An End and New Beginning

I can’t believe it’s here already. While I may be graduating, my time as a Buckeye will never end as I join an amazing alumni network. I made this site [Sway] to share with close friends and family summarizing my OSU journey and answering all the big questions as we cannot hold a party to celebrate in person. Thank you to all those who have supported me along the way, I will be eternally grateful. 

Digital Art: Project 4

Dashing Dualism

Nearly 400 years have passed since Descartes first reasoned that all things must be either made of the physical or the mental. Since these were two distinct substances, this philosophy simplified into mind-body separation. Despite overwhelming contrary evidence from a broad range of scientific fields, Cartesian dualism persists. The notion appears time and again in our culture and politics. Humans are predisposed to categorize, and dualism poses a convenient system by which to do so. For instance, even today physical and mental health are viewed as separate systems though this notion could not be more wrong.

Like Descartes we can continue to guess at what substance thought is made of, but modern scientists do know the medium through which it is conducted. Our brain – and that which resides within it – is physical, measurable, and in conversation with all other bodily organs. The brain is not isolated; electrical signals, chemicals, cells, and nutrients are constantly coming and going. Shared are the substances of the body and mind. An example to bring this all together relates to our Ohio opioid crisis.

Chronic stress – be it from health, caregiving, poverty, discrimination, or other the challenges of a modern life – increases cytokine circulation. Cytokines, part of the immune system, are directly correlated to depression. One thing depression is known for is a lack of pleasure. This is not only experienced mentally; depressed states can decrease the number of dopamine 2 receptors. Dopamine, often called the “feel-good” neurotransmitter, is tied to pleasure (and as we’ll later see, addiction). In turn, studies have found changes in D2 receptors to be a risk factor for substance use. Paired with stress, this use can turn into addiction, which also has distinct physical correlates.

It is impossible to talk about opioids, which target this dopamine pathway, without recognizing the intricate interplay between physical, psychological, and sociological factors. My piece is designed to highlight this connectivity through imagery. As a flower cannot survive without its stem, the brain cannot be separated from the body. I chose the poppy for its relationship to opioids. My figure is represented in a goddess like fashion, atop her pedestal, adorned by solar flares and with a glowing heart to honor those who were lost. They are beautiful souls no more corrupt than you or I. Having lost one such this year, I sought to create an image that is glowing and inviting, both hopeful and as cloying as relief. The peace is dashed by tendrils snaking around the figure, bones hidden in the roots, and rolling storm clouds.

Thankful Reflections

There’s a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. While sitting at home with family around the fire, I had the chance to reflect upon the great memories I’ve made during my time as an undergrad. I’m so glad that I took every wild chance and adventure that came my way while I could. In writing my responses for the Honors & Scholars student spotlight [link] I felt so much pride in the variety of areas Columbus exposed me to. Filling out all these graduation surveys and reflections has helped me practice gratitude amid a senior year that’s looked anything but what I’d anticipated. COVID-19 has impacted my plans, but the Career Accelerator Fund helped more than I could’ve imagined in providing stability. Here too I was able to share my story so to help the next generation of students similarly pursue their goals.

Time Spent Home

What do I do for fun? Walk my cat!

In all seriousness, I had a really nice, restorative weekend at home. When I went off to college I was determined to stay active in my brother’s life. This weekend I supported him in his faith and musical journey.

A Moment Of Magic

It’s hard to believe this photo was taken nearly 3 years ago today. (Yes, princesses eat hotdogs too, but only after the event has ended.) It all began freshman year when a girl in my hallway said, “hey I’m going to a club meeting, wanna come with?” I asked what it was and she said A Moment of Magic, to which I replied, “I don’t know anything about magic, but sure.” I still laugh at this interaction. This student organization isn’t about card tricks; they create a magical atmosphere where children with medical conditions aren’t defined by them.

