I moved into Morrill Tower on August 18th, 2018. I would have no idea that I just moved into a quad to live with some of the best people I’ve ever have the privilege of knowing. I would be completely ignorant of the new adventures that lay ahead, and of the challenges that I was bound to come across. As my freshman year draws to a close, it’s incredible to look back and see just how I’ve grown in these past nine months.
During my first semester, I slogged through the dreaded Gen Chem 1, and learned that time management is all too valuable a skill to have. My literature GE Intro to Fiction reintroduced me to the love of literature, and my appreciation of the stylistic acrobatics that authors use in effective storytelling. First Year Undergrad Student Orchestra reminded me just how much I enjoy playing and performing my violin; and my SENR Survey class helped me discover that I belong in natural resource management.
My second semester Public Land Management course has exposed me to new fields of career opportunities. Environmental Policy showed me that I am capable of writing an entire paper in a night. And beekeeping has introduced me to an incredible marvel of nature, an appreciation of honey bees, and a desire for my own hive someday. It also taught me that it is entirely worth learning for the sake of interest, because it makes the world shine a little bit brighter.
This year, I finally allowed myself to test my own limits. I learned that I am capable of more than I realized, and that my ability extends about as far as my mentality. Deciding to put all that I have into my ambitions– on a run, on a friendship, on a creative endeavor– has bore much fruit. I have grown in confidence and independence as I explored possibilities that I would have dismissed a year ago as far fetched, impossible, or not meant for me. I have stopped putting qualifications and caveats on my abilities and my goals, and have allowed myself to stretch beyond the constraints that I used to envelope myself in for fear of failure.
Looking back, I have so many fond memories and experiences, ranging from the relatively mundane to the extraordinary. Visiting Stone Lab, the ENR Camping Trip, backpacking for the first time in Dolly Sods; these have been life changing, eye opening opportunities. They pushed me outside of my comfort zone, introduced me to new people and new ideas, and helped me to see the world in new ways. But the casual moments: Zumba on Tuesday nights with my roommates, movie marathons, comedy shows, hanging out in Buckeye Grove, time spent in the common rooms of Morrill tower… these, I think, are the snippets of life that have made my freshman year at Ohio State so remarkable. That, and beating Xichigan, obviously.
I truly cannot wait to dive into the new experiences that next year will have in store. I’m excited to join new organizations that fell through the cracks of my freshman year, and to continue building lifelong relationships with those around me. I’m psyched to be taking a class on rock wall climbing, Monday mornings at 8am next semester, and to be a part of Ohio State’s community orchestra. I’m beyond thrilled to be living in Morrill Tower again, surrounded by truly the best people this campus has to offer. I’m excited for the moments, big and small, that bring more laughter, joy, and unity to the world.
My first year as a Buckeye has given me a lot to reflect on, grow from, and be thankful for. I am exceedingly grateful for all of the ups and downs, laughs and tears, the summer’s heat and winter’s cold that I’ve experienced during these past two semesters.
And I wouldn’t trade any of it for the world.