Environmental & Natural Resources Scholars has changed my life and college experience in ways that I did not expect. Most importantly it brought me my roommate. The required live in policy, which I thought would hinder my experience at OSU, inadvertently led me to find my best friends in college. Aside from friendships and meeting other great people in the program, I would say the best experience I have had was through ENR was with the OAC on the spring break 2016 sea kayaking trip last year. I wasn’t at the best place with my life. I had just entered a relationship that wasn’t good for me, my classes were tough, and it seemed like everyone was having fun without me because I had to write lab reports and papers every week. Sea kayaking got me back to myself and saw the simplicity in things that had been consuming me.
This trip brought me back to nature and connected me with people that live adventure and challenges just as much as me. It has inspired me to go to Australia with the OAC next summer on a leadership adventure trip. I don’t think I would have found these experiences without ENR nor the people that made them so great.
ENR has taught me a lot these past two years. Aside from knowledge that throwing an apple core on the ground isn’t beneficial at all, I learned a lot about sustainability in life. Esther and Amanda emphasized a balance of social, economic, and environmental factors to create sustainability. I also learned about navigation through the sea kayaking trip. One of my favorite memories was the ENR Sustainable Thanksgiving where I learned how to cook vegetarian and vegan meals sustainably and still implement those recipes today!
My Spring 2017 project was focused on service. I raised money and danced at BuckeyeThon, I was trained and volunteered at St. Joseph’s Hospice as a companion, and I joined a developing program at Ohio Living Westminster Thurber for music therapy and memory. My spring project got me involved in a lot of different avenues of service that I might not have applied myself to had I not had a push from this project. It helped kick start opportunities for me that I plan to be involved in throughout college. From this project, I have gained direct patient care that is helping me prepare for my future career in the medical field as well as insight on starting programs and fundraising.
Advice I would have for incoming sophomores is you’re only as involved as you want to be. ENR is a great resource to have throughout college whether it’s career driven, as a support system, or even an outlet from school. The events are fun and not something that you’re going to find out of college so enjoy them while you can. I would say pick a project that you are passionate about and that can benefit you down the line. My project helped set up volunteering opportunities for me as well as connections to people in my future field. Not only do I get to help people but I am gaining experience on how to work with patients professionally. Overall just enjoy the time you have in this program and know that you can always stay in touch after it’s over!