This year I have solidified my plan of action for achieving my goals (going to medical school after undergrad). I hope to do this by starting to consistently volunteer over the summer and throughout the first semester of my third year here at OSU. Unfortunately, with COVID, all of my volunteering was put to a stop over sophomore year, so this summer, with things opening up, I have reached out to Licking Memorial Hospital in Newark (where I have previously volunteered), in order to volunteer again. They have recently reopened their volunteer program again, so I am excited to see some of the new changes that were implemented! I was also told of a special volunteer role specifically for college students at this particular hospital with more patient contact. This would be perfect for me to build up some clinical skills, as well as gain some experience for the medical field in the future. Furthermore, I plan to go into the research lab that I recently joined twice a week. This lab, (Dr. Gumina’s cardiovascular lab) has a specific focus on two genes (CD39 and CD73), and how they affect healing of the body after fibrosis and necrosis of tissue. It is really interesting, and I am really excited to start learning and understanding a little more about the research I am in! Furthermore, I also mentioned that I am planning to volunteer with an org called CRIS, as a mentor for those who have recently immigrated into the United States. On top of all this I also plan to take a summer class this summer (org chem lab 2), as well as consider picking up a minor in the future!
Organic Chemistry 2520 Review
With all the courses coming to a close this semester, and finals approaching I thought I would take a moment to reflect on one of the most academically challenging and rigorous courses I have taken, organic chemistry. Although General Chemistry was fairly new for me last year, in terms of content, and pace of lectures, I found organic chemistry to be much more applicable, and enjoyable. I found that every lecture and concept builds on each other, and having a strong foundation of fundamental concepts was really important to succeed in the class. Although the material always seems unmanageable at first, breaking down the concept into the fundamental was always helpful for me. Most of the time, the new reactions we learned were extensions of previously covered material. Therefore, I found myself wanting to review the material more throughout the week, and directly after we covered it, rather than wait until the very last moment to begin reviewing. So therefore, although many harp on this class for being downright impossible, I found that it was a pretty manageable and enjoyable class if approached the right way. I am very excited to begin biochemistry, I am hoping that some of the topics at least relate or mirror those learned this semester! I am also hoping that some of these concepts can be used in in the medical field (in the future) in order to understand mechanisms of action of particular medications and treatments! I know one of my favorite parts of this course is how it helps us students understand things in our lives (in other words a very applicable class).
Second Year End Review
This year was definitely a hard one, in terms of class content, as well as balancing online work and staying on top of remote learning classes. Although it was slightly unconventional, I would still consider it my favorite year to date!
Academically, I was able to get very good grades in the hardest classes on the premed route (ochem), as well as finish a majority of my GE classes. Learning online with COVID was definitely interesting. I would say that personally, for me, it was a lot more convenient studying from the comfort of a dorm room, however, I completely understand the struggles with time management and motivation. To combat this, I learned how to be extra thorough with my planner, attempting to write every event and homework assignment down, and methodically cross each one out as completed.
In terms of extracurriculars, I joined a few new organizations, one of them being Refuge, which pairs a refugee mentee with mentors that can help them assimilate into American life. I really enjoyed getting to know my mentee, and we talk on a regular basis. I was also able to apply for a leadership position within the organization, and will become the Vice President next year (which I am really excited about).
Furthermore, I was able to secure a lab position in Dr. Gumina’s lab in the heart and lung unit here at OSU. I have recently gotten animal trained, since a lot of the research involves working with lab mice pretty heavily. Furthermore, I reached out to a hospital I used to volunteer at pre-pandemic, and will be happily volunteering there this summer! Due to the recently circumstances, It has been a while since I was able to volunteer in person, so it will definitely be a nice change of pace. I am looking forward to the next semester! I think with more in person classes, as well as a lighter course-load, I will be able to relax a little more!
