Throughout my time at The Ohio State University I have developed a variety of skills through my involvement in STEM EE Scholars and other co-curricular activities. One skill that has been greatly expanded by being a part of my Scholars program is my ability to be personable to other people that I meet. I only knew one person in my Scholars program when I originally came to OSU, so therefore it became critical for me to emerge from my shell and become more extroverted than how I had been in high school. Starting conversations with others, remembering others’ names and information about them really became important if I was going to branch out and develop new friendships. I believe that I have improved this skill of being more personable, and therefore I feel confident that in my future classes, situations, and careers I can transfer this skill into various situations. Whether it is making a new friend to have help in a challenging class or getting to know my co-workers better, I am confident that the skills I developed while being a part of STEM EE Scholar will benefit me in the future.
Another skill that I have evolved is greater confidence, and this I have developed through my involvement in Women in Engineering. I have always had confidence in myself especially since I attended an all-girls high school where we were constantly reminded to: “learn, lead, and serve in the Spirit of Mary’s Magnificat.” My skill of confidence has increased, however because through the Women in Engineering Club I am surrounded by a group of young women who are pursuing the same degree I am. Therefore, they are able to provide a support system for me since they are in the same situation. We share classes, projects, and professors, and so by their support and positive attitudes I am inspired to continue to pursue an engineering degree even though some days are extremely long and the workload can be overwhelming. This skill of confidence is something that is easily transferred into the future, for my classes will become more challenging and soon I will be in the workforce. Therefore having the belief in myself that I can successfully complete a class or project will assist me in my getting the job done well.
Finally, my volunteering at Youth Challenge has developed and expanded my skill in maintaining a positive attitude. At Youth Challenge I work with children who have disabilities by assisting them in adapted sports and recreation activities. Many of these children cannot walk or talk, and some can hardly move. Whenever I volunteer there, no matter how bad of a day I have had, their presence always puts things in perspective for me. I realize that my life could be much more challenging than it is, and therefore I have nothing to complain about. By realizing that an unfavorable grade on a test or the not-so-well done presentation are small matters in the big scheme of life, I am able to continue to maintain a positive attitude. Transferring this skill into another setting is very beneficial, for in classes and in the workforce I will be tasked with challenges that may discourage me, however by continuing to have a positive attitude I can motivate myself and others to put forth their best work. Overall, I have developed various beneficial skills throughout my freshman year at Ohio State University, and these skills will be quite valuable going forward into both my academic and professional career.