It is crazy to think of where I was nearly two years at the beginning of my time as a health sciences scholar. I was so eager to leave my mom’s house in my small home town and start what I imagined was going to be a carefree college life (boy,was I wrong). I thought college would be full of making new friends and having fun without the rules of my strict parents. While I have definitely made some lifelong friends and memories in the past two years, I was not prepared for the stress that college would bring. Without the constant guidance of my parents, it took quite a few mistakes and a very unexpected GPA for me to learn how to be a responsible adult.
My first year of college I was a biology major on a pre-medicine track taking difficult math and science courses. As a girl who could handle literally anything on her plate, including four varsity sports, AP classes, National Honor Society president, a serving job, and many other things in high school, I thought focusing on classes alone in college would be a cake walk(yet again I was wrong). I graduated in the top of my high school class without ever studying. So, I thought I could get straight As in college using the same strategy. One of the hardest lessons I have learned is that I can not get by in college without working like crazy. However, I improved my GPA from a 2.9 my first year to a 3.8 this past semester!! If I keep working hard I know that I can raise my GPA high enough to be a competitive medical school applicant.
I would be lying if I said that I haven’t learned a lot about chemistry, biology, and psychology these past two years. But, the truth is, I have learned way more about myself than I have learned in any classroom. I have realized who and what is important and what kind of life I want to lead. I have learned lessons that no textbook can teach you. I came into college a completely different person than the girl who is now finishing up the first half of her undergraduate career.
I plan to spend the next two years continuing to study as hard as possible so I can maintain a good GPA and do well on my MCAT. I plan on becoming more involved in student organizations. I want to continue learning how to balance my time between work, school, and fun. I hope to spend more time with both of my parents and brothers. Even though I know it is not going to be nearly as easy as I thought it would, I still want to attend medical school and become a pediatric surgeon. I am thankful for the health sciences scholars program for helping me get there.
Author: muscarella.9
H.G.O.A.L.S.
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: I volunteer at the front desk of the Ronald McDonald House every Friday evening.
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 information, go to: http://honors-scholars.osu.edu/e-portfolio. Delete these instructions and add your own post.]
Artifacts
[Artifacts are the items you consider to be representative of your academic interests and achievements. For each entry, include both an artifact and a detailed annotation. An annotation is a reflective description of the artifact that attempts to communicate its significance. For more information, go to: http://honors-scholars.osu.edu/e-portfolio. Delete these instructions and add your own post.]
About Me
My name is Stevie Muscarella and I am a second year Health Sciences Scholar at The Ohio State University. I am majoring in psychology and minoring in biology on a pre-medicine track. I currently work for the Department of General Surgery as a student assistant and Darby Glenn Nursing and Rehabilitation Center as a state tested nurse’s aide. I volunteer at the front desk of the Ronald McDonald House every Friday night. I want to pursue a career in pediatric surgery. I am passionate about working with children. I spend my summers as a camp counselor at The Ohio State University Recreational Department’s Camp Recky. I hope to be working at Children’s Hospital as a Nurse’s Aide by the end of this year.
