G.O.A.L.S., to me, is an important platform and framework with which to plan the way I will approach my college experience in order to ensure it is as enriching as possible. In order to accomplish each of the specific aspects of G.O.A.L.S., I will hope to pursue the following:
G(Global Awareness): Being able to engage with the world around me in both the domestic and international spheres is extremely important to me. As such, I intend to complete coursework that offers an international perspective and allows me to understand how foreign nations conduct important activities such as creating and implementing public policy. Furthermore, I entirely intend to supplement my studies here in Columbus with a study abroad experience in order to truly immerse myself in another culture and understand all aspects of their culture such as language, norms, and traditions. This will allow me to use that experience and shape my outlook by making it more globally inclusive.
O (Original Inquiry): Innovative thought is crucial to solving the complex problems that characterize today’s day in age. Thus, I plan to use one of my summers to conduct research in the field of political science to not only supplement my education but also allow me to approach understanding events and trends in an innovative way. This will amount to being critical as it will allow me to understand and come up with innovative policy measures that could be enacted to solve the widespread issues that face the nation today.
A (Academic Enrichment): Currently, I am a Political Science major with an intention to add a second major in Finance. Beyond college, my goal is to attend law school and specialize in corporate law and eventually attempt to be elected to public office. Thus, I chose my majors because they complement my planned path and are subjects I find to be extremely engaging. My course load encompasses a broad range of subjects and involves formulating innovative and unique ideas and is thus challenging and will continue to be in order to prepare me for the rigors of both law school and reality after schooling.
L (Leadership Development): As someone who wants to run for public office, being able to lead will be absolutely crucial to my future success and thus leadership skill development has become something I am constantly pursuing. To develop these skills, I have joined student organizations such as the Undergraduate Student Government which works to be an advocate to better the lives of all students on campus and Pen Pals which works with innercity children to help live more positive lives. As I continue to develop these skills, they will allow me to develop skills that prepare me to be a leader for a potential constituency and also a corporate law client which is crucial to my future success.
S (Service Engagement): Public service has the inherent goal of bettering the lives of those I represent. Thus, serving in multiple ways will allow me to prepare for that reality in the future. Right now, I am involved in multiple organizations in my hometown such as a cultural organization that helps to spread awareness of Indian culture and also Speak Now which teaches middle school students the value of public speaking skills in the real world. On campus, as I stated before, I work with Undergraduate Student Government which has a service wing (such as Clean Up Columbus) and works with students in a multitude of ways. Beyond that, I intend to become more involved in more service organizations that work with the local Columbus community.
Ultimately, by pursuing these goals and using them to guide my college experience, it will allow me to have success inside and outside of the classroom.