Bringing some added joy to the kids who believe their icons have just visited them, this group seeks to spark happiness. However, what goes on beyond the costumes, wigs, and makeup is hours of training so that both characters and supportive staff (like myself as a ‘magic maker’ and photographer) are prepared to answer tough questions, interact with families in a sensitive manor, and give event support. I was a part of getting the new OSU chapter of AMOM off the ground for my first two years of college. After this experience, I went on to participate in BuckeyeThon so to fundraise. As a psychology major, I believe in the power of psychosocial services. Positive emotions can facilitate the healing process on so many levels.

https://www.amomentofmagic.org/

OSU Bucket List

As a freshman, I made it my personal mission to explore campus. New to OSU, I was still making friends and quickly learned sometimes I’d just have to be comfortable making plans with myself. Thus, between classes to clear my mind I’d visit every cool spot, museum, hidden gem, garden, gallery, and art piece I could find. Having ventured into most academic building at least once, I discovered a lot of interesting views and study spaces I’d never heard about before.

It is now my senior year, and I had just a few more items to cross off my list. So, on a fall day that was just too beautiful to be inside, I met my goal!

Virtual Event Engagement

One benefit to the increased use of virtual mediums is that a wider range of events and hosts are available to meet with and learn from. I’ve been taking advantage of such opportunities by attending a wide range of sessions from those designed to learn more about a company or personal branding to a conference on neuroimaging by NINDS. You never know what special moments may arise when you take the time to enter new circles.

For example, at a casual chat with an alumni working at Syneos Health today, I was challenged to think of what the experience I give others is (my brand). Just then, a higher-up at my former job answered, “engaged!” He told of how I was present, listening, and participating at many Career Success events and always looking to self-improve. In the midst of a stressful week, this gave me the inspiration I needed to hear. Self-doubt can be our own worst enemy, and while being humble is important, this simple reminder that I am still trying lifted my perspective.

My Mentor

When I signed up for the Match 100 program, which matches OSU alumni volunteers with student applicants (two years ago!) I had high hopes, but wouldn’t have expected my pairing to be so fruitful. I participated in this program for the duration of my junior year, and while my assigned mentor may not have appeared compatible on paper, she has been a blessing in my life.

My mentor earned her PhD in chemistry from Ohio State. I am a psychology student, also interested in research, but in a very different field. I wondered, how will this work? It turns out, the type of mentorship I needed was not industry insights but career navigation and confidence building. She was just the woman for the job. Together, we found joint interests and topics, and have since continued to meet up once a month.

While I thank her often, to express my gratitude at the official end of the program, I mailed her a letter and art piece (dog and plant themed of course). She was so touched she wrote back about how I changed her perspective of the program (her previous mentee wasn’t as engaged). I really do think I’ve made a lifelong friend. (Pics from our latest impromptu visit at the Chadwick Arboretum.)

Follow up: Over the summer I was contacted by the head of the Match 100 program to see if I would be willing to be a part of an informal video interview to share my experience and give tips for success to this year’s group of mentees! It was really nice to give back and I think when I become established in my career I will sign up to be a mentor myself.

ASC National Career Trek: Washington, D.C.

I was looking forward to visiting all the acronyms- NIH, NINDS, NIMH, DEA, IDA, etc.- but news of the COVID-19 pandemic escalated and our trip was ended before it even began for our safety. However, that was after our plane had already touched down! In that time I had visited a few museums and friends, making it the best 36 hour trip ever (and thankfully nobody from our group got sick). The following week I did my best to salvage the trip by reaching out to the contacts I had been given to conduct informational interviews.

Working from Home

Zoom Meetings

With the switch to the rest of the Spring 2020 semester being online, my Humanities Leadership Council and lab meetings moved to the streaming platform Zoom. While not being able to converse in person was at first a bit isolating, we soon adapted, determined to support the rest of our scholars group or lab functions. We planned events such as Netflix watch parties for relevant documentaries, linked virtual museum tours, and engaged more on social media platforms. It is now July but this format has continued to persist. I have done my best to apply the psychological principles I have learned to keep my days structured and mind and body healthy. I feel blessed to have been able to continue working when so many have lost jobs.