Columbus To-Do List – Short North Coffee House

November 26, 2018, my friends and I finished up our work and decided that we wanted to go for some hot coffee; the only problem being that everything nearby had closed. After some Googling, we settled on a late night coffee shop in the Short North, open till 12 am. It wasn’t that far from the Union so we decided to walk it, bad idea cause it was freezing. We arrived to this quaint and cozy shop with a whole bunch of art pieces on the wall and were greeted by a buzz of the heater and clicking of computer keys. It was almost completely silent as people all around the shop were working on papers while enjoying their beverages. We ordered some drinks from the over 20 different coffees menu which were brought out in ceramic mugs. After asking around we found that the House is actually also an art gallery for aspiring artist with pieces ranging from $40 to $2000. The coffee house was a huge score as it offered a not too far study spot off campus away from the rush while serving hot beverages and being open late. I would reccomend taking the bus now that the weather is getting cold especially if you go at night, however I can guarantee that I will be going back to the Short North Coffee House for studying, hanging out with friends, or just for a great mug of coffee.

 

Artifacts

Drackett Tower Ping-Pong Table

After orientation and saying goodbye to my parents, I spent most of my days after class in the lobby. This table always stood out to my friends and I, where we would always gravitate towards it, taking turns and swapping ID’s to rent the paddles. I have made some very close friends from this table along with using it as a conversation starter. Most people can tell you that by the end of a game they will be friends with the person that’s playing against them. The table isn’t just a place to play but a place to laugh and have fun, plus I would always use it after midterms just to let of some stress. Before Fall break, when I used to stay up till 3 am, the table was a place to forget about the homework due in a couple of hours or the giant group project we all forgot to do. Not only has the table been a place to relax and unwind from school work, it has also been a great learning experience by furthering my team working skills and improving my communication skills for doubles. All in all the table has been a place full of new experiences for me and continues to introduce me to new people.

Columbus To-Do List – MELT Trip

On 10/28/18 around 5 pm, my group and I met in Drackett Lobby to go over what we wanted to do and where we wanted to go. It was a disorganized mess however we ended up deciding on dinner. Off we went, leaving Drackett just to realize that it’s now pouring. Attempt number two of trying to leave Drackett but now with umbrellas lead us to the Target, because one of our group members need to buy an umbrella. We finally made it to the bus stop and began the trip into The Short North. After debating on the bus of where to eat, we finally settled on MELT, a gourmet grilled cheese restaurant. This is where the fun began; walking away from the bus stop we met an inspiring rapper, hoping to win an Oscar, with an interesting name who “serenaded” us all the way to MELT, I would have to say that this was one of the many highlights on our trip. After a very filling dinner, we took a picture against the giant mural wall inside MELT (pictured above) and then headed back to the bus stop. The trip was a very enjoyable time besides a few minor weather inconviences, but that honestly just added to the experience. I would 100% go back to the Short North with my group, maybe just at an earlier time in order to avoid some of the street ‘entrainment’.

 

Top Five Strengths

About two weeks ago, I was tasked to take a Strengths Finder Assessment in order to determine my top five strengths. I’m not going to lie, I did think nothing of this assignment however once I took the test some of the results did suprise me.

My Top Five Strengths

  1. Deliberative
  2. Adaptability
  3. Learner
  4. Analytical
  5. Intellection

Deliberative

  • This was one of the strengths that stood out to me, as it was the first one listed. The Gallup definition defines deliberative as: “People best described by the serious care they take in making decisions or choices, anticipate the obstacles.” The more I started to think about my choices, I could start to see how this applied to me, whether it was through small things like checking the weather for the day or for planing out my day if I have a midterm.

Adaptability

  • The definition gives a good clue, “tend to be now people who take things as they come…”. I think I can identify with this strength the most as I can usually think on my feet and figure something out.

Learner

  • This was another one that surprised me. The whole “the process of learning, rather than the outcome, excites them” didn’t make sense to me at first, but then I thought of some class that I took in highschool where I might not have gotten the grade that I wanted, but I still found the material enjoyable and interesting.

Analytical

  • I think this strength pairs well with the Deliberative strength, which relies on serious care in making choices, while Analytical is having the ability to think about all the factors that might affect a situation or choice.

Intellection

  • My fifth strength is characterized by “their intellectual activity. They are introspective and appreciated intellectual discussion.” The introspective part really holds true as I usually look at myself when something happens, as in asking what could I have done better? or what could I have done differently to get a better outcome?

 

Artifacts

Fencing – I started fencing at a club around 7th grade until 9th grade, where I had to leave as I didn’t have room in my schedule anymore. I was pretty devastated; everyday I would come home put on my gear and practice hoping that one day I could go back and continue where I left off. Once I got to OSU, I actively looked for the fencing club and now I’m a member, picking up where I left off a couple years ago. I was introduced to fencing through my dad, who had fenced in college, and I remember begging him to teach me or take me to a club. Besides being a way to excerise, it was a way to bond with my dad, as he would tell me about his college fencing days on the way to practice. He was the one who drove me to my first competition here in Columbus and encouraged me to continue fencing at OSU. Fencing taught me dedication and effort can lead to success and that training and practice will help you grow into someone better. Fencing has not only been a vital part of my life by teaching me practice and focus, but has inspired me to push myself in club and possibly go team (hopefully!).

About Me

Hello!

My name is Zain Mohammad, a current 1st year Humanitarian Engineering student. I am majoring in Chemical Engineering in hopes of eventully working with/on fuel cells and renewable energies. I grew up in Westlake, a suburb of Cleveland, and usually hang out with friends at Crocker Park. In my free time I enjoy fencing, backpacking, and playing with my cat. I’m excited to see all of the experiences that Ohio State has to offer and what I can accomplish here.

Enjoy some random pictures I took while you are here:

 

(Above) A restaurant over looking a lake in Austin, Texas

(Above) My Cat, Rocky!

Year in Review

[ “Year in Review”  is where you should reflect on the past year and show how you have evolved as a person and as a student.  You may want to focus on your growth in a particular area (as a leader, scholar, researcher, etc.) or you may want to talk about your overall experience over the past year.  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.]

G.O.A.L.S.

[ “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.]

Career

[“Career” is where you can collect information about your experiences and skills that will apply to your future career.  Like your resume, this is information that will evolve over time and should be continually updated.  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.]