As a sophomore nursing student, I am faced with many opportunities to enhance my intellectual knowledge. In the classroom, the professors prompt us with in depth application scenarios. We are then given the opportunity to take these scenarios and practice them, in the clinical setting. Having this hands on component allows for a better learning opportunity, as the information becomes more realistic when it is not seen just on paper. The opportunity the OSU Nursing program has given me has enriched my life academically, a focus of the Scholars program.

This year as a second year student, I had the opportunity to participate in the STEP program. For my signature project, I decided to volunteer abroad in Costa Rica for two weeks in May. This will enhance my Global Awareness as an OSU Scholar’s student, making me a more well rounded individual. It will also help me in accomplishing the G.O.A.L.S. section of scholars by becoming more aware in regards to diversity. This project’s focus on global service, exemplifies the mission of Scholars to become more Globally Aware

Throughout my first year, I have been given many opportunities to volunteer not only on campus at OSU, but also in the surrounding community. On campus, I volunteered at a swim meet invitational, taking times for those competing. Also, during the fall service day, I helped at the garden of hope, an organization that provides fresh vegetables to the community. While there, I helped weed and pick the produce. Off campus, I volunteered at COSI during the MLK day of service, assembling kits that would be used to teach in classrooms. My favorite volunteer activity in the community was through the Organization, NSPIRE. NSPIRE is a nursing organization at OSU that educates at the YWCA about topics such as safe sleep for children, and hosts free clinics at St. Sophia’s church. This has been my favorite because at the YWCA, we get to interact with the individuals we are helping, and it is amazing to see the impact firsthand.

I spoke with sophomore, Sara Paponetti, who is in the nursing program at OSU for my upperclassmen interview. After asking Sara these questions, I was given insight into what the nursing program had in store, especially the clinicals. I appreciated the advice she was able to give, and know what I have to look forward to! Sara also helped me consider what I would like to do once I have graduated college.

Interview Questions:

• What has been the most worthwhile part of the Nursing program so far?

The most worthwhile part of the program has definitely been clinicals. It’s such a different type of learning style than I was used to but I have learned so much from them about what nursing really is and how to be a good nurse.

• What has been the biggest challenge?

The biggest challenge has been adapting my studying for the different types of classes. Instead of just studying for a test it was different because the information I have learned is important for my career. It is also challenging to recall information learned in lecture in clinical. Thinking critically in clinical situations is a skill that I am definitely still working on but that has improved so much this year!

• How did your first year at OSU prepare you for Nursing school?

My first year at OSU prepared me for the nursing program because I learned about my study habits and how to study for difficult classes. Also the classes like anatomy and physiology were helpful because they made me start thinking about clinical situations. I think in my first year I learned a lot about the nursing field and this really reinforced my decision to do nursing. This was helpful because it made me more excited to start the program!

• What do you plan on doing once you have received your undergraduate degree?

After I graduate, I am planning to work for awhile as an RN. Eventually, I am planning to go to grad school for my masters to be either a neonatal nurse practitioner or pediatric nurse practitioner. However, I want to spend some time as a bedside nurse to gain experience before grad school.

• Do you have any advice for any current Pre-Nursing students?

My advise for Pre-Nursing students would be to get excited about the nursing field because it is a really great career! Also, the nursing professors are really amazing so spend time at the beginning of the semester getting to know them. Don’t stress too much because everyone wants the best for you and everything will work out!

[ “G.O.A.L.S.” is a place where students write about how their planned, current, and future activities may fit into the Honors & Scholars G.O.A.L.S.: Global Awareness, Original Inquiry, Academic Enrichment, Leadership Development, and Service Engagement. For more information, go to: http://honors-scholars.osu.edu/e-portfolio. Delete these instructions and add your own post.

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.]