Dear ENR Scholars,

I am saddened to say that this is my final post as an active ENR Scholar since this is the end of my second year in the program. I have gained so much during my time as an ENR Scholar that I will take with me throughout the rest of my journey as a student at The Ohio State University and as a citizen of the Earth. The biggest highlight of my two years as a scholar would probably be the camping trips we took to Hocking Hills State Park. My first trip was the first time I had ever camped out in a tent the whole night and I would say it was my first official camping experience. I made so many memories on that trip and got to know so many cool people. On that trip I found my passion for birding on the birding hikes with Matt and Kandace which was an absolute blast! I also learned about slacklining and how bad I am at it! I went to Rock House for the first time and I was blown away. To top it all off, I went star gazing with my friends and I saw for the first time in my life, the Milky Way galaxy on a clear night. There were even shooting stars that night! My second year trip was different but just as memorable. I got to know lots of first years who are super cool and are very smart and passionate. On the birding hike with Matt and Kandace this year I got to see a pileated woodpecker up close which was an amazing experience. I also slept in my new hammock both nights which was a new first for me as well. I challenged myself to go on the twelve mile Ash Cave hike which was well worth the trip and we also saw Ceder Falls and Old Man’s cave, so we technically did three hikes in one. On the last day I went with a few second years to Quail’s Hollow and I saw saw a wild Barred Owl for the first time! The camping trips were definitely the highlights of my ENR Scholars experience.

I gained many things from my experiences in ENR. I found my passion and drive for living a more sustainable life during my time in ENR. I discovered my love for outdoor recreation and the many new experiences outdoors I have had thanks to ENR. I found my passion for birding from Matt and Kandace during the camping trips each year which inspired my love for nature photography. I discovered my passion for environmental education when Olivia Minnie and I worked on our Tree Identification event. I also gained friendships that I might not have made if I wasn’t in ENR Scholars. There are so many things that I learned and discovered in ENR Scholars that I couldn’t possibly name them all, but these are a few of them.

Being an ENR Scholar has taught me a lot about sustainability and the environmental impact we make during our everyday lives. The knowledge I gained inspired me to make a few changes in my life and the impact I make. When I started at The Ohio State University I recycled as much as I possibly could and as often as appropriate. I also recently bought metal straws so that I would reduce my plastic straw waste. I will continue these changes in my life and I will also continue to find new ways I can reduce my negative environmental impact. Since I am moving off campus next year I really want to start composting and growing what food I can indoors, even if it is just herbs.

The advice I would give to incoming ENR Scholars is to go to as many events as you can and learn as much as you can. The events ENR Scholars has put on for us have been very informative and very fun to participate in. I learned so many different things and experienced so many new things that I wouldn’t give up for the world. I would also say to the new members is to not be afraid to journey out of your comfort zone. When I tried something new in scholars or participated in something I wasn’t sure I was going to like I ended up having an amazing time and I was so glad that I took a leap of faith. Learn as much as you can and you will be so glad you did.

Thank you for such an amazing experience at The Ohio State University. I will never forget the memories I’ve made and the knowledge I gained as an ENR Scholar.

Sincerely,

Hailey MacArthur-Senediak

This picture was taken at Cedar Falls on our way to Ash Cave on the ENR Scholars camping trip in 2017.

This us a picture of me and of some of the friends I made my first year in ENR Scholars in 2016. We were by the lake where we were star gazing and Ris Twigg wanted us to pose for a photo.

This photo was taken at the ENR camping trip last year. The choice I made to join ENR has really impacted my life in this short year. This picture is important to me because it was of me with some new friends I made in ENR. I made new friends who I most likely would not have met if I didn’t participate in ENR .Those friends also have taught me a lot about the world they come from that I was not aware of and they also helped me learn about myself. ENR has also helped me get in touch with nature in ways that I hadn’t before. It also has inspired me to live more sustainably by recycling more and composting.

This picture of me playing my baritone ukulele in my common room. The opportunity collage gave me to begin learning and doing things that I want to do is what makes this photo special. I love music and I want to learn as many musical instruments as I can. This photo is important to me because it represents my choice to go after that goal and achieve it. It also represents my decision to live more for myself and do what I need to make my life full.

This photo was taken at the 2017 North Central District Tau Beta Sigma and Kappa Kappa Psi Convention. I chose at the beginning of the year to rush Tau Beta Sigma and I have not regretted my decision once. TBS has given the opportunity to meet so many amazing and talented people. I’ve made so many friends in both Tau Beta Sigma and Kappa Kappa Psi who have made my first year at OSU memorable. TBS also is teaching me to be a better leader and to contribute to the community to make a positive impact wherever I can through service.

This photo was taken at the 2017 Spring Game where I got to perform a pregame and half time show with the Athletic Band. This picture represents the decision I made to continue making music and entertaining through it. Athletic Band has given me so many opportunities to participate in unique experiences like performing Script Ohio on Ice and the Elvis show at Spring Game. I’ve met some wonderful people and formed friendships with some members of Athletic Band. I’m very glad I made the decision to join also because I’m continuing to live my passion of music making. Band has also taught me in the past as well as the present to do what I can to contribute to the group and work with others to put out something amazing in the world.

This picture was taken at a small learning event in Morrill tower featuring a doctor of etymology who spoke about beekeeping and the importance of pollinators. This event was not part of my Earth Action month plan, but I chose to attend because the action plan introduced me to the issue of pollinator endangerment and I’ve become very passionate about this issue. This picture represents my new found interest in bees and my desire to learn more about what I can do to help make a positive impact on bee endangerment.

[ “Year in Review”  is where you should reflect on the past year and show how you have evolved as a person and as a student.  You may want to focus on your growth in a particular area (as a leader, scholar, researcher, etc.) or you may want to talk about your overall experience over the past year.  For more information, go to: http://honors-scholars.osu.edu/e-portfolio. Delete these instructions and add your own post.]