About Me

My name is Ben Plzak and I am a first year student at The Ohio State University. Here at the University, I am in pursuit of a degree in the Data Analytics field, with a specialization in business to hopefully apply my skills in retail analysis. Throughout my first year at Ohio State, I have been exposed to a wide variety of organizations and people that have allowed me to grow significantly.

On campus, there is a multitude of organizations to become affiliated with for professional development guidance. As a part of the Business Scholars organization, I am able to fully develop the professional skills needed to become a sucessful worker. Through Business Scholars professional development learning objectives, I have been exposed to interview practice, networking events, and other professional activities such as professional emails and LinkedIn. In addition to Business Scholars, I am a member of the sophomore honorary organization Romophos, an organization dedicated to service, professional development, and most importantly support for the academic challenges of college. For my major, I have joined the Big Data Analytics Association, or BDAA, to attend workshops and network with like-minded individuals in my major and alumni in the field of work.

For my personal enjoyment, I am involved with two organizations that are tailored to my own likes that are both fun and rewarding. As a member of the club lacrosse team, I continue my passion for athletics by playing a sport I grew up with. The club lacrosse team allows me to maintain my physical fitness while enjoying the sport that I love. In addition, I am a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, an organization founded on the pillars of virtue, diligence, and brotherly love. Within SigEp, we hold ourselves to the standard of the Balanced Man Program. Essentially, this program requires each member to maintain a Sound Mind, Sound Body, and Sound Soul through phsyical fitness tests, academic requirements and mentors, and spiritual growth programs that allow each member to balance their life while in the college setting.

On a personal level, I have a wide variety of likes and dislikes. Originally from Columbus, Ohio, I went to St. Francis  Desales High School where I was involved in numerous clubs and organizations. I love to watch and play sports with my friends often and I also thoroughly enjoy the world of technology and being up to date on the new technological product releases. I am an avid music listener who loves country music, especially the Zac Brown Band. My favorite food is any dish from an authentic hispanic resturant and I am always ambitious to experience new cultures and always eager to learn new ideas and information from any source, allowing me to continually grow as an individual.

 

Artifacts

Within my first year at The Ohio University, I was submerged into a world of diversity and multiple cultures that differ from the American suburb I am accustomed too. Curious to cultural celebrations and practices, I began by asking my roommate Saurav Kolli to describe his experiences living in another country and his own religious beliefs. Although humans are able to relate with one another based on common similarities, I had never felt able to truly connect with one of my closest friends on the deeper level of being able to fully understand the value of cultural practices. As a result, Saurav decided that the best way to fully understand a culture is for me to live it. During the fall, Saurav invited me to the Indian Students Association’s celebration of the Diwali Light Festival. The festival of lights was truly spectacular, allowing me to fully submerge myself in the Hindu practices and explore the religious representation in certain prayers, foods, and activities. Here, I was able to participate in the puja prayer, taste the delicacies associated with the festival, and light fireworks to celebrate. An unforgettable night that not only allowed me to bond closer with my best friend, but to also grow my love for  The Ohio State University and the Business Scholars Program for pairing me up with my best friend.