Global Awareness:
To work towards the goal of Global Awareness, I plan to choose course work that expands my knowledge of global issues and diversity. For many of my general education requirements, I have chosen courses that address international issues. I am planning to take courses in anthropology and international studies which will expand my knowledge of the world. Similarly, I plan to pursue a history minor to learn more about global history. The courses I have chosen for this minor focus on history from places outside of the United States. By learning about the history of other places, I will expand my global awareness.
Original Inquiry:
To work towards the goal of Original Inquiry, I plan to pursue undergraduate research. Since I am a physics major and I currently plan to attend graduate school, undergraduate research is incredibly important for my future. I am most interested in research in condensed matter physics, and I am currently attempting to find a position in a condensed matter lab. I also have a considerable amount of extra time for my senior year, which I plan to use to complete an undergraduate thesis. By performing undergraduate research and completing a thesis, I will be heavily involved in original inquiry.
Academic Enrichment:
For my academic program, I plan to pursue a major in physics and a minor in history. I chose to be a physics major because I want to become a scientist and do research as a career. I find physics to be one of the most interesting and versatile branches of science, which is why I chose it. Since I already have a large amount of college credit from two years of dual enrollment, I am planning to take graduate level physics courses which go beyond the requirements for a physics degree. I also plan to use the extra time I have to get a history minor, since history is another subject that I enjoy. In addition to upper level physics and history courses, I am also planning to take some materials science electives, since I am considering doing materials based research for graduate school. Based on my current academic plan, I should complete more that 60 hours of upper level course work, well beyond the minimum required amount, for my academic enrichment.
Leadership Development:
I am currently a member of the Ohio State Community Garden Club, a recently formed student organization. I plan to stay involved in this club for all of my time at Ohio State. In addition to being an involved and active member of the club, I am taking on leadership roles within the club. I am using my knowledge of woodworking to plan, acquire materials for, and lead the building of the structures needed by the club. Structures like raised beds and rainwater catchment are vital to the success of the club’s garden, and I am utilizing my skills and knowledge to lead the creation of these structures. In the future, I plan to run for an official club leadership position, and hopefully become a skilled leader.
Service Engagement:
The Community Garden Club that I already wrote about is dedicated to helping the Columbus community. We are leasing a vacant lot from the City of Columbus in a low-income area to start a community garden. Our lot is located next to a K-8 school, which has agreed to work with us to provide the students with hands on learning experience and free produce. Neighbors in the area have expressed excitement about the garden, and we hope to use the garden as a way to build community and educate people about health, self-sufficiency, and environmental protection. By being an active member of the community garden club, I will be able to help reduce food insecurity in Columbus through my volunteer work.