End-of-Year Reflection

My goal this year was to determine if I felt architecture was the right path for me. I took classes that fulfilled some of the major requirements and took an elective second semester as well. I was able to explore what the major would involve through lecture as well as studio and now feel quite confident in my choice to pursue architecture. It employs a lot of my creativity, but it also pulls a lot from history which I really enjoy.

I have also taken other opportunities that have enhanced my experience like participating in extracurricular activities involving architecture such as AIAS and the Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and City and Regional Planning Scholars Program. These programs have offered me the chance to explore the subject from other perspectives which has also solidified my choice. I have gotten to see the more professional aspects of architecture and have also had the chance to explore architecture in person on a trip to Philadelphia. I have taken many steps throughout my first year that have diminished any doubts I may have had previously in regards to architecture.

Journal #3

I would like to focus on my interest in art and design by looking into ceramics and pottery. I see this as potentially aligning with the academic enrichment portion of Honors & Scholars GOALS because it may give me more creative insight when approaching architectural and even planning projects. I may have a better idea of form and space when considering the ceramics I make while working on architectural design. I think I will begin working on my project towards the beginning of second semester. I don’t know what opportunities I would have to begin pursuing this over winter break at this point in time, but I think it is something I will look into. I believe my first step would be enrolling in a ceramics course here at OSU which I have already done. I think my second step would be attending class and experimenting with the material they provide. I plan to meet these two steps by the beginning of second semester.

Columbus To Do List: Part 2

After going to Eden Burger and Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream, I went to CRMD, UDF, and Graeter’s. I got the cookies and cream flavor at CRMD, and I didn’t really like it. At CRMD you get to pick one flavor and one topping; other toppings or flavors are extra. I think their focus is on the aesthetic of the store, and not really the quality of their ice cream. All of the ice cream flavors are a bright color, even if it doesn’t relate to the flavor. The cookies and cream ice cream was purple. I would not recommend this shop to a friend. At UDF I tried a cherry milkshake, and it tasted a lot better and was cheaper than the bowl of ice cream I got at CRMD. It was also a five minute walk from the dorms, so it is in a much more convenient location than other places. I think UDF is in my top two experiences for this project because of its pricing, convenience, and taste. When my family was in town, I also went to Graeter’s. I have been to Graeter’s a lot since it has locations in Cincinnati where I have family. They also have a few locations in Illinois that aren’t close to home but I can sometimes stop by if I’m in the area. Even though Graeter’s is delicious and almost unbeatable, it is really hard to get to. I wasn’t able to find any way to get there by bus and found the easiest mode of transportation was by car.

My favorite experience from this project was either Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream or UDF. They are both delicious options and neither are too far of a hike, but they still get me out of the dorms and into the world. Jeni’s has a fun variety of flavors that you can’t really find anywhere else, but it can get a bit pricey, especially if you want to get a pint to go. UDF also has a lot of different flavors to try, but they are a bit more “normal” than the flavors Jeni’s offers. UDF also offers pints for much cheaper and it is also a quick walk from Torres.

This project helped me discover the ease and convenience of the COTA buses. They were my primary mode of transportation when I went to all of these locations. I also discovered the variety of options Columbus has to offer in regards to dining. I was able to find something at a lower price point, something vegan, and a lot of places I could get to with ease. I think this project has made me want to look into more restaurants because, although eating out can be expensive, it is a great way to explore and spend time with friends. I would recommend that anyone completing this list should explore some dessert options other than ice cream. Even though ice cream never gets old, it would be a great opportunity to see what else Columbus has to offer.

Graeter’s

I picked Graeter’s because I am already familiar with it and always have it when I visit family in Cincinnati. I tried the Buckeye Blitz Chocolate Chip because I love peanut butter and chocolate. It was delicious as usual, but it is a little pricey and difficult to get to from campus without a car.

United Dairy Farmers

I chose UDF because it has a lot of locations and is also fairly priced. I tried a cherry shake and really enjoyed it. I think this may be my favorite experience because it is close by, cheap, and delicious.

CRMD

I went to CRMD because it seemed like a fun space, and it wasn’t too far from campus. There weren’t that many flavors to choose from, but they all came in fun colors. I don’t think I would go back because I didn’t really enjoy the ice cream, and it was a bit overpriced.

Eden Burger

I decided to try Eden Burger because I had a friend in town who is vegan. Eden Burger offers a completely vegan menu, and although its primary focus is on burgers, it also offers shakes. I tried a strawberry shake, and it was not quite what I was expecting. I can’t say I would choose to go back for a shake, but I think it is a great option for those who don’t eat dairy.

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream

I went to Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream because I heard it was a popular Columbus destination. They had lots of fun flavors to choose from, and I ultimately picked Atlantic Beach Pie. It was a little pricey, but I have to say that it was worth it.