There are many classes at Ohio State that have transformed me as a student. However, one stands out in particular. In the spring of 2020, I took the health promotion and ideas prevention class that is a requirement for my major. From the first lecture, I knew that this class would become one of my favorites. The professor was well-versed in the subject, and was truly interested in helping us learn more about the topic. Throughout the course, we learned about health promotion through public policy, media, and many other channels. We are learned about disease prevention through the health promotion channels. I further developed my interest in public health through this course, and was able to apply the information even further when COVID-19 was announced as pandemic. By watching the news, reading articles, and keeping up to date with the World Health Organization, I was able to utilize the information gathered in this course to understand different aspects of this outbreak. This class changed some ideas I held about public health, strengthening my skills as a future health professional!
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Statement of Action
After being transformed by my Ohio Stat experiences, I will become a dedicated Occupational Therapist. My developed skills in leadership and communication will assist me in graduate school and beyond. The devised plan will lead me to accomplishing my goals and helping others every day for the rest of my life.
Vision Statement
Throughout the remainder of my time at Ohio State, I want to further develop interpersonal relationships with professors and other students, while growing my knowledge of the health sciences field by volunteering and shadowing.
Sophomore Year
My second year at Ohio State has definitely been amazing! Throughout the year, I have been able to dive into many of my major courses, and work towards completing my minor. I have grown close with many of my professors, and feel like I have found a home in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. My minor classes have been interesting for me to take, as well! Along with all of my classes, I have spent a lot of time working with my clubs! As the president of Project Sunshine, I spent time organizing fundraisers, planning meetings, and volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House of Central Ohio. This year I also become very involved with the Campus Outreach ministry on campus. Both of these activites have enabled me to create strong relationships with many people in the Ohio State community. Sadly, the spring semester of this year was cut short due to COVID-19. I had to move out of my dorm, leave my friends that have become my second family, and leave Columbus. It is been quite the transition, but I am thankful for the wonderful people that understand this is a hard time for students. Overall, this year has definitely been on to remember. I am grateful for the chance to continue my time at Ohio State, and it is hard to believe that I only have 3 semesters left of my undergraduate degree!
Sharing a Gift
Over the summer between my freshman and sophomore year, I faced many challenges. The artifact I want to share showcases all of those challenges. This artifact is a bear, that I made for my mom, that has my grandma’s voice in it. In the summer, my family went through the loss of my grandma, after she was in the hospital and a rehab facility for almost 2 months. I spent my summer sitting with her and making sure she had anything she needed. She was pretty confused a lot of the time, but she could tellI got excited with occupational therapists came in to work with her. I tried to help the occupational therapists get her motivated and moving, which proved to be difficult. However, it was obvious to me in that very moment, that I wanted to help others like this for the rest of my life. My grandma was always my biggest supporter when it came to school and my future. I got this gift for my mom to give her a reminder of my grandma, and know she’s always there. Just like I know I will do anything to succeed in my future, so that I can make my grandma proud.
Project Sunshine: End of Freshman Year
As freshman year comes to an end, I am so thankful to have found Project Sunshine at the involvement fair in the fall. Project Sunshine gave me the chance to volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House of Central Ohio, and brighten the lives of children who are facing such hard times. I went hoping to improve their lives, and left changed myself. Along with direct service, I was able to help make packages of crafts and toys for children in hospitals around the country to enjoy.
It is so hard to put into words how large of an impact this organization has had on me. I have been so excited about it, that I decided to run for President, and got it! It is amazing to be able to lead this group of students who are as passionate as I am about the mission of Project Sunshine. This organization is something I am proud to represent and serve. I can’t wait to contune to brighten days and put a smile on each child’s face!
Freshman Year
As I look back at my freshman year, I am still shocked to say I am a student at The Ohio State University. I have been given the chance to study at an amazing school, with outstanding people and professors. While I have been challenged academically, I have overcome all of the struggles. At the beginning of the spring seamster, I decided I wasn’t content with my Molecular Genetics major. I knew I wanted to work with children and in a medical institution. I found occupational therapy, and it instantly clicked with me. I am now officially a Health Sciences major on a pre-Occupaitional Therapy track. I am beyond thankful for all of the support that is given to students to help find our passions.
