G.O.A.L.S.

The University Honors & Scholars Center at The Ohio State University serves high-ability, motivated undergraduate students. While embracing diversity in both ideas and people, the Center fosters purposeful learning communities that enhance students’ academic and social experiences. The Center facilitates impactful, rigorous, and unique opportunities that further student success and involvement in our G.O.A.L.S.: Global Awareness, Original Inquiry, Academic Enrichment, Leadership Development, and Service Engagement.

G.O.A.L.S.

Global Awareness: My participation in the International Affairs Scholars Program while at The Ohio State University has vastly increased my participation and awareness in global policy, and truly transformed me into a citizen of the world. My participation in the IA May 2015 trip to Northern India greatly increased my awareness of culture, history, and contemporary issues in that region, acquainting me with an area of the world I may have never otherwise encountered. The life changing interactions  I had there – from trekking to an ancient hilltop palace-fort, to touring a rural village – gave me a vested interest in a nation far from my daily routine, and a desire to stay in-touch with current affairs there. I truly began to feel at home in India, and I miss the vibrancy of life and diversity of experience I encountered there every day.

Original Inquiry: Over the past semester, I have engaged in extensive original inquiry in my composition of two in-depth research theses. In drafting these works – one a rumination on 19th century flânerie in the work of Édouard Manet, the other an exploration of nationalistic identity in the art of M.F. Husain – I utilized many of the scholastic resources this university has to offer in search of evidence to support my arguments. These experiences have helped me to take initial steps in planning my senior thesis, and have endowed me with the research skills I will require if I am to pursue a graduate degree.

Academic Enrichment: While at the Ohio State University, I am pursuing a dual degree in History of Art and Strategic Communications. I have additionally enrolled in the Honors Program, out of a desire to complete a more rigorous curricular program, which has pushed me to explore upper-level course work I may not have otherwise had the opportunity to pursue. My membership in the International Affairs Program has additionally provided an invaluable supplement to my classroom experience, enabling me to attend fascinating lectures on topics as varied as public health in Africa and the roots of the current Syrian conflict. I have additionally been invited to membership in four honoraries which reward high levels of university academic achievement – ALD/PES, Mirrors Sophomore Class Honorary, Chimes Junior Class Honorary, and the Order of Omega.

Leadership Development: For the past year, I have served as the Vice President of Programming for Mirrors Sophomore Class Honorary, and acted as the Executive Director of the Mirrors Ball – an annual charity gala which benefits the James Cancer Hospital. In this role, I lead the organization, funding, and execution of this major event, coordinating dozens of volunteers, hundreds of guests, and nearly 20 sponsors and donators to raise almost $3,000 to benefit the James. I have additionally been recently elected as Head of Fundraising for Chimes Junior Class Honorary, and serve as the Chi Connections Chair for Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity.

Service Engagement: For the last year I have worked as a Restful Nights Volunteer at the James Cancer Hospital, taking time once a week to visit with inpatient visitors as they recover from chemotherapy, surgery, bone marrow transplants, and the like. Providing amenities that promote a calm and restful environment, such as eye masks, earplugs, neck pillows, and reading materials, I have the chance to often visit and speak with these patients, discussing their treatment and providing some much-needed company. I’m often surprised by the diverse life experiences they mention – from the former member of the Israeli army, to a retired Ohio State professor of 40 years. I additionally participate in events to promote Domestic Violence Awareness through my membership in Alpha Chi – an especially important pursuit considering 1 in 5 college women will be sexually assaulted during their time at university. And I additionally was able to participate in several service pursuits abroad while traveling Northern India with IA scholars, from making roti in a communal lehenga kitchen, to working with children in impoverished inner-city Delhi.