Global Awareness:

I have had the opportunity to interact with international students throughout my college career. In my sophomore year, I was able to stay in the international dorm. I have enjoyed seeing the original world-views of these well traveled students and appreciate the unique skills they bring to group projects. As a volunteer with a local high school’s recruitment office, I was able to further interact with younger foreign students by providing transportation to asian grocery stores and easing their transition to life in America. In the coming year, I hope to join an organization which pairs international college students with American students to promote cultural exchange and help foreign students feel at home in their new surroundings.

Original Inquiry:

I have been a research intern with the Managed Care Department of the Blanchard Valley Health System for the past 2 summers. In this position I have had the opportunity to perform in depth statistical analyses of Saxenda use within the community and the outcomes of a local diabetes grant. Through this work, I learned about the strategies used to combat the current obesity crisis. This research gave me the opportunity to see health care from a variety of perspectives and allowed me to present statistical information to the wider hospital community.

Academic Enrichment:

I chose to become a Molecular Genetics major as I feel it is the future of medicine. I hope a knowledge of this topic will make a positive impact on my goal of becoming a doctor. I am interested in learning about the genetic basis of disease and the preventative measures that can be taken at the genetic level. I hope to take Human Genetics (MolGen 4606) my senior year to learn the science behind these issues. In addition to my major coursework, I decided to pursue a Developmental Psychology minor. I have enjoyed the contrast these classes provide to my science heavy major and appreciate the interplay of the humanities and “hard” science seen in these classes. I have endeavored to take a wide variety of classes including Classic Mythology and History of Western Art to round out my curriculum.

Leadership Development:

            I am the BioSci Day Chair for Helix Tri-Beta, a national honorary for the biological sciences. This organization has helped me to be a better leader through involvement in their events and their dedication to be academic leaders in the wider university community. I had the opportunity this spring to help organize and run the annual BioSci Day event in which high school students who are interested in the biological sciences are invited to campus to hear from faculty, tour campus and ask questions of current students. During Summer 2016, I created and ran a summer reading program for elementary students at a local school. My involvement in these programs will help me in two of my long-term goals: going to medical school and becoming a more outgoing person.

Service Engagement:

I am currently involved in the Pre-med Club and Helix Tri-Beta, both of which have a service component. I also volunteer at the Wexner Medical Center. Over the  2016 – 2017 school year, I was a University Hospital Ambassador, a role which allowed me to to talk to patients and their loved ones, guide people to their destinations and attempt to make an often painful experience as easy as possible. The next year, I was able to serve as a volunteer in the endoscopy ward in the fall and in the antepartum unit in the spring. This allowed me to expand my view of the health care system and to directly serve patients in a wider variety of settings.