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Year In Review

| patrick.377

Something that I learned in a class that impacted me was in my engineering class was learning the introduction to programming because it made me really have to think about how to solve problems. And I learned that I was interested in programming, at least somewhat, which I did not expect. I also had to think in a completely different way which I think helped me in other areas as well.

 

Outside of the classroom something I learned was being more aware of the actions and the decisions that I make. And thinking of the impact that I want to make or really what impacts I want to limit in the ways I can. And now since I’m making my own decisions, I can decide for myself without limitations about what my family thinks.

 

I think the biggest thing that in general in being more responsible for myself and being able to learn more about who I am and even more about who I want to be because I have the ability to change the people I am with and what I am doing in a new way. And overall, being able to make my own decisions and be forced almost to become more confident in myself and what I think and believe in. While also learning how to take in the new information I am given and see how it adjusts my views and beliefs.

 

I think my favorite memory from this past year would be what my year technically finished on, which was the camping trip to the Great Smokey Mountains. It was an incredible experience and a break from all of the schoolwork. I was able to push myself and hike more than I ever have, and it helped me disconnect from my phone and the outside world more. And it helped me reconnect from nature in a way in which I haven’t been able to for a while because of all the work I have had and from living in a city. And I think it was especially special because of the people I was with and the experience of the car trips and all the singing to seeing all of the amazing views. And in something like camping there is a common goal and a desire and need to work together that is really important.

 

At this point with everything going on, I most looking forward to seeing all of my friends again, because we had a sudden end and we are not able to see each other right now. But even beyond that I am looking forward to taking classes that are more specific to my major to help me see if my new major is a better fit and if it is something that I want. And they seem more interesting since I have gotten through most of my GE classes already. Also, living in a new place will be interesting and I think a good change and although living in Morrill was not as bad as expected I think living in another place with my friends will be really fun.

Personal Leadership Style

| patrick.377

I took the test two times, the first time I took the test I got 9 the negotiator and the second time I got 6 the loyalist. At first, I was wondering the differences/ what I thought I could have changed about my answers. Then I read an interesting section which talked about how under certain circumstances it can change, and specifically generally a 9 can turn into a 6 when stressed. Which makes sense because when I first took this test, I was less worried and was accomplishing what I want to. Focusing on type 6, I do agree that it is fairly accurate. Generally, I really value others’ opinions and I can have problems with some self-doubt in some circumstances. And I think that I am able capable at looking at possible problems and working to fix them. And to go with the loyalist, I think I am willing to work and do anything to help my friends and family or even my beliefs and defend them more than I would defend myself, which were both noted.

 

Based on the descriptions, some of the things that I should do to help improve my level of development to better and increase the time and energy I put towards things I believe in and would make me happier. Also, one of the flaws listed is not being able to believe in myself and follow my instincts and decisions. This, as I have seen, can be harmful because it stops me from doing things because I am worried if I am correct or if I am making the right decisions. Which can be crippling because sometimes I cannot make a decision because I am worried about the correct one and what the consequences would then be. I think in general, that being in college almost forces me to grow because I am more readily responsible for myself which will hopefully help increase my confidence in my decision making. I also think that as am taking more roles and helping more people and by putting myself in these situations I will be able to help myself become a better person to then help and be more effective to help impact others.

Columbus To Do List Part 2

| patrick.377

 

I really have enjoyed all of the experiences I have had this semester. But as an ice cream lover, I really enjoyed trying different ice creams than what I have at home, so going to Whit’s Frozen Custard. Even from looking at the list, there are so many different things to do in Columbus, especially if you are willing to try new things. I would be more interested to do some more exploring and see where the buses can take us. Also, I have noticed so many different food places, that I of course would like to try. I would recommend to first look at the COTA buses and try to see what places you can get to on the bus. I would also recommend going with a group of friends so you can try a bunch of new things and it’s always more fun to try new things with other people. 

 

A few Friday’s ago, a trip to the Columbus zoo was offered from Morrill Tower and a group of us went. This was at night for wild lights, which mean throughout the zoo is decorated with lights. It was a different experience getting to see the zoo at night and to get a different perspective of the zoo and the all of the lights were very pretty. Since it was November, it was dark pretty early so it was harder to see animals but still it was a nice experience to have. And there were some animals that were either inside or in an area with enough light to see. It was a nice experience to have with my friends and I enjoyed getting to walk outside. I would recommend this to a friend and I would recommended going as early as possible to you have a better chance of seeing more before it gets completely dark. I also went out for brunch with some of my friends a few weekends ago. We went to ZenCha Tea Salon, which primarily is a tea place and has a wide range of different teas but it also has brunch on the weekends.It was fun to go with a group of people because each of us ordered something different so we were able to try a variety of different teas. Personally, I need more sweetness in my tea and generally do not drink enough tea to buy a bunch of different teas. But this allowed us try new tea and then if we did not  like it we did not have a bunch that we did not want to drink and then would not know what to do with. And each tea came out in a unique pot and cups, which was really cool to see. I also really enjoyed the waffles I had. And everyone’s food looked so good. This place was a little more expensive so I would know that ahead of time but I would recommend this place to a friend. I also went to the North Market one weekend, which was interesting to see and try a bunch of different food. I learned about new food and it was fun wandering through and deciding what I wanted to eat. By far, I really enjoyed this pretzel I got. It was cinnamon sugar and I got this fresh vanilla frosting with it, and it was really amazing. I was also interesting that this giant old looking barn, had such a variety of different food. Overall, I would recommend this to a friend. 

