My Year in Review:
My sophomore year at Ohio State definitely had its ups and downs. My autumn semester was like any other, tough, but filled with interesting classes and fun fall activities, such as football. The highlights were taking my first organic chemistry class and last calculus and Spanish classes. At the beginning of the spring semester I began taking my first biochemistry class and started participating in research. Taking my first biochemistry class was very exciting for me because I was starting to really learn about my major and getting a better picture of what my field looks like. The material was very interesting, and my choice of study was validated by my passion for it. Starting research was also exciting because it is my current tentative career choice, so beginning my research journey let me test if it is really the career for me. I joined Dr. Michael Poirier’s lab researching the DNA histone protein H1. I loved being surrounded by science and the mix of both independence and community in the lab environment. I began forming my lab skills, such as synthesizing DNA and making gels, and grew my critical thinking capabilities. The end of my sophomore year took a negative turn when COVID-19 shut down the campus and all in person classes. I was no longer able to go into my lab or see any of my friends and professors. Although difficult, I made it through the last half of the semester by learning how to make coffee, how to embroider, and taking nature walks with my family and dog. This summer I had planned to do research, but COVID-19 has shut down campus labs until further notice. To fill my time and have an income, I am planning on finding a job that pertains to another one of my interests: plants. Even though I regret not being able to do research, I will enjoy the opportunity to devote time to learning more about plants, such as all the different varieties and how to take care of them. Looking back on my personal growth this past year, I really worked on and grew my capabilities to manage my time and stress. I improved on effectively planning when to do assignments and study and how to balance school with relaxing and finding time for fun. I found that journaling is an effective way to manage my stress and not let it overwhelm me, which really came useful when COVID-19 hit. I am proud of this growth because, although a large part of my life right now is studying and getting my education, growing as a young adult and learning about and developing myself is also very important. Next year, I hope to be able to participate in research again and start to form a better idea of what I want to study in graduate school and specialize in in my field.
An update on my honors G.O.A.L.S:
G: My sophomore year I took Spanish 1103.01. In this class, I not only continued to develop my Spanish speaking skills, but I also learned about the cultures in many Spanish speaking countries. I got to see their indigenous populations, their health care systems and the format of their government. It was interesting to see how other countries differ from America and gain insight into how we Americans can improve our society. Recently, I have become interested in environmental sustainability and how different countries around the world are approaching this issue. To continue growing my global awareness, I plan to learn more about the variety of approaches being taken worldwide to become more environmentally conscious, and specifically how different cultures are incorporated into the different methods.
O: My spring semester I began my journey of original inquiry. I joined Dr. Michael Poirier’s lab to participate in research on the DNA histone protein H1. I learned how to make proteins, DNA and gel tests. I plan to continue participating in this research and further grow my lab and critical thinking skills.
A: The classes I have planned to take the last two years of my degree demonstrate academic enrichment because the classes I have chosen are of a higher level and will help further both my knowledge of the uses of my degree and my passion for it. For example, I plan to take the class Microbiology 3704, which is about the AIDS epidemic in Africa. This class will give me a context of my degree in the real world, not just the lab, and show me how biochemistry is important in the medical field. I have also chosen to take two psychology courses, which will give me a perspective of why furthering our knowledge of the biochemical structures of the mind and developing medicine for when things go awry is important to help those with mental health issues.
L: I have become a better leader by participating in the W.O.W, Wonders of Our World, program. W.O.W is a program that brings Ohio State students into local elementary schools to help teach students about science. When working with the students, I must lead them in learning the material and working as a team to complete the activities. I help them learn to ask questions and compromise in a group work setting. Helping students learn about science relates to my career goals because it gives me practice in being able to communicate the ideas and concepts of science. I must be able to articulate my ideas in a precise and understandable manner when communicating with other scientists in my field, and there is no better way to practice that than explaining science to elementary children.
S: One way I am involved in and give back to the community is through my church, such as helping pack rice meals to send to Swaziland, Africa. My participation in the W.O.W program is another way I give back to my community. I further the science education of children and, hopefully, spark an interest in the subject for their future studies. I will continue to engage in the community by continuing my involvement in my church and the W.O.W program.