I was a nervous wreck anticipating my college years. There was not a day I did not think about my decision to attend Ohio State or my career path or my choice of major. I would second guess myself constantly and question if I was headed in the right direction. However, after attending The Ohio State University for almost one academic year, I am confident that I made the right decision. I have gained so much life experience and knowledge thus far by taking advantage of all the opportunities that the university has to offer, and I cannot image doing it anywhere else.

I have built many relationships and truly grown as a person through student organizations, my scholars program, classes, and dorm life this year. My best friend is my roommate–which is such a relief. Since we get along so well, I have learned that dorm life isn’t so bad and it’s really what you make of it. I have become an active member of American Red Cross club, which has come to be my passion so far at college. I dedicate most of my free time and volunteer hours to red cross and I hope to have a position on the executive board in the future. I have also taken advantage of a job opportunity caring for a five-year old girl that has down syndrome. This has been the most rewarding and challenging experience and I have loved every minute of it. I have also had many fun and exciting experiences with the Health Sciences Scholars program that have helped me grow, whether it be through useful seminar topics or fun group activities.

Although there have definitely been bad experience with the good, this year has been life-changing. Getting acclimated to living away from home, being a full-time student, staying involved in extracurricular activities, working in the evenings, and maintaining my sanity have been a struggle; however, looking back at the memories I have made and the progress towards my goals that I have accomplished makes it all so worth it. I have learned to handle rejection and accepted the fact that I cannot be perfect at everything. I am constantly learning ways to be the best I can be, and know that I can only improve in the years to come.