Statement of Action
Although this year was definitely an interesting one, with a majority of the year moved to remote learning, it served as a great way to reaffirm my goals for the rest of undergrad! I want to go to medical school after these 4 years are complete, and I while I am not sure exactly what I will do, I know I really enjoy working in the medical field. I was able to get into a research lab, which will occupy a significant amount of my time this summer. Furthermore, I am planning to volunteer with aa wonderful organization I was introduced to called CRIS, which focuses on the resettlement of refugees into the United States. This org mirrors the work I was able to do when I traveled to Syria a few years ago, so I thought it was the perfect volunteer opportunity for me. For the majority of my undergrad, I hope to focus on nailing all my premed classes, as well as begin studying for the MCAT which I plan to take in the winter. I am hoping to also pick up a minor my junior year (time permitting), as well as get some more clinical experience shadowing doctors at neighboring hospitals.
G.O.A.L.S.
Being a Biological Scholars student was a significant reason I chose to begin my college experience at OSU in the first place. It was important to me to have a group of like-minded individuals that shared the same goals and vision for the future. Although I was initially looking at the Honors department, Scholars put a larger emphasis on a strong community, as well as gaining skills necessary for our future careers. Some of these skills include leadership, communication, professionalism, and diligence. Primarily, however, this strong community bond was displaced through the living requirement for first year students. Everyone living in Barrett, especially my roommates, have taken an important role as my motivators to join clubs, apply myself in rigorous classes, as well as take part in the numerous volunteer opportunities this group offers. For instance, a scholars event that I attended with two of my roommates consisted of visiting the Wesley Glen Retirement Community in central Columbus. Here, we played bingo with a few of the residence, and although it did not seem like much, it was such a pleasure to put a smile on the residence’s faces, as well as develop my communication and professionalism skills. Furthermore, I volunteered at The Huckleberry House, a home for runaway teenagers. This was an unparalleled experience that allowed me to witness some of the dangers young teens just 10 minutes from our campus face. Continuing to immerse myself in the community by attending these events is the primary way I will carry out my vision of embodying a successful scholars student. In the upcoming weeks I plan on attending another event at the Wesley Glen Retirement Center, hopefully to build upon the skills (professionalism, communication) that were developed in my last visit.
- Specifically I used the “Academic Enrichment” portion of the GOALS acronym when attending each of the lectures to my rigorous course load, as well as seeking help from TA’s when needed
- The ”Service Engagement” portion of the acronym was also used through the numerous volunteer opportunities the scholars group has provided me with.
This photo was taken outside of the Wesley Glen Retirement Center during bingo night!
Career
Zaina Kret
88 W Woodruff Ave ● Columbus, Ohio 43201 ● Kret.5@buckeyemail.osu.edu ● 614.403.2456
Education
The Ohio State University Columbus, Ohio ● Neuroscience ● Biological Science Scholar ● May, 2023
Relevant Experience
Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus, Ohio
Intern January, 2016 – August, 2019
- Studied the effects of congenital heart defects on the neurological development of infants
- Developed necessary technical skills while working with software programs, like excel, to input numerous relevant sets of data
- Helped to organize home visits, and correspond with families in the trial.
Additional Volunteer Experiences
Licking Memorial Hospital Newark, Ohio
Volunteer June, 2015 – August, 2019
- Gained clinical experience by working in a hospital setting. Specifically, communication and professionalism skills by interacting with patients and hospital staff.
Saint Ephrem Patriarchal Committee Damascus, Syria
Volunteer, June, 2018 – August, 2019
- Broke cultural barriers by traveling to Syria and distributing rations to internally displaced refugees.
- Strengthened my language and communication skills by speaking to the staff and general public in Arabic.
Da’am Organization Damascus, Syria
Volunteer, June, 2018 – August, 2019
- Worked alongside a skilled team of engineers and physical therapists to construct makeshift prosthetics for individuals who lost limbs in the Syrian Civil War
- Interacted with a team of individuals of different cultures and backgrounds, while maintaining a level of professionalism required for future endeavors.
Leadership Experience
The Environmental Club New Albany, Ohio
President, 2016 – 2019
- Built a strong sense of community by facilitating a school composting movement after constructing compost bins on school campus
- Gained leadership experience working alongside a group of like-minded individuals to design and sell reusable plastic water bottles around school.
HOSA – Future Health Professionals New Albany, Ohio
President, 2017 – 2019
- Led weekly meetings to peak student body interest in the medical field
- Coordinated a seminar offering CPR certifications around campus.
