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Year in Review
The spring project I wanted to complete was the ability to dunk a basketball on a ten foot hoop. To achieve this goal I knew I would have to put in hard work, and dedicate myself to a consistent workout plan. Unfortunately for me, I underestimated the amount of work I would have to put in to achieve this goal. At the start of the semester, I put a daily workout routine in for me. It consisted of the items below;
3 sets of 8 lunge jumps, 3 sets if ten dead bugs, 1:30 plank, 10 pushups, 3 sets of 30 second superman, 1:30 plank, 3 sets of ten flutters, 10 pushups, 3 sets of 8 squat jump, and then a 1 mile run where the speed was adjusted throughout.
This workout primarily focused on strengthening my core as this was a vital component to achieving this goal. After about four weeks of doing this workout, I hit a bump in the road. I’m not sure how I did it, but I managed to hurt my foot to the point where it hurt to walk. At first I tried to ignore the pain, but it proved to be too much. I stayed off of it for the next 5-6 weeks, icing it everyday to try to heal it so I could continue. Once I had it healed, another obstacle appeared. The coronavirus pandemic. The pandemic sincerely damaged my efforts to continue my work as I didn’t have the necessary components to do my workout. However, once the weather cooperated I did manage to start running again, but as what happened prior, I hurt my foot. Once that healed again, I continued to try to work at my goal. Two days ago, I managed to come very close to dunking, making me realize that I was not far from my goal. I hope to achieve this by the end of the summer, bearing no unpredictable injuries.
END OF THE YEAR REFLECTION
This year was definitely one that was normal. The first semester went very smoothly, as I encountered no major issues and did well in all my classes. My second semester appeared as if it were going to be the same way, however as we approached spring break, that quickly changed. The university did an amazing job in our transition to online learning. All the professors were very kind, and quick to help those who needed help. Furthermore, it allowed me to move at my own pace, something I appreciated greatly. I had access to all the appropriate materials that allowed me to succeed. As of now, I finished off with A’s and B’s, so I consider this semester a success.
G.O.A.L.S.
One thing that I want leverage on for the next semester is a personal one. That goal being able to dunk on a ten foot basketball hoop. This is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time, and I thought that the spring project would be the perfect time to apply this goal. This will apply with the original inquiry section of the honors and scholars goals. It will cause me to research how to increase my vertical and what methods to follow while doing so. I plan on starting this as soon as possible, as this is a long and rigorous path to follow. There are opportunities for me to increase it over winter break. At my house we have a workout station (treadmill, weights, barbell, etc) which will help me. The first step is researching the most effective ways to increase it. The second step is actually going out and doing it. I hope to meet these steps as soon as possible, hopefully within the first few weeks of the second semester. I do plan to continue to participate in honors and scholars for the next semester and further on.
Career
[“Career” is where you can collect information about your experiences and skills that will apply to your future career. Like your resume, this is information that will evolve over time and should be continually updated. For more guidance on using your ePortfolio, including questions and prompts that will help you get started, please visit the Honors & Scholars ePortfolio course in Carmen. To get answers to specific questions, please email eportfolio@osu.edu. Delete these instructions and add your own post.]
Artifacts
Columbus Exploration PT 1
The topic that I chose for this project was the nature and outdoor recreation. I went and visited the many trail systems that Columbus has to offer, such as the Olentangy and Scioto trials. I found these trails not only to be enjoyable, but extremely safe and incredibly well marked. The olentangy trail gives users striking views of the scenic rivers dams and rapids, while the Scioto trail gives a personal riverfront tour of downtown Columbus. I went and explored the Olentangy trail a while back when I decided to go for a run. I found myself stopping and taking in the scenic vistas several times (also because i was out of shape), and snapping several photos as well. Since that visit, and have walked, and biked on the trail several times. I first visited the main chunk of the Scioto trail a week ago when my roommate let me borrow his bike. Both sides of the trail have something truly unique to offer. On this particular occasion, I decided to take the western route, as I hadn’t seen this before. It was quite the ride. I got to see several marshlands and protected grounds for animals and other species alike, all while within 3 miles from the downtown riverfront. Personally, I would go back to both of these trails. I found them to be extremely enjoyable, and applaud the city of Columbus for their hard work in developing these trail systems. I would most certainly recommend them to others, as regardless of your physical stature this is something for everyone to see and enjoy.
