Coming to a gigantic university such as OSU always seemed so daunting to me. Being part of 50,000+ students, and knowing not a single one, made me nervous and second-guess my choice to choose a big college. Luckily the world that is OSU got a lot smaller, and I found a community in ENR Scholars. The highlight of joining this community of explorers, do-gooders, and world-changers was meeting people who inspired me every day to set goals and strive to reach them. Two years have now passed as an ENR scholar, and the friends, the inspirations, I met the first day as a scholar are now my best friends, my future roommates, my future pen pals, adventure partners and maybe even bridesmaids. The ENR scholars community has brought people to me who constantly push me to see new perspectives, set new limits, push new boundaries, and accomplish new dreams.
Although this program is about enjoying nature, it is also about growing – as a community member, a friend, an adventurer, a person. The first two years of college pushes students to grow tremendously, and through growth lessons are learned and skills are gained. One of the biggest things gained as a result of ENR was confidence in myself. Whether it is outdoor skills, or meeting new people, I’ve learned that it is important to take risks in life. It is important to put yourself out there, and it is important to grow some subsequent approval or rejection.
One of the greatest things about ENR scholars was the diversity of people. I’ve never met so many vegetarians, vegans, compost-lovers, sustainable clothing shoppers, and zero-waste tacklers. It has been a huge inspiration to watch these people dedicate parts of their lives to being environmentally-friendly and world-friendly. Although I wish I could adopt all these practices, I know that these lofty goals may not all be attainable at this moment in my life. I’ve been more conscious about my waste and have begun to utilize reusable bags, bottles and mugs, and silverware to reduce my use of plastic. Next year, while living off campus, I am going to try to make the transition from vegetarian to vegan, something I haven’t done on campus because of food and cooking restrictions. I will also try to shop local produce and products to become more aware of where my food is sourced.
A program like ENR is what you make of it. Getting the most out of it means doing the most with it. Becoming part of the community means extending your hand to everyone, getting involved, and growing through experiences. Make friends and bond over your love for national parks, climbing, recycling, tofu, reusable straws, piles of compost, urban gardens, and whatever else you love. ENR scholars is a place where you can geek out about your passions and put that energy into changing yourself, your community, and your world.
ENR Scholars second years at Hocking Hills
Enjoying a hayride at Stratford Ecological Center for Maple Syrup Days
Channeling our inner Bob Ross for a relaxing painting session
Heroines of the Olentangy River