On March 30th, 2021, I attended a virtual event focused on the nonprofit organization called Adopt-A-School. This organization provides tutoring for various elementary and middle school students in the Columbus community. I enjoyed learning more about the organization’s mission, goals, and motives. Overall, I find the work that this nonprofit does to be inspiring and wonderful!

This nonprofit organization works directly with two charter schools associated with the Ohio Department of Education. These schools are called GEMS Elementary School and GEMS Middle School. The elementary school involved offers education for children grades kindergarten through fourth grade while the middle school involved offers education to children grades fifth through eight. These schools are within walking distance of OSU’s campus.

The volunteers involved in Adopt-A-School visit these charter schools to provide tutoring, serve as role models, and involve themselves in the school district.

As someone who is heavily involved in three different nonprofits for children, I always enjoy hearing about the various other organizations that exist. I feel that I can learn a great amount by attending these events and hearing from the volunteers themselves. In the future, I plan to use the information learned from this presentation to better myself as both a volunteer and an intern with the nonprofits I spend my time serving.

On February 24th, 2021 I attended a virtual event centered around various national and international service programs. These programs included Ohio Math Corps, Peace Corps, and City Year. A representative from each of these service programs spoke to a group Ohio college students. During this event, the representatives shared the goals of their organization, basic information regarding involvement, volunteer feedback, and upcoming events.

One of the service programs that stuck out to me was City Year. City Year volunteers serve as a tutor and a mentor to children years kindergarten through 12th grade. Volunteers meet with other teachers, perform bench marking tests, tutor children daily, and provide afterschool enrichment activities such as homework assistance or clubs. Volunteers are encourages to set up clubs based on their passions. These clubs expand the horizons of the children involved. This organization has 29 U.S. locations and serves over 220,000 students in 350 schools.

Mentoring youth is so important, and I believe City Year has a wonderful purpose. As an intern with Big Brothers Big Sisters, I see the importance of mentorship everyday. City Year aims to help children who may not have the best resources available to them. Many children in our society today need this extra push to put them on the right track to a bright future.

I also enjoyed hearing from the representative from the Peace Corps. This organization is an international, two-year program. The Peace Corps serves developing and middle income countries. The major focus of this organization is education.  Volunteers are trained to promote world peace and friendship. This includes breaking down stereotypes between different ethnic groups. Volunteers get to work in an entirely new culture and country. These areas include Latin America, Africa, and Central Asia.

There are so many stereotypes that exist in our world today. I feel that the Peace Corps has an amazing purpose in trying to break down these assumptions. I have always heard about the Peace Corps but never fully understood the mission of the organization. It was enjoyable to learn more through this event.

After each representative was able to discuss their program, a general question and answer session took place. Finally, the student audience was able to ask questions.

I am currently interning with Big Brothers Big Sisters which is a major national non profit organization in the United States. I am also involved in two different non profit student organizations at OSU. My involvement in all of these organizations has inspired me to pursue service activities in the future. I really enjoyed hearing from these representatives. I hope to use their information to further my involvement in service programs.

On January 28th, 2021 I attended my first virtual event of the year. Many of the events I have chosen to attend recently have been centered around politics or issues within the United States. I wanted to focus on something a bit more positive this month by attending an event centered around service and giving back. The event I chose to attend today was a service spotlight on an OSU based nonprofit called the Buckeye Food Alliance.

During the service spotlight, I learned more about the Buckeye Food Alliance at OSU. This program, currently associated with the Student Wellness Center, is a student-run, nonprofit food pantry. Their goals is to provide qualifying OSU students with free and healthy food and educate students on collegiate food insecurity.

Many people do not understand the real need for a food pantry on a college campus. In reality, 41% of college students are experiencing food insecurity. This number was shocking to me. I was surprised to hear that such a high percentage of students worry about where their next meal will come from.