 

Alumni Interview

| patrick.377

I interviewed Brittnee Halpin, who as an undergraduate majored in environmental engineering. While she was an undergraduate, she had two internships. The first was with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and the second was with a consulting firm that she later worked for after she finished her undergraduate. Brittnee talked about the pros and cons about working in a government setting to enforce regulations and almost being seen as the bad guy verses with the consulting firm she was working for people that wanted her to be there. She also minored in international studies and got to study abroad in Chile. Currently, she is at the Colorado School of Mines pursuing a doctorate in Civil and Environmental Engineering. She is also working as a graduate research assistant about stream restoration and stormwater treatment.

One of the things we talked about was the Women in Engineering program and how valuable she found this organization while she was at Ohio State. Because of the different programs they offer and the mentorship they provide. She talked about how she really appreciated and liked the workshops they did on resume and interviews as well as the social things they would do. I have heard about this organization, but I have not been super involved with it but after hearing this I feel like I should be more involved with this group. We also talked about how important it is to be yourself for interviews as well as with most things. And to also advocate for yourself and see your value. Also, Brittnee talked about her internship opportunities and how to take advantage of getting an internship as soon as you can. Because they will teach you on the job anything important and it will give you experience and help narrow down your interests. Like for her she learned that she wanted to focus on water and then later narrowed that to stormwater treatment and stream restoration. I think this was good advice because I am not sure exactly what I want to do with environmental engineering so an internship could help me narrow down what I want to do.

We also talked about some of the classes she took while at Ohio State and she said she really enjoyed a social psychology writing class she took and how it was helpful in her professional writing. Because all of the papers were a maximum of two pages which taught concise writing which is needed professionally. Because people want information conveyed as simply as they can especially if you are communicating with someone who does not understand or doesn’t need to understand all of the specific details. So since I need one more writing class I will consider taking something similar if not the same class to improve my conciseness in my writing.

Overall, I really enjoyed talking to Brittnee about her experiences and life and then asking her advice.

 

Artifacts

| patrick.377

[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 includes both a description of the artifact and a reflection on why it is important to you, what you learned, and what it means for your next steps.  For more guidance on using your ePortfolio, including questions and prompts that will help you get started, please visit the Honors & Scholars ePortfolio course in Carmen. To get answers to specific questions, please email eportfolio@osu.edu. Delete these instructions and add your own post.]

About Me

| patrick.377

Hi, I’m Allison Patrick and I am from Cleveland, Ohio. Currently I am an environmental engineering major on a pre-vet track. So I either hope to go to vet school and become a vet or become an engineer and help people while keeping the environment in mind. While at OSU I hope to learn more about what I’m passionate about but also to learn more about people. I have always been interested in the environment and outdoor adventures because of my family. We would go to the park and they would constantly try to teach me new things. I spent one summer working at a local Arboretum which helped open my eyes to the work that helps others see the beauty of nature. This past summer I went to Alaska with my family. I saw the most breathtaking scenery and saw animals in their natural habitat. I got to see glaciers, amazing mountains, bears, whales, bald eagles, sea otters, and seals. And while in Denali National Park we went on an amazing tour to see wildlife and learn history. While on the tour we were given a little snack pack, it was really interesting because everything in that box was recyclable. So for example, we were given a one use metal water bottle, which makes so much more sense than a plastic one that can’t be continuously recycled. And while I was in Alaska I was able to do new activities and see the beauty untouched nature can have. Through vacations, running, rock climbing, and hiking, I have enriched myself and discovered my desire to help nature and others. 

Year in Review

| patrick.377

[ “Year in Review”  is where you should reflect on the past year and show how you have evolved as a person and as a student.  You may want to focus on your growth in a particular area (as a leader, scholar, researcher, etc.) or you may want to talk about your overall experience over the past year.  For more guidance on using your ePortfolio, including questions and prompts that will help you get started, please visit the Honors & Scholars ePortfolio course in Carmen. To get answers to specific questions, please email eportfolio@osu.edu. Delete these instructions and add your own post.]

G.O.A.L.S.

| patrick.377

For this semester I chose to do the ice cream and desserts list. I have always had a sweet tooth and love ice cream so this seems perfect to try new places and find new places and desserts to love. I also hope to try new things with the new friends I have made because it is interesting to see everyone’s different tastes. I also hope to find new ice cream places here and find somewhere to get my sweet fix when I need it. So far I have gone to Whit’s Custard. I really enjoyed this experience, I got German Chocolate Cake custard which was the flavor of the week when we went. I really enjoy custard, and Whit’s reminded me of this local custard place back home. And I appreciate that they have a flavor of the week because the custard place back home, the flavor changes everyday, so you can miss a flavor that you really love if it isn’t convenient for you to go. I also thought it was interesting that they had vegan ice cream, and had a flavor of the week for that too. My roommates and I also appreciated that there were pints and quarts for sale, which we of course bought one. We bought the German Chocolate Cake, because it was really that good. They also had a bunch of different sundaes and mixtures that looked really good. And slushies that you could mix custard into that looked good too. And there were ice cream cookies in a bunch of flavors that I will need to try at some point. So overall, I really enjoyed this experience with my friends and would recommend this for other people to try.  

 

Career

| patrick.377

[“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 guidance on using your ePortfolio, including questions and prompts that will help you get started, please visit the Honors & Scholars ePortfolio course in Carmen. To get answers to specific questions, please email eportfolio@osu.edu. Delete these instructions and add your own post.]