End of Semester Reflection

Throughout my first semester here at Ohio State, I have grown tremendously as a student. I’ve used the knowledge from one of my first-year experience seminars to efficiently complete assignments through a system of rewards for completing various tasks. After finishing an online homework or studying for an hour, I will take a phone 0r video game break. This has kept me motivated and on top of my classes. For exams, I have learned how to make study plans by breaking up what I need to learn into smaller chunks spread out over the course of several days. Utilizing practice exams and relearning what I answered wrong on them has been an extremely effective way of mastering the material. Through writing papers and lab reports, I have developed my writing skills in both my chemistry and mythology courses. For chemistry, I have realized how helpful Celeste Lab can be in terms of perfecting my reports. Some things that I could do for next semester are going to office hours more and using tutoring resources. I’ve recognized that my learning style is very visual and I’m best at memorizing when I write down material repeatedly instead of using flashcards. In addition to this, my scholars program (Biological Sciences), has made me realize that the sciences are right for me through the events I have attended. Through these revelations I have had over the course of the semester, I am now prepared to tackle my next semester as a chemistry major.

G.O.A.L.S.

Global Awareness: To me, global awareness is about using the resources and opportunities that I have to help the world in whatever way I can. I applied to the Global Brigades medical trip to Nicaragua in May that I learned about through Bio Sci Scholars and I will find out shortly if I get to go on the trip. But, global awareness doesn’t have to be as large-scale as traveling to another country. It can be as simple as going to events hosted by the multicultural center such as how I plan on going to Diwali with my roommate this week.  Exposing oneself to different cultures, ideas, and religions is the key to understanding others and can make one more open-minded.
Original Inquiry: This topic is all about creativity and applying what you learn from the classroom in a real-life setting. For example, in Chemistry 1620 next semester there is an opportunity for a semester-long research study that will help build skills in this area. I plan on getting involved with research my sophomore or junior year as well through reading what various chemistry professors are working on and e-mailing them to try and join their team.
Academic Enrichment: To enrich myself as a learner, I plan on taking honors levels classes once I get into upper-level coursework for chemistry. Besides that, I plan on adding on the pre-med track to push myself and see if I can get into medical school. This also includes things like doing career eat and explores with the Bio Sci program.
Leadership Development: In terms of leadership, I want to join clubs that have a focus on building skills related to leadership. Scholars already pushes me to join organizations that will benefit me in this way.
Service Engagement: As a Scholars student, I am already required to have 10 service hours per semester but I want to go above and beyond what is expected of me. I plan on volunteering at a hospital in the future or joining Circle K, which is the collegiate version of the service club I was in during high school.

Career

In order to prepare me for a future career, I have applied to and been selected for the Semester of Service program here at Ohio State. I will be volunteering in one of five areas in order to make Columbus a better place and grow as a leader. In addition, I am applying to a Panera Bread here in Columbus in order to start some work experience.

Artifacts

My experiences with Bay High Key Club changed me as a person and made me realize that I wanted to prioritize service for the rest of my life. Key Club is a servant-leadership organization focused on developing skills through service events and conventions. I had the opportunity to be the president of my 160 member club my senior year and work to get over 150 hours of service in the club throughout high school. From events like raising money for eliminating maternal and neonatal tetanus to getting funds for building wells in third world countries, this club made me feel like I could actually make an impact in the world. My work in the club was formally recognized at our state convention, culminating in my receiving of the Distinguished President award. The award required a vigorous application process demonstrating my dedication and leadership abilities to the state board for Key Club. It officially recognized my passion for service and growth as a leader.

About Me

My name is Nick Loufman and I am a chemistry major from Bay Village, Ohio at The Ohio State University. I love service as exemplified by my past achievements with Bay High Key Club. I am skilled with problem-solving, working with others, and am self-motivated. I loves Biological Sciences Scholars because it allows me to explore careers related to science in a social environment.