The Buckeye Food Alliance aims to provide a resource for students who are struggling with finding or affording food during their time as a student. It is so valuable for students to continue to feed their brains and their bodies during their time spent inside and outside of the classroom. Many students are also forced to eat cheap foods like ramen noodles or canned soup. The Buckeye Food Alliance wants to ensure that students are receiving healthy options not just any food.

Being able to learn more about such a hardworking nonprofit organization was very interesting and applicable to me. For my IA second-year project, I have been working as an intern for a nonprofit organization. I also volunteer with two other nonprofit student organizations at OSU. I enjoy hearing of all the unique ways that varying nonprofit organizations help others, especially during such a difficult time. I am able to relate many of my experiences to the discussion that took place during this event.

On October 28th, 2020, many IA scholars, including myself, attended a virtual event via Zoom focused around the research of Dr. Ines Valdez. Dr. Valdez, a political theorist and political science professor at OSU, focuses her time studying race, ethnicity, and democracy. Through this event, I was able to learn more about Dr. Valdez’s findings as well as her contributions to the Center of Ethnic Studies at OSU.

Through this event, Dr. Valdez elaborated on her book in progress which will highlight key points relating to empire, labor, migration, and western democracy. In Dr. Valdez’s words, this book will, “argue that the political concepts and institutions that oriented democratic thinking and actions are themselves tainted by Imperial remnants.” Dr. Valdez believes that the American way of democracy practices traditional values that are not up-to-date with the current times and polices.

Dr. Valdez also discussed migration throughout her lecture. Migration is obviously a very prevalent topic so hearing more about Dr. Valdez’s stance on the topic was interesting. Dr. Valdez believes that regulations on immigration emerged to exclude non white people as opposed to regulate foreigners entering the country. I have never thought of migration through this perspective but I think Valdez’s brings up a unique point. Dr. Valdez does not see migration regulations as a way to filter who can enter the country but rather as a way to exclude non-white people from America.

As an IA Scholar, it is important to understand international topics through multiple perspectives. Dr. Valdez provided our entire scholars program with a new perspective on migration and helped advance our knowledge and understanding on the topic. For me personally, I have never considered migration in a great amount of detail. This event/meeting did help me advance my understanding of migration policies in the U.S.

As a business student, it also important for me to understand the industry implications of strict migration laws. In one of my business core classes, we have learned more about the importance of varying perspectives. Varying perspectives bring varying problem solving skills and processes. Openly inviting people from different background into the business industry is a great way to expand the perspectives within a company.

On October 22, 2020 at 4pm, I attended a virtual event via Zoom called “Career Conversations about the Department of State.” This event allowed students to listen to a Q&A session involving three different Department of State workers. Although I do not have any interest in working within the Department of State, I enjoy hearing about diverse careers that are far outside of mine. Listening to the three guest speakers on the Zoom call was different yet interesting for me as a business student. As an IA Scholar, I think it is important to learn more about career paths in the industry. I learned that working in foreign affairs is a competitive yet rewarding pursuit.

One of the questions that was asked during this event involved COVID-19. Obviously, the Coronavirus Pandemic is a major part of our everyday lives now. The interviewer asked the three Department of State employees how their day-to-day duties have been altered due to the pandemic. The three workers explained that face-to-face meetings are far less frequent and far less lengthy. Much of their career is based around in-person discussions or negotiations. Although some formal meetings may be in person, most informal meetings are no longer utilized. The three workers said they enjoyed informal meetings in the past. Meeting with others at coffee shops, restaurants, or even bars was a great to connect on a more personalized level.

The three panelists were then asked about their first experiences abroad. I enjoyed listening to this topic the most as I hope to travel abroad soon. All three panelists explained that their experiences abroad were life changing. One panelists decided to get her masters degree after her first trip abroad. She received her masters degree from a major Australian university. She reiterated that going abroad really set the foundation for her career and future. Another panelist shared some stories from her first experience abroad. She explained that her first experience abroad was eye opening because she witnessed an economic collapse. This is what led her to pursue a career that mixed both foreign affairs and economics.

