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About Me

Hello! My name is Abby Jung and I will be a third-year here at The Ohio State University. I am from Westerville, Ohio and I am majoring in molecular genetics with a minor in women’s gender and sexuality studies. I have recently begun Muay Thai and weight lifting training over quarantine and I am passionate about my own health! I am also a biological sciences scholar and currently on the pre-medical track. My interests lie in women’s health and I aspire to be an obstetrician-gynecologist. I strongly believe in a woman’s right to make decisions about her own body and becoming an expert in the biology of the female reproductive system allows me to combine my passions for women’s rights and science. I am an active member of Student Advocates for Sexual Health Awareness (S.A.S.H.A.) because I strongly believe in their message of comprehensive sex education. Although preparing for my future is the main focus of my education, learning for the sake of learning has become the focal point of my studies. Utilizing this mindset facilitates reflection and helps me develop an appreciation for knowledge.

On this website, you will find lots of information about my passions and my future career aspirations! The Artifacts tab will show you more personal reflections and the Year in Review tab will let you see my personal growth as an undergraduate overall. The G.O.A.L.S. and Career tabs will have information about my future plans and why how I will achieve my goals.

Career

The Biological Sciences Scholars program has given me many opportunities for exploration and growth. I was fortunate enough to be able to work closely with the executive board to facilitate the creation of the BioSci tutoring program that helps new scholars with many pre-requisite classes. I develop schedules for the tutors while ensuring that records of attendance are accurate and up to date. This experience has taught me valuable lessons about organization and leadership that I hope to use in my future career.

Vision Statement and Statement of Action

The Covid- 19 pandemic has obviously created many hardships in all aspects of life. I have been working towards a study abroad program in Seoul, South Korea at the prestigious Korea University. Although I was supposed to attend for my entire second year, the pandemic undoubtedly caused an unsafe environment. I have remained tenacious, and I am on track to study abroad for the 2021-2021 academic year. While being immersed in Korean culture, I will hope to find scientific research opportunities and become involved in international student organizations. The culture shock of the new education system will be challenging, but I plan to be organized and efficient with my studies while using all my available resources.

I am currently looking to participate in advocacy work for the Summer of 2021. Through Student Advocates for Sexual Health Awareness, I have contacts to help with fieldwork regarding the ‘Gag rule’. I am passionate about this topic and it will help me explore the legal side of women’s health.

WGSST 1110: An impactful class

One of the requirements for a women’s gender and sexuality studies minor is the introductary course WGSST 1110. This class explores many important social justice issues and embraces critical thinking through the lens of feminist thought. I used to believe that I had critical thinking skills, but this class showed me how much deeper I can go! What really stuck with me was our discussions about science. I thought it was interesting how a feminist lens creates important criticisms about academia and scientific methods. These ideas will be very helpful when there comes a time I need to develop my own research questions or be involved in patient care.

 

Abby Jung – Resume

Year in Review

Year in Review: 2019-2020

As my first year comes to a close, I become more and more surprised at how much I have changed since the beginning of my college career. Finding balance within this newly gained independence and responsibility was not a seamless transition but was much smoother than anticipated. An interesting point of reflection has been about motivation and interest. I consistently work hard at anything I do and I consider myself a determined person. I realized that I now have the freedom to study and become involved in what interests me rather than only trudging through classwork.

I decided to join First Generation Pre-Medical Student Association to develop skills for medical school in a supportive community. I have also been exploring the student organization called Period. to help with menstruation justice.

The Covid-19 pandemic turned everything upside down, including my plans to study abroad. I will continue to work to see if I can go my third year, but I will make keep open many doors in case this falls through.

Year in Review: 2020-2021

We did not think the pandemic would last this long, but here we are. This has been one of the most physically draining and mentally exhausting academic years I have experienced. I am sure I am not the only one who feels that way! Now that the vaccine rollout is steadier than anticipated, I feel as if there is a very small light at the end of the tunnel, but we still have a long way to go.

If I learned anything this year it was to be proactive rather than reactive. I believe I held the mindset that opportunities were going to fall into my lap for far too long and since the pandemic gave me a reason not to involve myself, I really suffered from a lack of participation. However, once I started to actively look for opportunities, I felt much more grounded. Firstly, I changed my major from biochemistry to molecular genetics. Next, I joined the Student Advocates for Sexual Health Awareness (S.A.S.H.A.). I was also accepted into the Chimes Junior Honorary. The College of Arts and Sciences was offering classes through the Kolena Business School so I was able to earn certificates in Delivering Constructive Criticism, Conflict Resolution, and Civility in the Workplace.