I would not have been able to make it through this year without my newfound best friend (and roommate for freshman year and sophomore year), Shelby. She helped me and supported me when I was overwhelmed. I also wouldn’t have made it through the year without Project Sunshine, which I am now the President of for the upcoming year. I cannot wait to continue volunteering at the Ronald McDonald house and helping brighten childrens’ days. And finally, I am thankful to have volunteered at The James Cancer Hospital, which offered me experience and patient interaction that left my heart warmed with joy.
Freshman year was far from easy, but it was so much fun and very rewarding. I have learned so many new things and met so many new people. Coming from such a small town, I was nervous for the change, but am now more than prepared and ready to venture out and grow as a person. Freshman year gave me the tools to get started, and I am excited to see what the next 3 years have in store for me.
BioSci Mitochondria Volleyball
In the spring, I joined the scholars volleyball team, and was able make new friends and play a sport I love. It was fun to compete against other scholars teams and meet new people. Our team made it all the way the the championship game.. and even though we didn’t win, we still were a real powerhouse! I can’t wait for next season, so I can make even more friends and memories!
Study Abroad: Scientific Roots in Europe
When I first became an official student at OSU, one of my first interests was studying abroad. At a visit in the spring before my freshman year, I talked with a woman who was a teacher of a study abroad class that travelled over spring break. I looked up all of the information and knew that this was a great opportunity for a study abroad as a freshman. I applied as soon as the application became available and was lucky enough to get accepted. In the spring, the class was taught by two amazing professors and special guest speakers, to prepare us for our travels. I learned various scientific ideas and the history of biological roots in Europe has made an impact. We mainly focused on paradigm shifts, which is the fundamental changes in beliefs as new knowledge is discovered. When spring break came around, it was time to travel to London and Paris.
I had been to London before, but this time I got to travel to different places and even explore on my own some. My favorite place in London was the Old Operating Theatre Museum, which was once an operating room in the space above a church, where medical professionals would come to learn surgical procedures. Along with the operating “theatre” and all of the various medical tools, I became interested in the advancement of technology in healthcare, which I used for my final project in the class. One of the other standout things in London was watching Matilda: The Musical, which I have always wanted to see.
After a few days in London, we travel to Paris via the Eurostar fast train. Arriving in Paris was a magical, and overwhelming time. I knew a little French, but I was still nervous to be in a country where I wasn’t able to completely communicate. I quickly overcame this fear and enjoyed my time in Paris. I visited all of the historical and well known places, like the Louvre (which was so much larger than I expected, unlike the Mona Lisa), the Eiffel Tower, and Notre Dame. I did a lot of roaming on my own, where I did my best to communicate and learn more French. On the final day of the trip, I ventured a little farther to see a van Gough museum. It was located in an area that was not as touristy, which meant I needed to communicate in French. I got to the museum, to find that tickets were sold out. I was able to talk and explain where I was from and that I was visiting with a college. Since I was by myself, they let me in, and I am so lucky for this. I was able to see an exhibition of van Gough’s art that was painted across the walls in video form, as if I was watching him create his masterpieces. I sat there for a couple hours, completely mesmerized, and ventured back to my hotel while I enjoyed my last night in the city.
This trip was by far the best part of my freshman year at Ohio State. I was lucky enough to be able to travel, make new friends (mainly upperclassman), and learn more about scientific roots in Europe. I hope to travel again, and enjoy more study abroad opportunities that my school offers.
Hamilton: The Musical
I woke up one morning and checked my emails before I did anything else. I noticed a special email about the chance to see Hamilton with other scholars. Before I knew it, I was running to the office to reserve my ticket. I have always been a musical fan, and the history of Hamilton makes a great musical. The chance to go see this musical reminds me of amazing being a scholars student truly is. My roommates and I got ready while we listened to the Hamilton soundtrack and then had an spectacular time watching the show live. This is an experience I will never forget!