Like I said, learning more about different career path is interesting to me. Although I personally will never pursue a career in foreign affairs, I believe that it is exciting to hear from people who have. Those who work in foreign affairs take on difficult tasks but greatly enjoy what they do.

On September 23rd, 2020, I attended a virtual Zoom meeting presented by the Society of Fellows. This digital dialogue touched on many current events such as the Coronavirus Pandemic, police brutality, riots, and human rights. The discussion began with three different key note speakers who each presented on their research finding regarding human rights during this difficult time. The three keynote speakers included Dr. Tiffany King, Dr. Iyko Day, and Dr. Sharon Yam. At the conclusion of these three key note speakers, the host of the dicsussion and other viewers had the opportunity to ask questions and engage in an active debate.

Today, I want to focus mostly on the debate/Q&A session that occurred towards the end of the digital dialogue. One topic that was discussed was the framework of humans rights and how this framework could be improved. The host asked the three key note speakers what kind of human rights frame work should be used during this time/how human rights could be improved at this time. Sharon Yam explained that activists must learn how to collaborate as a group to produce a possible framework for human rights. The government throws around the term “human rights” but may not prioritize such a concept. Sharon Yam and later Tiffany King explained that political groups must compose their human rights frameworks based off of input given from real people who are dealing with real issues first hand. The two keynote speakers encouraged others to break the boundaries of human right and expand the “norm.”

Iyko Day, another keynote speaker, spoke about the human rights framework in Spain and how it differs greatly from the United States. In Spain, life is considered much more “precious” as Day explained. This keynote speaker emphasized that the United States does not have the same about of respect for human life or human rights.

Overall, this discussion was focused around how the United States government and everyday citizens should be tackling the issues that exist in society today. Obviously there are real issues that exist in our country regarding racial inequality and the Coronavirus pandemic. The goal of this event was to discuss the three key note speakers research finding and discuss the next steps that should taken by our government.

There are obvious applications of this discussion to the topics covered in the International Affairs Scholars Program. One of the main ideals of IA is to respect the opinions of others and learn how to collaborate despite differences. Our nation has become quite divided over these last few months. It seems that in everything Americans do, there is a divide. It is important, as IA scholars, to encourage others to listen to each other. We do not all have to agree, but being respectful of other perspectives and other opinions is vital for a successful community.

On April 15th, 2020 I was able to attend a webinar centered around the celebration of Earth Day. As an international affairs scholar, it is so important to understand environmental efforts being made by nations, institutions, businesses, and other organizations around the world. As I listened to Mr. Sharp, a director in the School of Environmental and Natural Resources at Ohio State, I learned more about the importance of keeping our Earth clean. I am currently taking a class called “The World Since 1914.” In this course, we have discussed many environmental issues that exist around the world. For example, major food chains, such as McDonald’s, have increased cattle supply around the world. This increase in farm animals requires an increase in farm land. As a result, deforestation in places like South America has become very prominent.

As a business student at OSU, it is important to understand the affects that major corporations have on the environment. I hope to one day work in an company that is actively working to minimize pollution and waste in hopes of improving the environment. Earth Day is a day to cherish the planet we are blessed to live on. It is important for environmentalists and business executives alike to united to create a cleaner place for us to live.

(Virtual. April 15th, 2020.)

On January 21st, I attended the Spring Career Fair at the Ohio Union. I attended this event alone in hopes of gaining more professional development experience.

This event helped me connect with employers and network on a large scale. I love interacting with new companies at OSU Career Fairs. Although most companies do not offer internships to freshman, I think learning amount different types of internships is important. Being able to see what different companies offer gives me ideas of possibilities in my future. Each employer I talked to helped me to understand more about the great expanse of the business industry and see many new options I had never considered before. I believe experience is the best way to learn. Attending Career Fairs and gaining real experience benefits me more than anything else.

