Author: Samantha O'Leary

My First Semester at OSU

If I was asked to rate my first semester at OSU on a scale from 1 to 10, I’d have to give it a 7. None of my initial fears remain but I have developed a few new ones. For example, after completing certain assignments pertaining to my future at Ohio State in my survey class, my mind was flooded with questions: is this really what I want to do? Am I going to be able to be successful in these courses? Is this major right for me? I don’t have any of the answers to these questions and I probably won’t for a while but I’ve been learning to trust the process and live day to day rather than squandering in the uncertainty the future brings. When I chose to live in the present, it creates a less anxious lifestyle and I can stress a lot less.

 

During this first semester I struggled to make friends which was entirely surprising for me. My whole life I have been the social butterfly, confident in herself and friend to everyone. Making the transition to college was challenging for me. I didn’t see my family every day, I didn’t have the same people in my classes and to my surprise I live on a very quiet floor. I struggled to find community and make new friends. Thankfully it has gotten easier. I am involved with younglife on campus which has helped me find new friends! The Humanities Scholars program has helped too. (Met my dad—Ben Fortman ha)

 

I have enjoyed my experience in the Humanities Scholars program. The highlight of the program for me was most definitely the Chicago trip! Not only was I able to explore a city that I love but also create some awesome new memories with some awesome new friends! Moving forward, I could see myself becoming a Humanities Scholar mentor or getting involved in some other type of way. I am very excited for the spring semester and what it will bring!

“But Out” Reflection

I’d like to work out regularly but I lack motivation.

I’d like to spend a half hour of quiet time in the morning but I am too tired to get up earlier.

I’d like to start reading my psychology book for class but I find it boring and hard to focus.

I’d like to eat healthier but am surrounded by unhealthy food.

I’d like to travel to Germany this summer but don’t know if I can afford it.

 

I’d like to work out regularly and I lack motivation. So I will create a weekly workout schedule that incorporates yoga classes (which I enjoy) twice a week among other cardio and strength workouts.

I’d like to spend a half hour of quiet time in the morning and I am too tired to get up early. So I will go to bed earlier the night before.

I’d like to start reading my psychology book for class and I find it boring and hard to focus. So I will set aside specific time for reading and if I am successful, I will reward myself with a Netflix episode.

I’d like to eat healthier and am surrounded by unhealthy food. So I will limit myself to one treat a day.

I’d like to travel to Germany this summer and don’t know if I can afford it. So I will start saving at least half of my paychecks to pay for airfare.

Humans of OSU

img_0776James

“Well I use to be in sales but now I take care of my parents full time. My father has dementia and my mother suffered an aneurism back in 1995 so she’s been disabled since then. They were able to clamp it but she had a lot of blood loss to her brain. She had a massive stroke but she survived it. So, for the last 20 years you know mostly my dad’s been helping out with her but I’ve always been there to help out as much as I can. I’ve always worked full time but now it’s to the point where I’ve took over everything for them. I’m their power of attorney. I pay all the bills. I do everything for them, so now I just do this. I work for a company called CSC. We do event security for different events. For Ohio State we do football games, we do basketball games and this event here I believe is for a breast cancer sendoff tomorrow and I am just here to basically watch the platforms and make sure nobody hurts themselves. Because of this job, I can just work part time whenever I want. It’s perfect for me and I can schedule it around what I need to do for my parents.”

My First Week at OSU

It’s hard to believe I have finished my first week as a college student! Where has time gone? Before this week, I was so nervous about my classes: how would I find them? Would my professors be strict? Unfriendly? Intimidating? Would my syllabi be written with words beyond my vocabulary? How was I going to pass their tests? I suck at studying. Well to my relief, all my obsessive worry was for nothing. There were thousands of freshmen around campus who were just as lost as me. My professors welcomed us with smiles and addressed the class very casually. They graced us with short syllabi full of simple vocabulary. And now that I’m into the swing of things I have a lot to look forward to! I am so excited for football games, new opportunities, exploring a side of Columbus I have never explored before, getting involved, meeting new people and finding a good balance between studying and socializing.

Overall my first week was good. I was exhausted by Friday but am thankful for the naps I was able to take earlier in the week. I am extremely pleased with my schedule. I only have one class on Friday from 9:10-10:05 which is amazing! I’ve been meeting so many new people, which I love! I also got to figure out the beauty of swipes and dining dollars. I look forward to the end of the week when I get to buy sugar cereal (which I was never allowed to have at home) with the leftover swipes I have. Going into week two my goal is to know where all my classes are so I don’t look entirely lost.

I am so thankful to be a part of the Humanities Scholars program. Living and learning in a community is one of my most favorite things! Some expectations I have for my experience this year are to meet lifelong friends, to experience a warm and inviting community and to have a taste of the liberal arts. My second choice school was Denison University. One of the most attractive things about that school was the liberal arts aspect and being able to learn and explore so many different areas and subjects. I think I will get my fill of liberal arts from the Humanities program and I cannot wait!

 

Year in Review

My first year of college had it’s ups and downs but overall a lot of growth took place. I have learned how to be a better student, friend and individual.

As a student, this year has taught me how to manage my time better, which ways of studying work best for me and the importance of staying on top of my school work. I am better prepared for my second year of college and have a better idea of how to be successful in my classes.

As a friend, this year has taught me how to be a good listener the importance of hard conversations, and how to be honest and vulnerable. I have learned how much stronger a friendship can be when you talk about the hard stuff. I have also learned the importance for me to be listened to but also the importance to listen to what my friends have to say to.

As an individual, this year has taught me how giving back to your community is important and how my life should be centered around serving others. I know because of these things, I changed my major and what I want my career to look like.

G.O.A.L.S.

Global Awareness: I have plans to study abroad at some point during my undergraduate degree. I also plan to complete the Global Option in Public Affairs (GO-PA). GO-PA is a new curriculum enhancement program through which public affairs students may acquire documented international expertise integrated into the Glenn College curriculum.

Leadership Development: Beginning next school year, I will be a Humanities Scholars mentor to three or four incoming freshmen. I will be responsible for making sure they feel comfortable and cared for during their first year of college. I get to welcome them into the Humanities Scholars Program.

Service Engagement: Currently I am serving as a young life leader at Linden McKinley STEM Academy. I get to be a mentor and friend to high school students at the school. Next semester, if time allows, I plan to volunteer at a free clinic in Linden on the weekends. After graduating, I plan to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector with hopes of running my own nonprofit one day.

About Me

My name is Samantha O’Leary. I was born and raised in Columbus, OH. Currently, I am a freshmen at the Ohio State University studying Public Affairs with a specialization in nonprofit management. There are many things I value in this world, but I’ll only share a few with you.

My family has the greatest value to me. I have a dad, mom and three sisters. I am so thankful for my parents who have taught me hard work and gratitude. They have given my sisters and I endless amounts of opportunity. My sisters are my best friends. I could not imagine life without them.

I also value serving others. It is a big part of who I am and what I want to do with my life. I am passionate about people and want to make a difference in their lives. I want others to be given the same opportunities I have regardless of their background, race or socio-economic status.

Diversity is also of huge value to me. It is important to surround yourself with people who are different from you. It is the best way to learn and experience life. I grew up in the most diverse high school in Ohio, with no majority and over 35 nationalities represented. I would not trade that experience for the world.

I want to challenge you to think of what you value most and to work on shaping your life around that!