Buck-i-SERV

For my second year project, I went to NYC to volunteer with the Medici project. This project truly changed my perspective of the world around me and how much of an impact volunteering can have on communities. I had the opportunity to volunteer with Goodwill, Meals on Wheels, and other local sites that needed help. This is a powerpoint I made to briefly show what I did.

hssbuckiserv-2cevoz8

The past semester here at OSU has given me a much clearer understanding of intended major and backup plans. I have gained insight into the variety of options if I am rejected from the BSN program, which provides relief and comfort knowing that no matter what happens, I can get where I want to be without having to sacrifice my time or education. My classes and professors have given information on many different types of resources on campus and online – such as the at least Success Center or websites that describe each types of career paths I may be interested in. I plan to stay healthy by consistently taking time to myself away from studying, such as going on runs or talking with my friends. I have learned to balance my academic, social and extracurricular life by utilizing my agenda, which allows me to stay organized. I also plan to stay healthy running at least three times per week, and I’ll try to do yoga twice per week as well. I have several mentors that help guide me in my journey at OSU, such as my peer mentor for the HSS program, and my LAMP leader for nursing. These mentors really help me with anything in my life, whether I need advice about a personal situation or someone to proof-read an essay. I would really love to get more involved in INSPIRE next semester because I think it would be a great way to be more connected on campus and to grow as a leader. Next semester, I hope to be healthy, happy and more involved on campus and the community.

About Mackenzie Kinkopf

IMG_1848I was born and raised in Chagrin Falls, a suburb outside of Cleveland, and moved to Powell, Ohio my freshman year of high school. My biggest goal for freshman year at the Ohio State University is to be accepted into the nursing program. I aspire to be a nurse pracitioner and to one day be able to use the knowledge and skills I’ll learn at Ohio State to help and care for others. I have always been a science-driven learner, and although at times it is difficult, I am a very hard-worker and I’m determined to succeed. I also have a passion for the Spanish language and hope to study abroad to Spain or Mexico. I can’t wait for the next four years at the Ohio State University.

Year in Review

Since coming to OSU, I have absolutely grown as an individual. I have become a more determined, focused and strong person. I have gained independence and I now rely much less on my parents and peers. I learned that you have to work for what you want, and good grades are not handed to lazy students. To be completely honest, I did not expect college to be this academically and socially difficult. I have absolutely struggled with balancing school work, sleep, health, and friendships. As the semester progressed, it got easier – and I’m still figuring everything out. Coming into college, I expected to work very hard and have fun. Those expectations have definitely been met. My goals for my second year in HSS and at OSU is to continue working hard and learning (both academically and about who I am as an individual). I’m excited to see how my college and HSS experience continues next year!

 

G.O.A.L.S.

[ “G.O.A.L.S.” is a place where students write about how their planned, current, and future activities may fit into the Honors & Scholars G.O.A.L.S.: Global Awareness, Original Inquiry, Academic Enrichment, Leadership Development, and Service Engagement. For more information, go to: http://honors-scholars.osu.edu/e-portfolio. Delete these instructions and add your own post.

Global Awareness: Students cultivate and develop their appreciation for diversity and each individual’s unique differences. For example, consider course work, study abroad, involvement in cultural organizations or activities, etc .
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. For example, consider research, creative productions or performances, advanced course work, etc.
Academic Enrichment:

I interviewed my RA, Alisha French, who is currently a third year in the nursing program. We spent about 30 minutes discussing how she made it through the application process to where she’s at now. I asked Alisha a few specific questions – like what type of nurse she was interested in being. Like me, she is still exploring her options. I asked her questions about clinicals, like what an average day was for her and how she adjusted from being a student to a working student. I really appreciated her perspective because she has a very easy-going person, and I really aspire to be like her. Her advice to me was to keep calm – “whatever happens, happens” – and to always have a backup plan. I really do believe everything happens for a reason, but it was nice to have a mentor say that to me (who has experienced everything I am going through right now). It was nice hearing how stressed she was about getting into the nursing program, because I am currently waiting to hear if I was accepted or denied. Overall, this talk really calmed my nerves and reminded me that everything will be okay – and that no matter what, I will one day be a nurse.
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.
Service Engagement:

Over the past year, I have met the 20 hour service requirement in a few different ways. In the past year, I donated blood twice, I volunteered at INSPIRE three times for about three hours each time, and I volunteered at my local church (Saint Joan of Arc) three times for about three hours as well. I mostly did my service through INSPIRE – a nursing club on campus, but I also recieved hours from donating blood, and volunteering at my church. By far the most memorable service was through NSPIRE. In NSPIRE, I had the opportunity to take vital signs and wash the feet of the homeless people in the Columbus area. One Sunday every month, the NSPIRE group walks to a church off campus and we set up stations (such as a foot-washing station, a BP station, a glucose-monitoring station). This was one of the most humbling experiences of my entire life. I learned so much from not only doing the volunteering work, but also from talking to the people there. Everyone had such caring hearts, and the homeless people were beyond grateful for our help. On top of everything, I also learned how to take vital signs which prepares me for being a nurse.

This experience truly made me appreciative of everything I have. It also motivated me to further help my community because it was so intrinsically motivating. I will forever remember and cherish this experience. A specific memory from INSPIRE was with a girl name Keisha. I was washing Keisha’s feet when she told me it was her birthday. I asked her how she was going to celebrate her birthday, and she said she wasn’t going to because her family couldn’t afford to do anything. Then, my friend and I started singing happy birthday to her and the whole room joined in. Keisha felt so special that she started to cry! It made me realized how privileged I am, and how I should appreciate every single one of my blessings.

Career

Me and my friends at a Health and Wellness HSS sponsored event - Yoga and Yogurt.

Me and my friends at a Health and Wellness HSS sponsored event – Yoga and Yogurt.

My closest friend (and roommate) exploring OSU's campus.

My closest friend (and roommate) and I exploring OSU’s campus.

Artifacts

[Artifacts are the items you consider to be representative of your academic interests and achievements. For each entry, include both an artifact and a detailed annotation.  An annotation is a reflective description of the artifact that attempts to communicate its significance.  For more information, go to: http://honors-scholars.osu.edu/e-portfolio. Delete these instructions and add your own post.]

About Me

[Your “About Me” is an introduction and should provide insight into who you are as a person and a learner.  This should include a picture of you that is appropriate in a professional/academic context. This information should be continually updated.  For more information, go to: http://honors-scholars.osu.edu/e-portfolio.  Delete these instructions and add your own post.]