Wollstonecraft’s Frankenstein or the poem The Sea View by Charlotte Smith. My paper goes in-depth on the poem provided by analyzing the point of view, the precise language, and the imagery used by Smith.
During my sophomore year as a student at The Ohio State University, I used my college experiences to help others. I applied for and served as a Peer Mentor for the College of Education and Human Ecology. Peer Mentors actively engage with freshman students and transfer students by aiding their Survey class with an Academic Advisor as the instructor. Peer Mentors provide support for students as they transition and adjust to the Columbus Campus here at OSU. This experience helped me reflect on my own experiences as a student, and through doing that I have been able to assist other students with their questions and concerns effectively.
Question 1: What kind of study habits have you developed? Did they work successfully in the fall?
As a hard-working student, Sydni found this question hard to answer. She constantly found herself studying extremely hard for each of her classes and still failing the exams as they came. Despite coming into college with strong study habits developed in high school, Sydni realized she needed a positive atmosphere to succeed when studying. Some of Sydni’s favorite locations on campus to study are in the Thompson Library and Knowlton Hall (the architecture building). These spots are typically very quiet, and they are actually some of my favorite places to focus also!
Question 2: How do you manage your time between your involvement and your academics?
Balancing involvements and academics as a college student is no easy feat, but Sydni seems to have found her groove as a freshman! The key to managing activities and deadlines, in Sydni’s world, is staying organized. She has a journal that helps keep her on track. Sydni also uses the calendar on her phone to double and even triple check dates, ensuring she does not miss out on any of her assignments or opportunities. Prioritization is another way Sydni manages her time between involvement and academics. Although she is dedicated to all of her commitments, Sydni insists on always putting academics first.
Question 3: How was your first semester in ACES? What has surprised you most about the program?
The first semester of ACES was “pretty good” for Sydni Porter. She describes the program as “welcoming;” however, she has definitely had her struggles. Sydni has found it hard to establish friendships and connections in ACES, which surprised her most about the program. She believes that her cohort has not bonded much in Smith-Steeb, and it does not help that her relationship with her roommate is strained. Although ACES was not the perfect stepping stone for Sydni’s connections on campus, she has thrived in finding a community and friends outside of ACES. Next year, as a sophomore, Sydni will be living in a sophomore learning community. She hopes that this community will continue helping her grow in friendships.
Question 4: Have you had the chance to explore your desired career through internships, field experience, etc.?
While internships and field experience have not been a way of exploring Environmental Policy and Decision Making for Sydni, she certainly has participated in some other opportunities related to her desired career. Through the Undergraduate Student Government, Sydni has been involved in environmental projects right here on campus. Sydni also had the amazing chance to shadow Kirk Schuring, a representative and now a member of Ohio’s Senate, for a day as he explained governmental processes and gave her a tour of the Statehouse!
Question 5: What is your favorite memory from last semester?
Pinning down a specific memory from last semester to be declared a “favorite” was challenging for Sydni. Hanging out with friends has made a strong impact on Sydni’s college life. Renting board games from the front desk of Bradley-Paterson, spending a rainy day exploring Ikea, and taking a random photo shoot in German Village (where Sydni briefly saw Pete!!) are just a few examples of memories Sydni will surely not forget from the beginning of her college-student life.
Bonus Questions: What has been the most challenging factor of being a college student in your opinion?
Sydni’s most challenging part of college has been realizing that the path she wanted initially is no longer the path of her calling. For years, she was convinced that medical school was the way she would go for sure. After a rough first semester and a passionate dislike for every single one of her classes, Sydni concluded that the medical school path was not a fit for her anymore.
Who have been the most influential people throughout your first year of college?
The most influential people in Sydni’s life as a student at OSU have been her friends. Specifically, there is a tie between Nora, Katie, and Chris. Nora “dragged” Sydni to a club meeting, and if she hadn’t done that Sydni would not be a current member of the Exec. Board! Nora also encouraged Sydni to switch her major to something she loved rather than something she despised. Katie was one of the first people Sydni met at Ohio State. The two of them were in R-Lead together, and they “clicked immediately.” Based on their exciting friendship, Sydni and Katie will be rooming together next semester as sophomores! Lastly, Chris has been a strong influence on Sydni. One of Sydni’s friends unfortunately passed away, and Chris supported Sydni through her loss.
I am a junior at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. Recently, I graduated from Cambridge High School receiving Summa Cum Laude and an Honors Diploma. Many hardships were overcome for me to stand where I am today, including the loss of both of my parents. Despite my difficult past, I have a bright outlook toward the future. I aspire to receive my Bachelor’s Degree in English Education from the College of Education and Human Ecology at The Ohio State University with a minor in Human Development and Family Science. In the future, I plan on working with high school students as they learn about the English language, literature, and writing techniques. I am personally considering Graduate School to learn more options I could have as a career. While attending Ohio State, it is my goal to stay involved on campus as much as I can. I have been a member of the Student Philanthopy Board, OSU Pen Pals, and Buckeye Campaign Against Suicide. I have also exemplified leadership in my other roles on campus: Bible Study Leader for Cru, Peer Mentor for the College of EHE, Recruitment Leader for EHE, and the Academic Co-Chair of the Advocates for Communities and Education Scholars program. My part-time job experience at OSU began as an Office Assistant in Smith-Steeb Hall; however, I was quickly selected as a mid-year hire for the Resident Manager position in Morrison Tower. I now supervise a staff of about 25 student employees and maintain a 24/7 staffed desk. While not focused on schoolwork, leadership activities, or my job, I will be spending my downtime reading novels, catching up with friends, and grabbing a bite to eat anywhere on south campus.