The G.O.A.L.S. are the pillars on which honors and scholars program is based. The two that speak most to me are Academic enrichment and Original inquiry. Academic enrichment is the pursuit of knowledge both in and out of classes. However, Original inquiry is understanding the research process, and engaging in research through independent studies, OSU’s facilities, and even advanced coursework in classes.
Academic enrichment is very important to me, because in high school, I never really saw where I was going in my future. Then I was exposed to a small amount of coding, and that’s when I knew I wanted to do something in the computer science field. Now that I am here at The Ohio State University, I have learned C++, and I am even applying the knowledge I’ve gained from that course in an extracurricular: Underwater Robotics. All my life I have been fascinated with water, and through the club I have reaffirmed my interest in a path related to Autonomous Guided Vehicles (AGVs). The opportunities offered through one of Ohio State’s basic courses has given me the access to work on a project I am interested in, one that directly affects the field I want to work in when I am employed. As a freshman in the first semester I have access to these opportunities, and as I progress through more advanced courses, I feel that OSU will provide me with the knowledge and competitive edge to easily find employment in the field of my choosing.
Original inquiry is equally important to me as a student. My Stem Exploration and Engagement scholars class had an interview assignment to interview an upperclassmen, graduate student, and a professor about their experiences and research. Just from talking to the professor alone, I was able to learn about which classes I should take, to have the skills and knowledge to do research in AGVs at the Center for Automotive Research here at OSU. The courses the professor recommended are also useful for underwater robotics, and will allow me to learn more about my field. They will even help me delve into the unknown and provide original research for my field.