As a Morrill Scholar, global awareness and diversity are very important to me. I plan to take a few of the variety of courses are offered through the Morrill Scholarship Program that focus on diversity issues and awareness of others. I also plan to go on a study abroad trip to China at some point in my college career. The trip offered to Chengdu, China focuses on the cultures and ideas of specific minority ethnic groups in China. I believe that this experience will be incredibly valuable to me, as it will help shape how I view people from other cultures and possibly even influence my choice of career.

I believe that original inquiry is an extremely important part of a college career. With a minor in philosophy, I hope to develop my skills of deep thought and creativity. I also plan to do research at some point in my four years of undergrad. I hope to research something in the biological or medical fields and experience what it is like to make discoveries and truly contribute to science and helping people. I also plan to take any opportunities to shadow people in the medical profession in order to form opinions about what line of work I want to be in when that time comes.

I chose the biochemistry major and the philosophy minor so that I could be well prepared for medical school in an area that interests me, and so that I could get variety in my coursework, so that I will not only know about science, but also be able to reason and think for myself on complicated moral and ethical issues. I also plan to take a number of honors courses to go above and beyond the minimum requirements of college and to enhance my experience at Ohio State. I am most excited about taking my historical studies class, the history of Christianity in Africa.

I am currently involved in an organization called Young Life, which is a Christian high school ministry that is in over 100 countries. I am in training to become a volunteer Young Life Leader, a position f spiritual and social leadership in whichever area I get placed. This leadership position is important to me because Young Life and children’s ministries are things that I am passionate about and it is valuable experience for future career choices and for being active and involved in my community as an adult.

Service engagement is something that is very close to my heart. For two years now, I have gone on week long mission trips to El Salvador with my church, and I plan to continue these trips as long as they are offered. They involve a lot of community outreach and service projects. The position in Young Life for which I am training is also a volunteer position that is helping shape me into a valuable member of my community. Finally, I just started volunteering at the Columbus Free Clinic, helping to check in people who will receive free medical treatment when they otherwise would not be able to afford it, and I plan to continue this volunteer experience throughout my college career.