Tonight I was able to interview one of my two mentees, Abby McNickle. Abby is a first year at The Ohio State University, currently studying English Education. We met up for dinner on campus to catch up and talk about our semesters so far!
ACADEMICS: How do you like to study? Have you found a good place for studying on campus?
Abby told me that she likes a variety of study spots on campus to maximize her productivity. In the beginning of the year, she enjoyed studying outside at the Browning Amphitheater near Mirror Lake. Now, she enjoys doing homework and studying in Thompson Library, specifically in the large reading rooms at the front and back of the second floor. All of these areas have great views of campus’ natural beauty, along with being a place of tranquility, allowing Abby to focus strongly on her studies! I also love these study spots myself, so hopefully sometime soon we can study together!
INVOLVEMENT: What kind of involvement are you interested in on campus?
Abby has already gotten very involved in a variety of campus groups and activities. Not only is she an ACE Scholar, but she also is an active member of 1Girl, helping international students learn English, and a theatre group on campus. 1Girl is an organization that teaches young girls (around 4th/5th grade) key leadership skills and motivates future generations of women to feel empowered and capable to be anything they want to be in society. Abby told me she deeply enjoys what she has gotten involved in so far, and is hoping to not only continue getting involved on campus, but to also dive deeper and invest more time into the clubs she’s already joined.
ACES: What are you most looking forward to in the ACES program?
With the end of the semester coming fast, Abby told me her favorite part of ACES so far this year has been the community she has made with her fellow scholars. She has connected with lots of people on her floor, has gotten really close with her roommate, and enjoys the presence of everyone in her ACES class. She also told me she is visiting several of her friends’ hometowns and families over Thanksgiving Break, along with already talking about living together with a group of her new friends next year. Coming all the way from Connecticut to attend OSU, it’s awesome to see Abby make such a close, welcoming community with her fellow ACE Scholars- she’s truly making campus her second home!
CAREERS: What do you plan to do with your major after graduation?
After graduating from Ohio State, Abby said she’d love to go into the Peace Corps for a few years, with a hope to teach English as a second langauge to those in a foreign country. This was so awesome to hear, as I am also interested in living abroad after graduation and teaching overseas! After working in the Peace Corps, Abby said she’d love to teach in a high school, preferably with Juniors and Seniors, along with running a drama program at her school. It was so cool hearing her passion for teaching English overseas, as that is something I have been extremely interested in pursuing for as long as I can remember!
MISC: What is one of the most important things you’ve learned so far at Ohio State?
Looking back on her first semester so far, Abby told me she’s learned so much from this semester. Simple things like not doing your laundry on a Sunday and avoiding the traditional dining halls are easy takeaways. However, she’s also learned a lot behind the key to success in college. For example, she’s learned a lot about the importance of time management and balance. In order to ensure success academically, it’s crucial to stay organized and keep track of assignments. When handled with care, school can become much easier to balance with extracurriculars and a social life. Another crucial thing Abby has learned is that involvement is so helpful in ensuring a fun, engaging, memorable college experience. The more one gets involved, the more friends and memories they make, and the more opportunities and joy they find. Seeing how involved Abby has already gotten this semester, it’s incredible to see the impact she’s making on her college community and on her own college experience.
It was an absolute pleasure to catch up with Abby, and I am so excited to see how far she goes here at OSU!