In high school, I did not seek help in math very often. Our homework was often for completion, so I would try my best on a problem and get full points. The next day we would go over the troublesome problems. I did not have to seek help because the answers were always explained the next day. I have realized college requires some adjustments. Instead, I need to seek help to get the answers to a problem because they are no longer given to me. I am very thankful I stepped out of my comfort zone to go to peer tutoring because I no longer feel lost when doing homework. I will continue to go to the MSLC and branch out to other tutoring services because I now know it is way more efficient than figuring the problem out on my own. 

The MSLC has consistently been a positive experience for me. If I could not figure out a math problem, I used to spend hours on just the one problem in attempt to figure it out. After going to the MSLC, I realize that there is no point in wasting all that time. The MSLC provides a quick way for me to understand a problem and get an answer. My math homework routine has changed because of the MSLC. I now complete the homework at least a day before it is due, so I have time to go to peer tutoring for help on a problem. I am also a fan of how the peer tutoring is set up. I go in and work on my homework. I set up a pink card to show a tutor that I need help on a problem.

It is a nice place to work on homework and receive instant help. Fortunately, they are open many hours of the week, and have additional online resources for when they are closed. This is especially helpful for me because my lecturer’s office hours overlap with one of my other classes. Although I cannot go to his office hours, I do not feel like I am missing important information because the peer tutors can provide the same information, perhaps in a different light. It is to my advantage that I learn from many different people. Each tutor explains a problem differently, so I can understand the method that works best for me. They all spend time to sit down with each student and work through a problem. Some tutors work through the problem step by step on the chalk board, while others use paper and ask questions for the student to answer. Both are effective teaching methods. However, the most useful method for me depends on the particular problem. If I do not understand how one peer tutor explained the problem, I can always put the card back up and have another tutor explain it in a different manner. The MSLC has helped me learn the most efficient way possible, and I hope I can return the favor to other students. I would like to be a tutor at some point in college because it will not only help others but help me retain information I may need for my career.

In high school, I was the president and co-founder of a Women in Science and Engineering club. This club was very important to me because I wanted to bond with women who have similar interests. One of the many things we did in the club was connect with SWE members at Ohio State. My pen pal for my senior year was so helpful in guiding my decision for college. She made such a large impact on me that I want to do the same for someone else. This is how I knew I wanted to join SWE as soon as I came to Ohio State.

At first, I was not sure how I was going to find SWE. Luckily, I bumped into their table at the Student Involvement Fair. I decided to attend the ice cream social they were hosting. Interestingly enough, I sat down at the same table as my pen pal. She was so nice, and it was awesome to finally meet her in person. Since I made a connection so quickly with SWE, I felt like I was already apart of the club. I have gone to almost every major event SWE has held since. Each meeting I sat by someone new and made a friend. SWE has already proven to be very beneficial for social networking.

SWE also helped me network with recruiters for my dream job at P&G. This was my first real experience with networking. I now feel more comfortable and confident with the branding process. SWE provides additional benefits with the organization. They hold volunteering events that can count towards my STEM Scholars credit. They host fun bonding activities, like potting succulents and painting the jars. (Shown in picture above) They are a national organization, so joining the club at Ohio State will help me reach a professional goal.

It is amazing to have so many benefits within one club, but it can get overwhelming. Luckily, SWE does not hold me to attending every meeting. It is purely up to my choice on what event to participate. This reduces the stress of adding more plans to my busy schedule. This way I do not feel guilty for skipping a meeting to work on homework. Having the freedom of attendance is another reason I decided to stay in SWE. Ohio State has so many events and clubs that I initially did not know how to manage it all. Through trial and error, I decided the two main clubs I would stick with for this year are SWE and ChemE Car. Although finding the right clubs seemed challenging, I believe it was useful to have such a large amount of student organizations. Having so many options forced me to branch out of my comfort zone. This reminded me why I came to Ohio State in the first place. At least one of the endless opportunities will always fit my interests as I grow throughout the years I spend here. I will always have some place to find people with similar interests.