The New Student Network New Albany, Ohio
Treasurer, 2017 – 2019
- Relayed information between the President and Vice President of the organization
- Organized an orientation for incoming new and exchange students to encourage a smooth integration of these students into school activities.
Skills
Computer skills: Excel, PowerPoint. ● Language skills: Fluency in Arabic, and conversational in Spanish.
Relevant Courses and Lab Experience
Chemistry 1210 (with lab) ● Biology 1113 (with lab) ● Behavioral Psychology 3313 ●
Artifacts
This photo is a representation of a significant accomplishment in my life. Two summers ago I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Syria, where my family is from, to not only learn a little about my heritage, but to volunteer. Specifically, I worked with an organization called Da’am which strives to create prosthetics for those who lost limbs in the war, as well the The Saint Emphrem Patriarchal Committee, which distributed supplies and aid to those internally displaced within the country. I was in the country for a month, and it was a huge reason behind my career goal presently. Seeing a large population within the country display sheer resilience in the face of utmost and unparalleled disaster was extremely humbling and inspiring. In the future, it would be incredible to work alongside an organization, similar to Doctors Without Borders, in a third world country where even the post primitive of resources are scarce. After the completion of this capstone I had the opportunity to present my project in front of the school and a board, alongside 4 other students with outstanding capstones. This artifact is the trophy I won for second place in the showcase. Although the trophy was cool, the artifact means so much to me because it is a constant reminder to apply myself and work hard for the people who I could possibly be helping in the future. My experiences in Syria is a huge motivator for my continual interest in pursuing a field in medicine.
About Me
Hi! My name is Zaina Kret. I am a 2nd year Neuroscience major on the pre-med track. Academically, I have always been interested in science oriented classes, specifically biology and chemistry! In the future, I would love to practice medicine in an organization like Doctors Without Borders. This would combine my love of the medical field with my interest in traveling. A few summers ago I had the opportunity to travel to Syria (where I am from) to volunteer with amputees that have lost limbs resulting from the civil war. A career that involves experiences like these would be incredible. A few things that make me unique is are I speak three languages (Spanish, Arabic, and English), and I have been playing piano for over 10 years! 
Welcome to my Honors & Scholars e-Portfolio
Year in Review
Overall, this semester has had its ups and downs, but was definitely a great experience!
Academically, the year proved to be a little bit of a challenge, transitioning from “AP classes” to traditional college courses. At the beginning of the semester, it was a little difficult going into classes that were structured completely different, often including over 100 people! However, it was exciting having to depend less on the instructor for information, and instead learning how to read textbooks and manage my time. Furthermore, although I made an attempt to attend some study sessions and office hours, my goal for next semester it to definitely utilize these resources more as they really helped, especially near exam time! I also liked having the majority of the points for each course structured around periodic midterms rather than smaller activities and quizzes like high school. On a bit of a side note, I loved the addition of three survey/ seminar classes to my schedule. Each course provided useful information on how to gain opportunities in service and leadership that I otherwise would not have known about
Socially, living in Barrett House was a great experience! Reflecting now, one of the best perks of joining a scholars group was connecting with so many likeminded people that share my interests and passions. Each of my roommates and I have grown close through each month, and have also leaned on each other for homework help, which is an added bonus considering our majors are very similar and we are taking a majority of the same classes. One of my roommates even shares my major, which makes studying for a memorization heavy exam much easier. Furthermore, having this community allows for a mechanism to hold me accountable for attending meetings and volunteer opportunities too!
Extracurricularly, I have made an affront to join a few organizations that I think will be very beneficial for gaining leadership experiences, as well as opportunities. one group is called ENCompass and strives to visit underdeveloped areas in central Columbus to provide a number of resources that they would otherwise not know about, including government benefits, food pantry info, etc.. I have also been looking at joining one of the specialized committees within the organization to become a more active club member. The next semester, however, I plan to join a few more orgs that connect more with other interest/ hobbies I have. This Scholars group has also provided my with other opportunities in the area of service that have been very beneficial including my first trip to the Huckleberry House where I became more aware of the social detriments that plague teenagers around us.