A view of the Olentangy River from the Scioto trail
(Top left) A view of a dam on the Olentangy Rivers
(Top right) A view of the Scioto River from the Scioto Trail
(Bottom Left) A view of Downtown from the West Scioto Trail
(Bottom Right) The Route I took to experience the Trails
FOTO Project
Here is my groups FOTO Project
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/10_tAAd3UOecXuEgjImMBj2H2vH77AcD5w8K57haW5Nc/edit?usp=sharing
Columbus Exploration PT 2
The third thing that I was able to experience in Columbus was the Downtown Connector Trail. This short trail takes you parallel with i670 and eventually leads to the Alum Creek Trail. This trail was good as far as trails go, however I do have some complaints. The trail was not in great shape as it was cracking. Furthermore the trail was confusing to follow and hard to know where to turn next. Personally I would not go back, however if Columbus decides to repave the trail and make it easier to follow I would go back. The fourth thing I was able to experience was the Alum Creek trail. This trail blew me away. It’s vibrant colors, it’s exuberant bridges, and inspiring boardwalks make it an extremely enjoyable experience. Unfortunately I was only able to ride on the trail for a bit, as it got late, however I would definitely go back. The trail is kept in exceptional shape, and continues to get better. With a length of 17 miles, the trail stretches the majority of the greater Columbus area. I would definitely go back, and would definitely recommend it to a friend. Lastly, I experienced Schiller Park in German Village. I went here a few weeks ago when I went to Thurmond’s with my parents (Fantastic burgers). The park blew me away. Since it was fall, the foliage was jaw dropping. The trees looked like a painting and the vibrant contrast of the sidewalks with the grass caused me to feel inspired. I would definitely go back to this park, especially in the fall, and would definitely recommend it to a friend to explore as it has something for everyone to see and explore.
Out of the final three experiences my favorite was by far the Alum creek Trail. This Trail absolutely blew me away, which is saying a lot because Cleveland (where i’m from) is nationally recognized for their trail systems. Through these experiences I learned a lot about Columbus. I learned the amount of dedication the city puts into their parks, and how well received they are. I would definitely say their park system is extremely underrated. I would definitely want to explore of the trails around Columbus. I’m excited to see things such as the Camp Chase Trail which is an old rail corridor, and stuff like the Blacklick trail which runs parallel with a ravine. If you were to do the same trip I did I would definitely recommend going during the fall, and taking your bike to experience it all at once. However, i would say to do these things when it’s a bit warmer.
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(top Left)-The route I took to experience the trails. I started on the Olentangy trail (Part one) and then ventured onto the scioto trail briefly before venturing onto the Columbus connecter. After this, I explored the Alum Creek trail before taking the Hudson Corridor (street route) back to campus. The title reflects the ride as the bike I was using broke down about 3 miles from campus.
(bottom left)-Historic Schiller Park in German Village
(top right)-A view from one of the bridges on the Alum Creek Trail
About Me
Welcome week was quite the experience for me. Whether it was the people screaming at me to sign up for stuff, or the free stuff, I had quite the time. However I prefer just to relax at the start, instead of being rushed to do new things. My classes are about what I expected-at least so far. The only thing was I didn’t expect to get this much homework. So far I’m adjusting good. Ive made good friends, established good routines and so on and so forth. Prior I was expecting me to be scared and timed, but I’ve proved to do the exact opposite. Ive found myself to be much more outgoing than I normally was back in high school. The scholars program has been everything I thought it was. I am enjoying interacting with new people and making new friends, the second part being arguably my favorite of the program entirely.
Journal #2
Today I met with my mentor Matt outside of Torres house. Him and I had a good conversation about civil engineering (as it was both of our majors) and what it takes to do that. We talked for just over a half hour, and it was a good conversation. Prior to this, I had only interacted with him once or twice so it was good to get to know the mentors better. I learned how complex my major is, that you have to do so much for it, and it takes a long time to truly get into it. I also learned I only have one more math class left, which is really nice to hear. The most interesting topics were definitely hearing him talk about civil engineering as a whole, and how many fields there are. It also sounds like it’ll be hard but fun at the same time. I also learned how close the scholars kids stay, even after we move out into our separate ways. I will feel very comfortable reaching out to my mentor from here on out. Both of them are really nice and really good resources. 