Although these past two years of college have challenged me in ways I didn’t not know was possible, the knowledge and resilience I have gained is invaluable.

1. Global Awareness: These past two years have afforded me experiences that have increased my global awareness tremendously. For instance, as a member of the Morrill Scholars program, I have had the opportunity to have discussions about the minority experience in America, and how we can challenge stereotypes and enforce change. In addition, in my past classes such as sociology and anthropology, I have been introduced to ethnocentrism and how discrimination affects people from all walks of life. In the wake of social injustices this past year, I have made the decision to not only education myself on social inequity but participate in social justice efforts such as peaceful protesting. In addition, in the future I am planning travel to Ecuador on a study abroad trip. On this trip I will explore what women’s rights look like in that country, and how we can practice sustainability. All of these experiences will help me to become a better global citizen.
2. Original Inquiry: As I have taken more advanced courses in my major of biology, I have gained experience in the lab room as well understanding why we do science. In my Organic Chemistry lab, I have had the privilege to synthesize compounds and understand the different mechanism of an experiment. I have learned that science teaches us the basic building blocks of life, and that those building blocks affect me on a daily basis. In addition, in my evolutionary biology course, I have learned that a lot of what I see around me is the result of past complex processes. In a way, original inquiry is done by working backwards. For that reason, I can use my daily experiences to spark curiosity as I consider why the world is the way that it is. In the future, I want to conduct my own undergraduate research or participate in a research program. I also hope to become more confident in the lab room as I grow in my understanding and continue to advance my course work.
3. Academic Enrichment: I chose to have a Bachelor of Science in Biology as my major because I am interested understanding the underlying processes of life. I enjoy learning about life on the micro as well as macro level. For instance, I am taking courses such as biochemistry and molecular genetics to understand the chemical systems that take place within all life. I am also taking classes such as psychology and behavioral neuroscience to understand how the mind interacts with the body, and how, in turn, these interactions affect how we interact with the world. I am choosing to have a minor in Creative writing because writing has always been a major part of who I am, and I believe that here is no use in great ideas if I cannot effectively communicate them. Learning about writing will help stimulate my mind as well as improve my communication skills. Classes such as physics and organic chemistry not only fulfill my pre-med requirements but train my mind to be committed as I take challenging courses. This is useful in my future career as a doctor.
4. Leadership Development: For extracurriculars, I have been part of the Morrill scholars program, and I have had past job experience as a Student Office Assistant. In the Morrill Scholars Program, we have had to create group projects. For one, we were tasked with creating a video project that speaks on a social issue. In my group we wrote lines and created a story about stereotyping. Although this experience was out of my comfort zone, I was able to offer my ideas and finish the project. That experience made me realize that being a leader is about serving others, and being able to not just speak, but listen. In addition, I have had experience as a Student Office Assistant at the Math and Statistics Learning Center at the Ohio State University. I guided people, but I also had to learn to problem solve if an issue were to arise. Later on, I went to apply these same methods when I was a Student Office Assistant at the College of Dentistry. These experiences will help me in my future career as a doctor because it taught me the importance of serving others while problem solving.
5. Service Engagement: For service engagement, I have participated in Buckeyethon as we raised funds to combat childhood cancer. Although I was only able to attend this event virtually, It did inspire me to promote change no matter where I am. In addition, to combat social injustice, I’ve spent time researching petitions and organizations to donate to as well as attending rallies. I’ve learned that although we cannot do everything, each one of us can do something. In the future I plan to participate in service-learning during my education abroad trip, and pursue service anywhere that I am.