ACES Mentorship Program: Second Semester Interview with Yaretzi

Despite all of the craziness going on due to COVID-19, I was still able to chat with one of my first-year ACES mentees, Yaretzi Leos, over the phone about her Spring semester. Yaretzi is originally from Hilliard, Ohio, just outside of Columbus, and is currently studying Early Childhood Education. Throughout our talk, we discussed numerous topics, and it was great to hear how she was doing!

ACADEMICS: Are you enjoying your major? Why or why not?

Yaretzi has been studying Early Childhood Education throughout her entire first year at Ohio State. This past semester, she was a part of the First Education Experience Program— better known as FEEP. With FEEP, Yaretzi was able to shadow in a kindergarten classroom throughout the Spring semester, assisting with lessons and classroom management. Although this experience was cut short, Yaretzi told me the experience was an incredible experience, fueling her passion for education and her studies immensely. Because of her experience with FEEP, Yaretzi plans to continue studying Early Childhood Education, aspiring to be an elementary school teacher.

INVOLVEMENT: How do you manage your time between your involvement and your academics?

Being a commuter student, Yaretzi does not spend as much time on campus compared to other students. She prefers to keep her time on campus focused towards her academics, and with most club meetings occurring later in the evening, it is challenging for her to find the time and places to stay on campus for long durations. Nonetheless, Yaretzi is still involved in the ACES community, attending monthly meetings and programs. In the future, Yaretzi aspires to find more opportunities to get involved and connected on campus.

ACES: Have you enjoyed the ACES living-learning community in Smith-Steeb? Why or why not?

Similar to the response above, Yaretzi is a commuter student that lives close to campus. Therefore, she did not live with fellow ACES in Smith-Steeb this past year. As a result, Yaretzi had a different experience compared to others, as she did not live around her fellow ACE Scholars throughout the entire year. Instead, she mostly saw them at monthly meetings and events put on by the group. Hopefully, in this upcoming year, Yaretzi will be able to create more memories and connections within her ACES community.

CAREERS: Have your career plans changed since your first semester?

Yaretzi’s career plans have not changed one bit— in fact, they’ve only grown bigger and stronger. After her experience with FEEP this past semester, Yaretzi’s aspirations to be an elementary school teacher have skyrocketed. She now knows for certainty that this is her dream profession, and she plans to work even harder this upcoming year to be successful in her major.

MISCELLANEOUS: What kind of goals have you set for yourself for this semester?

One of Yaretzi’s biggest goals throughout her college career thus far has been to get into her major: Early Childhood Education. Being the most competitive Education major, Yaretzi knows that she has to work hard to be as successful as possible in her academic courses. After her experience with FEEP, Yaretzi’s motivation to get into her major has surged. Having a real classroom experience under her belt, she has realized that Early Childhood is where she is meant to be, and now, she plans to work nonstop until she gets accepted into her dream program.

With this interview, it was great to catch up with Yaretzi and hear her passion for her studies. I hope to be a source of support for her as she continues her studies in her second year at Ohio State. I also hope that she continues to enjoy her time and courses at school as much as she did this past semester!

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