Nate and I decided to go skating at Skate Zone 71 for our first explore Columbus experience together. This Skating rink is located north of campus, about a 15-minute drive. This place is huge, and the employees are interactive, and fun. They have other cool activities like lazertag, and gaming area. Nate and I are both pretty good skaters and have been skating for years now. We both had a pretty good time, and I would definitely recommend this Skating Rink.

Nate and I decided to have dinner at a local restaurant called “Cazuelas Mexican Cantina”. It is located just minutes North of Campus and neither of us has been there before. The food was amazing, and the place was nice and comfortable. We choose to go there because we both enjoy trying new things, and this was a restaurant that we passed to get to campus, but never tried. With COVID, our classes, organization meetings, and social events were virtual. Many guidelines were put in place which changed the college experience. Juristically, we were required to wear masks, limited access to university space, weekly testing, and restrictions on the social gathering. With all these changes, Nate and I were able to talk about a common skill we have. We are both very adaptable and able to respond well to unexpected events or changes. I would recommend this restaurant, as I went again that same week.

1. What has been your most challenging class so far and why?
The most challenging class was chemistry 1210. Chemistry has always been a challenging subject to understand, and to familiarize ourselves with the work and receive assistance I suggested tutoring. Nate reached out, and created a plan, and was able to receive the resources necessary to improve and have a better understanding
of chemistry. This was important because we were both able to talk about the positive experience, we had with the ODI tutoring resource.

2. What was the most interesting part of Ohio States campus?
Nate was most interested in getting involved with clubs that related to his major, Veterinary medicine, and clubs that would introduce him to people who have similar interests. One club that we are both affiliated with is Buckeyes first, Buckeyes first is an organization that focuses on discussion resources and supporting students that are the first students to go to college in their families.
3. What are you most looking forward to the ACES program?
This semester has been very different from the traditional ways of operation. With all the virtual meetings and events this semester. Nate looks forward to more opportunities to do hands-on activities in his in-person animal handling class and volunteer opportunities.

4. What ate you most looking forward to in the ACES program?
The ACES program has done a wonderful job of introducing us to both students and local organization that focuses on service to the campus and the city. I shared my experience with the community projects we’ve done with the Ronald McDonald House, 4 paws, Dream center, and the Ohio State suicide prevention program, They were pretty exciting as we were able to spend time in discussion, letter writing, blanket making and snack packing to provide for people on our campus and community native are pretty excited to see what organization ACES will present next semester.

5. What is your dream job and why?

Nate’s dream to be a clinical veterinarian with his practice. Since a child, Nate has had a passion for helping animals. As he got older his experience increased, and so did his passion.

6. How will you balance academics and involvement?

Nate has made me very proud as a mentor. To balance academics, involvement, and work, he set out discrete time for work, studying, and involvements around class time. We talked about a challenge he was faced with was overlapping information from his classes. This was like an experience I had during my freshman year. I shared tips on mind mapping, asking clarifying questions, and shared many.

1. How did you decide on the major you have chosen?
Nate chose his major based on his love and passion for taking care of animals. I have a passion for helping others, so Nate and I were able to talk about what we enjoy the most about helping those who may not be able to help themselves ( human or animal). Nate told me about his experience growing up and being introduced to care taking and getting hands on experiences with animals.

2. How do you plan to get involved on campus?
Nate plans on getting involved on campus joining clubs in his interest and attending ACES events. Since I had just finished my first year as an aces scholar, I was able to share some of my experiences with Nate on how I got involved on campus. The way I was introduced to some of my favorite student organization, was the same way Nate was introduced to some of his favorite organizations. In aces, we post organizations that we are apart of and invite other members to join if they are interested, along with creating partnering projects between members of another organization and aces members. This year, Nate and I attended a 4Paws event through aces and learned a lot about service dogs, and how we can contribute to the cause.

3. Why did you choose aces?
Nate has spent lots of his time in high school volunteering at local organizations, and upon enrolling at Ohio State he was introduced to ACES. This scholars program offers plenty of opportunity to volunteer, interact with others, and promote chance. The opportunities that ACES has provided students is what captured Nates attention. Aces has a community living requirement the first year which allows the first-year student to get to know each other more. This allows friendships, and common ground to occur pretty naturally allowing Nate to accomplish his goals of meeting new people, and continuing volunteering in the community.

4. What is your backup plan in case your first plan does not work out for some reason?
Nate is very artistic and fashionable and I love that the most about him. If the plans of becoming a veterinarian do not work out, Nate plans to be a nail tech or special makeup artist. Nate has experience in both areas and would choose to continue education and development in which he chooses. I have had the pleasure to be a client of Nates, and I am impressed with the care, and detail seen among his work.
5. What is one of the most important things you learned so far at Ohio State?
One of the most important things that Nate has learned so far at Ohio State is lab procedures, and how to get more involved on campus. We talked out how intimidating campus can seem because of the size, and how interactive and inclusive the campus can get around the involvement fair, and holidays. There are a lot of different activities to get involved in, and plenty of people to meet.