Global Awareness is very important because it is how we branch out from our own world and can see another perspective broadening your view as a whole. As I plan to minor in German, I am learning about the language as well as the culture and how they view society standards differently. I am also planning to use my German skills through a study abroad in Germany during my junior year. This will allow me to be immersed in the culture that I have been studying and understand what it means to live in a country in which you are not a citizen.

Original inquiry is important part of my major as research is required. Engaging in independent research is important step in my career path as I am planning to work in research, understanding the fundamentals of a laboratory in a learning environment is critical to me succeeding later in life. I plan on starting to work in a lab setting this year and progressing to my own research in the next couple years. By starting this year with an understanding of the basis of a lab will help me better run my own experiment which will allow for the experiment to run smoother.

While my major is perfect for the career path I am heading towards, it is academically rigorous especially since Chemistry is not my strong suit. I will have to take General Chemistry 1 and 2, Organic Chemistry 1 and 2, and Biochemistry. Chemistry is an important fundamental to the understanding of genetics and the body’s systems which then the foundations of life grow on. I also want to push myself creatively by taking a digital photography class. I have always been interested in photography and have experimented with black and white photography but haven’t been formally taught on digital photography, so I plan to push myself by taking an honors classes focused on this weakness.

Leadership is an important component in research and running a lab. Through my undergraduate research thesis I will be in charge of running the lab and the experiment. Making sure that the proper procedure is enforced is executed through a solid communication which is an important component to leadership. Deadlines are also an important component of research which is placed on the shoulders of the leader which would help me learn more about leadership.

Molecular Genetics has a class in which you learn how to prepare and perform a high school class experiment in DNA for inner city schools. This program brings a problem to the classroom which is solved using gel electrophoresis to determine the DNA of the murderer. While the problem is lighthearted, it introduces how science can be applied in the real world and how a career in science is possible. This community service has a lasting impact on the students as data supports that more high schoolers from that school go towards careers in science.  By using science to introduce career paths in school that doesn’t have the resources to do experiments with this technology, allows for a brighter future for those involved.

[ “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 guidance on using your ePortfolio, including questions and prompts that will help you get started, please visit the Honors & Scholars ePortfolio course in Carmen. To get answers to specific questions, please email eportfolio@osu.edu. 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.]