I believe Career Fairs also help me find what type of company would fit me best. I would love to work in a creative and modern company that prides itself in hard work, kindness, and great employee interactions. I also hope to work in a job that allows me to interact with others everyday. I love making new connections and meeting new faces.

This event obviously intersects with my professional and academic goals. I am always striving towards success. Looking at all the job possibilities this world has to offer is amazing. There are so many different ways to pursue passions within an occupation.

(Professional Development. January 21st, 2020.)

One of the best aspects of Ohio State is the great freedom it gives its students to pursue anything they choose. Ohio State has a plethora of student organizations which give students the flexibility to pursue any and every passion they may have.

On January 16th, 2020, I visited the second Involvement Fair of my freshman year which took place on the first and second floors of the Ohio Union. I attended this event with my good friend and fellow business student. As I strolled around the Involvement Fair, I found a fresh set of faces promoting their clubs or organizations. I discovered many organizations that peaked my interest including College Mentors for Kids, The American Marketing Association, and the OSU Triathlon Club. I was able to learn more about each of these organizations and eventually applied to join a few!

Throughout the event, I asked the presenters many question. For each student organization that I found interest in, I made a point to ask questions and learn more about the organization’s role at OSU.

I think it is very important to get involved through OSU. For one, getting involved has introduced me to so many new people and allowed me to make important peer connections. Getting involved is also an important aspect in finding and pursuing passions. I have found a passion for helping children through the Blue Fish Swim School which I joined last semester. Finally, getting involved helps job recruiters understand more about interested students or their future employees. Students carry much more than just their degree. Finding passions is very important, especially to me.

I hope to become more involved at Ohio State over the next semester and greatly appreciate the knowledge I gained from the Spring Involvement Fair. Overall, the  Involvement Fair gave me more motivation to join student organizations and discover new possibilities. I hope to join clubs that not only help me from a business standpoint but also help me from a personal standpoint.

(Campus. January 16th, 2020.)

On November 4th, 2019, I adventured to the Wexner Center for the Arts to see A Thousand Girls Like Me. This film, by Sahra Mani, follows a young girl as she fights for her freedom and justice after being sexually assaulted by her father. This inspiring and eye opening documentary is a true story which leaves viewers with a new perspective around the lives on young Afghani women. I met a few other IA Scholars at the event as we all learned more about the issues that women face in Afghanistan.

The documentary follows a young girl along with her child and her mother. The child is a product of sexual assault at the hands of the young girl’s father. This alone was very eye opening to me. In the United States, being sexually assaulted alone is obviously a federal crime, but Afghanistan’s government is not set up this way. The young girl, assaulted by her own father, is forced to live with the consequences while her father can run free. Thankfully though, the young girl worked up a great amount of courage to fight for her justice in an attempt to imprison her father.

With this fight for freedom comes even more consequences, though. The young girl faces hate from every male in her family. Her uncles use violence against the young girl, her mother, and her child as an attempt to keep them quiet. The girl continues to fight on though. Nothing can stop her. This trait that is displayed by the young Afghani girl is truly inspiring. Despite the risks, she continues to fight for social and legal justice against her father.

In the end, the young girl is able to imprison her father but fear the wrath of her now furious uncles. The young girl receives justice but never receives any safety. She is forced to flee the country with her children.

As I said, the documentary was very eye opening. The mere fact that the film contained one-hundred percent real footage made the message so much stronger. Seeing a real family deal with such a tough issue was impactful.

The young girl, who risked her life for justice against her father, is inspirational. She overcame all odds and put her safety at risk just to prove to everyone that such actions are not morally correct despite what many have been raised or brain washed to believe.

Lastly, I believe that it was eye opening to see how hard it must be to live as a woman in many other countries around the world. We take for granted our freedom and our ability to obtain justice as US citizens. Women in other countries face real justice, safety, and health issues that can impact their lives in several different aspects.

I enjoyed learning more about women living in Afghanistan through the use of film. It was very impactful and left a lasting impression on me as a woman.

(Campus. November 4th, 2019.)