Global Awareness:
At this point in my undergraduate studies, I have enriched my global awareness through diverse coursework. For instance, in the spring semester of 2017, I took History 3704 , which explored HIV’s history as a worldwide epidemic. This course made me consider how international reactions to this virus established the model of global medicine so heavily. This course made me open my eyes to the world around me and realize how people’s interactions shape our society, whether it be on an interpersonal or an international level. Additionally, as a Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies minor, I have taken courses that shift my view of society into one that is more understanding, thoughtful, and inclusive. With classes such as Women’s Health (WGSST 2325), Gender, Sexuality, and Race in Popular Culture (WGSST 2230), and Gender, Sexuality, and Power (WGSST 1110), I have developed an intersectional perspective that strengthens my feminism and activism as well as deepens my appreciation for the diversity of people. Going forward, I will continue to take classes that expand my global awareness. Next semester, I will be taking Health Disparities in Social Context (Sociology 5629) and Intersections: Approaches to Race, Gender, Class, and Sexuality (WGSST 4921), which will continue to help my global awareness grow. Furthermore, I am hoping that I will be able to go on a study/service abroad trip to Tanzania that accompanies History 3704 and will enable me to learn about global medicine even more. This trip would not only benefit me as a hopefully medical school student, but also as a citizen because it will introduce me to new cultures and open my mind to new experiences.
Original Inquiry:
Creating and formulating one’s own ideas is applicable throughout one’s whole life. In college, I generated original inquiry so far in several different ways. Through coursework, I have been able to lead a couple projects with peers on focused topics. For example, in Biology 1114H, I explored how endophytes in grass were affected by varying soil pHs. Moreover, in Chemistry 1920H, I investigated the semiconductive properties of halide perovskites and used them to attempt to create the most effective solar cells at the cheapest price point. These guided research projects fostered a love for research in me. As a result, after taking both of these classes in the spring semester of 2017, I applied for and secured a volunteer researcher position at the Yoder Lab at OSU. In this position, I assist more experienced researchers in projects focused on retroviral integration, especially with the HIV virus. After working for several months in this lab, I obtained an Undergraduate Researcher Apprentice Program grant to stay at OSU to continue to research during the summer of 2018. This experience will be extremely special because the Yoder Lab is allowing me to have my own project exploring how drug resistance mutations in HIV integrase affect its ability to integrate when in the presence of antiretroviral drugs. I am dedicated to this topic because HIV is a huge issue in the LGBTQ+ community. From this experience, I hope to be able to present my findings and continue to work in the Yoder Lab for the rest of my undergraduate career. Overall, as a student who wants to continue onto medical school, these research opportunities have prepared me for a future in medicine by honing my problem solving skills and laboratory technique.
Academic Enrichment:
From a very young age, I was obsessed with school and learning. This trait lives today as I strive to challenge myself and still maintain academic excellence throughout college. I have kept myself academically enriched by making sure my course load is diverse and intellectually stimulating. For instance, as a Biochemistry major, I have taken a more difficult courses such as Honors General Chemistry 1 and 2, Honors Organic Chemistry 1 and 2, and Honors Physics 1 and 2. As I continue to take upper-level biochemistry courses that are pertinent to my major, I am also choosing courses that have a humanities focus, such as upper-level sociology and WGSST classes. I plan on continuing to take music classes in addition to these sociology and philosophy courses to round out my education. Overall, the contrast in my major and minor demonstrate my academic enrichment. Since I want to minor in Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies, I will be taking plenty of engaging courses that go beyond the simple requirements for my major. I am very excited to learn about diverse topics through these classes because they will make me a better doctor in the future. Ultimately, my academic excellence can be specifically seen in my current cumulative GPA of 3.981. In all, by becoming academically enriched, I can pursue excellence in and out of the classroom.
Leadership Development:
Involvement outside of the classroom is necessary to balance academic pursuits. Over time, this involvement can turn into opportunities to develop one’s leadership skills that help in one’s career. One leadership position that I have earned is being the Tenor 2 section leader in Men’s Glee Club for the 2017-18 school year. Through this, I have been able to work with students on improving their musicianship. Additionally, I assist with helping rehearsals run smoothly by taking attendance and running sectionals if our conductor, Dr. Ward, requests. I plan on campaigning for the position of Vice President of Musicianship for this upcoming 2018-2019 school year. With this step up in leadership, I will be able to do what I love more–helping others succeed–and further grow in being a leader. Another leadership opportunity that I will soon be fulfilling is being able to direct my own project in the Yoder research lab. This experience relates more closely to my future career in the medical field and is thus valuable for building my confidence. As I gain more experience through my co-curricular activities, I can obtain more leadership experience that will be useful in my career.
Service Engagement:
By servicing the community, students can build on their educational experiences and become a more well-rounded person. One example of service that I currently do is through Men’s Glee Club. Often, we serve the community by singing at various events. For instance, I sang with MGC at the James Cancer Hospital for veterans on Veterans’ Day–a great way to benefit the community. Additionally, I would like to become involved with volunteer service in the medical field. For example, since I am staying in Columbus over the summer of 2018, I hope to volunteer at Equitas Health. Equitas would be a great place for me to volunteer at because it greatly benefits the LGBTQ+ community. Moreover, it focuses on issues that I am passionate about such as HIV, which closely relates to my research. Not only will these experiences help me gain experience in the medical field, but they will also help me grow as an engaged citizen. Overall, since helping people is what I value most, I am truly excited to help my community in any way that I can.