Lastly, I have worked tirelessly to study abroad. I am planning to study in Seoul, South Korea at Korea University for the 2021-2022 academic year. I am still waiting for the green light from OSU’s international affairs office, but I am hopeful that I will be in Korea on August 10th. I am optimistic that it will be a challenging and rewarding year with lots of personal growth and I am excited to represent OSU on an international level.

 

G.O.A.L.S.

  • Global Awareness: Students cultivate and develop their appreciation for diversity and each individual’s unique differences.
    • Cultivating global awareness has been a main focus of my academic career. Beginning in elementary school, I was enrolled in a world cultures magnet school and in my last two years of high school I received the International Baccalaureate Diploma after completing the program. Through Ohio State I am hoping to study abroad in Copenhagen for my entire second year. Immersing myself in the culture, rather than simply visiting, will allow me to explore the “universal” language of science more holistically.
  • Original Inquiry: Honors & Scholars students understand the research process by engaging in experiences ranging from in-class scholarly endeavors to creative inquiry projects to independent experiences with top researchers across campus and in the global community.
    • I was a research intern in a lab at Nationwide Children’s Hospital during the summer of 2017 and I am hoping to join a lab in the microbiology department at Ohio State. Part of the study abroad program in Copenhagen is research experience, which combines both global awareness and original inquiry.
  • Academic Enrichment: Honors & Scholars students pursue academic excellence through rigorous curricular experiences beyond the university norm both in and out of the classroom.
    • By undertaking a tedious STEM major, I can demonstrate my ability to engage in rigorous curriculum. I continue to strive for academic excellence not only in terms of grades but in terms of comprehending and utilizing concepts.
  • Leadership Development: Honors & Scholars students develop leadership skills that can be demonstrated in the classroom, in the community, in their co-curricular activities, and in their future roles in society.
    • Leadership is the ability to take responsibility for consequences and being reliable under all circumstances. I have previously been elected present of my high school’s National Honor society and I have had the leadership position of a coxswain on a nationally competitive crew (rowing) team. I am excited to have the opportunity to apply for a board position on First Generation Pre-Med Student Association next year.
  • Service Engagement: Honors & Scholars students commit to service to the community.
    • I want to perform service that I am passionate about not service that will make me seem more desirable to medical schools. I hope to find volunteer opportunities in places, such as Planned Parenthood, that provide needed services to women (and men). Volunteering in a hospital is also something I have always wanted to do. It will not only allow me to explore the hospital as a system, but it also provides a way I can interact with patients to use my time and talents to give back to those in need.

Artifacts

Small Town Feminist, Big World Problems

I was gifted this bag by a generous friend who thought of me during her study abroad trip in Spain. It may be a simple tote bag, but it encapsulates the essence of what I stand for: equality on a globally relevant scale. I have met many women from all over the world that have experienced atrocious behavior because of their gender. My friend and her gift motivated me to study abroad, which will allow me to become internationally aware of the scope of this issue. The way I want to contribute to the solution of this problem is through my love of science. I aspire to empower women by educating them about their bodies and by listening to their problems.

Steps for Sarcoma (September 22, 2019)

Steps for Sarcoma is a fundraiser that supports sarcoma research at the James Cancer Hospital. Participants have the opportunity to walk a 5k or 1k path and there are many other activities such as an auction and raffle. My friend (pictured) and I volunteered the day of the event by passing out shirts and bags during registration, cheering along walkers, and performing logistical tasks for the auction and raffle. Before signing up to volunteer, I knew very little about what sarcoma was. Many of the speakers at the even educated me about the cancer and its effects. This motivated me to become more of an advocate for rare cancers and disease research. As I cheered on survivors, many of them thanked me and one couple told me they walked a second lap just to hear me cheer! It was inspiring to see the strength of the survivors and how grateful they were for my support. The smallest gestures can mean so much to people! I also became extremely proficient at ringing a cowbell.

BioSci Gift Drop Off (Autumn 2020)

My roommate, Haven, and I were able to participate in this year’s Scholars Central Community Gift Drive. It was nice to be back on campus, even if it was only for a small amount of time, and we were able to give back to our community! I am so thankful for everything I have and the opportunities I am given. The holidays this year was very bittersweet and most people were isolated, but this gave me a small spark of joy that we are going to make it.

 

WGSST 3280 Group Toolkit (Spring 2021)

WGSST 3280 Group Toolkit

I have inserted a project that I worked on over the course of my time in WGSST 3280: Trans Studies. I am very proud of my group for creating such a comprehensive list of resources. This toolkit was designed to help Trans and Non-Binary people navigate legal processes such as name changes, voting rights, and healthcare/insurance. It includes links and phone numbers for safe spaces while also providing information about the processes themselves. This project has really motivated me to become more involved in activism. I find it really important that I do not think my problems are the only problems I should be standing up for. I think everyone should be able to receive the correct care in a safe environment. Protect Trans Lives!