My name is Mikayla Diane Moore. What makes me unique is that I was born in Mississippi, not Ohio. I’m also an out-of-state student. I came to Ohio State from Indiana after moving there from Mississippi when I was 15 years old. Because of the moves to these places and my other traveling experiences, I have been influenced by so many different places. During the past two summers, I have been fortunate enough to travel overseas. Now I can say I’ve been to 8 countries. Not many 18 year-olds can say that. Having these experiences and the knowledge I’ve gained from them is one way I separate myself from others. My identities of being female, African-American, straight, and Southern-born also help me separate myself.

While at Ohio State, I hope to be challenged and molded into a better, stronger person by being put into uncomfortable situations that will help me grow. I hope to major in Arts Management after recently having a heart-to-heart with myself and changing it from Actuarial Science. I realized that my passion and heart has always lied with the arts and not math despite what I originally thought. With this major, I hope to be an arts manager in a performing arts center in a big city where I can bring in acts that will inspire and enlighten people. I also hope to minor in Spanish for Business and African American Studies.

I chose IA Scholars because I love learning about what is happening in the world, and I was interested in the traveling opportunities that were offered. Because of this interest, I recently applied to study abroad on the IA Scholars Czech Republic trip. I believe participation in this program will help me become a better global citizen by equipping me with true unbiased news and different points of view. Attending some events in order to gain points has already done this. I can feel the change in my mentality, and I have already learned so much.