G.O.A.L.S.

The University Honors & Scholars Center at The Ohio State University serves high-ability, motivated undergraduate students. While embracing diversity in both ideas and people, the Center fosters purposeful learning communities that enhance students’ academic and social experiences. The Center facilitates impactful, rigorous, and unique opportunities that further student success and involvement in our G.O.A.L.S.: Global Awareness, Original Inquiry, Academic Enrichment, Leadership Development, and Service Engagement.

G.O.A.L.S.

Global Awareness: Students cultivate and develop their appreciation for diversity and each individual’s unique differences. For example, consider course work, study abroad, involvement in cultural organizations or activities, etc .
Original Inquiry: Honors & Scholars students understand the research process by engaging in experiences ranging from in-class scholarly endeavors to creative inquiry projects to independent experiences with top researchers across campus and in the global community. For example, consider research, creative productions or performances, advanced course work, etc.
Academic Enrichment: Honors & Scholars students pursue academic excellence through rigorous curricular experiences beyond the university norm both in and out of the classroom.
Leadership Development: Honors & Scholars students develop leadership skills that can be demonstrated in the classroom, in the community, in their co-curricular activities, and in their future roles in society.
Service Engagement: Honors & Scholars students commit to service to the community.]

Global Awareness:

As an American-Indian student at The Ohio State University, I wanted to make sure I found a way to appreciate and share my Hindu beliefs and values with those that share my culture. For this reason I joined OSU’s Indian Student Association and actively participate do in cultural events such as celebrating Holi, the festival of colors or celebrating Diwali, the Festival of Lights, on campus with my peers.

Original Inquiry:

In the summer of 2018, I began volunteering in Dr. Volek’s Kinesiology lab on campus, specifically helping out with a human nutrition study. Continuing to do so the entire year, my time working 12 hours a week in the lab consisted of helping out with testing, running RMR’s on participants, testing urine samples, sorting blood plasma and serum, developing a better understand of lab equipment, as well as personally preparing the food being used in the study. Volunteering in Dr. Volek’s lab has been a wonderful experience and has put me in connection with many experiences individuals in various fields of research and medicine.

Academic Enrichment:

In an interview with graduating 3rd year pre-med upperclassmen, Aaron D’Amore, we discussed many things such as tips and advice for pre-med students, how to navigate the upcoming years in college, as well as beneficial experiences to build a strong resume. When asked what his biggest tip or advice was for a pre-med student, Aaron explained that he believed using your time efficiently and taking advantage of opportunities was very important. The pre-med course curriculum is rigourous and preparing for the MCAT requires a lot time, so making sure to use that time wisely and efficiently is very important. Next, Aaron talked about how to navigate the upcoming years. He suggested taking various classes over the summer if possible, such as physiology and anatomy, to open up the schedule for fall and spring semester to take more major and minor classes. Lastly, Aaron talked about experiences that would be beneficial for building a good med school resume. He stressed the importance of partaking in research and building a relationship with professors to obtain letters of reccomendation for later on. He also mentioned how other experiences such as consistent volunteering and/or a leadership position look great on a resume as well.

Service Engagement:

This year, I took part in many opportunities to get involved and give back to my community. To begin with, I volunteered at the Martin Janis Community Center and helped with cleaning and re-landscaping their outdoor area. Next, I helped the Red Cross as a sign-in volunteer during one of their blood drives. I also volunteered at the Columbus Metropolitan Library as a Homework Helper and read to young childre. During winter break, I volunteered my time at the Traditions Senior Cenerin Gahanna to help them decorate for the Holidays by setting up Christmas decorations and trees. Earlier this year, I participated in OSU’s MLK day of service and volunteered at the Cosi Center for several hours putting together learning kits for young children. Finally, I volunteered at the BAPS Charities Blood drive at the Columbus, Ohio BAPS Temple.