This year was a pivotal year for me. Academics wise, I started my first Biochemistry class which was exciting to finally take after all the prerequisites. It was somewhat a relief to see that I actually enjoyed my major’s class because I have many more biochemistry class to come. I am continuing my Spanish minor and enjoy learning the language more and more as time goes on. One major change to my future plans is that I switched from pre-medicine to pre-optometry. My father is an optometrist and after shadowing various doctors, I have decided that I would enjoy going into business with my dad the most. I have or will have completed all the prerequisites for optometry school through my major, so I do not have to rearrange classes. Finally, I made many new friends this year through my classes and living in an eight person suite. I also actively participated in the biological Sciences Scholar program and joined the organization, Eyes on Health and the pre-optometry club.

During my time at OSU, I have grown as a person, leader, and a peer mentor. I participated on the Biological scholars flag football team and this helped me with my leadership and teamwork skills. I also took part in both Steps for Sarcoma and the Heart Walk. These events helped me gain perspective on what a can be thankful for, and helped me realize that helpful, giving, communities are all around us. When I entered the Scholars program I did not have many experiences outside my hometown. Being in this program helped me explore the campus and Columbus and helped me find many rewarding opportunities. It also helped me meet people that had similar goals as me. Now I have a greater perspective on the world and I believe that I am a lot better off because of it. Personal growth helps us gain context because we can realize where we were and where we want to go. It can also be a humbling experience to realize that there is always room for improvement. It is important to reflect back because this is how you can realize what you have become and to see how much growth you have experienced. This can then be compared to your goals and used to gauge how well you are on your way.