Spotlight

Sindhu V. Graduate Spotlight

Sindhu V. of Dublin, OH is graduating with her degree in Human Development and Family Sciences with an At Risk Youth Specialization. Some of her favorite hobbies include singing, painting, and curling up with a good book. One of Sindhu’s favorite experiences at Ohio State was attending Scarlet Gray and Sober Tailgates. The CRC drop in center and the art spot are her two favorite places on campus. These two places create a safe space for her to go to for when she had a stressful day. After graduation, Sindhu plans to start work as an ABA therapist she hopes to increase her case load until she leaves for her OTA program. Sindhu says the Collegiate Recovery Community has helped her in many ways! Besides helping her stay on track, it has provided her some of her closest friends and fondest college experiences.

Jesse P. Graduate Spotlight

Jesse P. of Ann Arbor, MI is graduating with his degree in Logistics Management. Some of his favorite hobbies include fishing, weight lifting, running, swimming, and shooting guns (*pew pew*). Some of Jesse’s favorite experiences at Ohio State include going to the OSU-Penn State game, getting good grades, being close to his mom, and CRC meetings. Jesse told us his favorite place on campus is Lincoln Tower because it is very quiet and convenient to study. After graduation Jesse looks to start a career in logistics or supply chain management. When asked about how the CRC enhanced his experience he told us “I feel that I have a support group and it has made me feel not alone.”

Grace R. Graduate Spotlight

Grace R. of Hilliard, Ohio is graduating with a degree in Social Work. Some of her favorite hobbies include Hiking, horseback riding, and playing with my dog Clue. Some of her favorite experiences at The Ohio State University include being positively influenced by professors and fellow student’s passion. Her favorite place on campus is The CRC “It is a place where I am surrounded by individuals that I relate to and can be authentically me.” After graduation Grace plans on continuing her education through earning a Masters degree in Social Work. Through being involved with the CRC Grace says she has gained a greater since of belonging and connection to campus. “Having support for my education and long-term recovery by a program of people who are eager to celebrate with me when I succeed and to assist me in my times of need is invaluable and I am forever grateful.”

Beth T. Graduate Spotlight

Beth T of Virginia Beach, Virginia is graduating from Ohio State with a degree in Social Work. She is excited to be saving one person at a time with a Minor in Substance Misuse and Addiction. Some of her favorite hobbies include crocheting, binging on Netflix, and taking care of other people’s doggies. Some of Beth’s favorite experiences at the university are with the CRC and the sense of community we have together. She also thoroughly enjoyed going to football games, her experience at the College of Social Work, and being a part of The Ohio State University in general. Her favorite place on campus was the Collegiate Recovery Community drop-in center inside Lincoln Tower’s 12th floor. It is her safe place on campus along with the Horseshoe! Her future plans after graduation include working at Franklin County Children Services as a case worker for a year and then go back for her masters in social work with a MPA minor! This community has enhanced her collegiate experience by “helping me feel a part of, like I belong here. I am someone at OSU!”

Melinda Benson Ally Spotlight

Melinda Benson 
is a Clery Act Program Coordinator and is a very proud Texan from Southlake, Texas. She loves her job at The Ohio State University, and works “with the greatest colleagues in the office of University Compliance and Integrity.” She played the piano for over twenty years, and says it is still one of my favorite things to do. She also enjoys doing Kickboxing and Zumba to stay fit and for the endorphin’s! “I love trying new things, and repeating the best things, with my husband Greg, my dog Mandy, or my best friends! And in my solitary moments, I adore a good cup of coffee and a library book.”
When asked why she was a recovery ally, she told us how someone in recovery had influenced her. “I met an inspiring student who was in recovery at my last institution, and through my relationship with him I learned a lot about recovery and recovery support systems, and how they interact with a students’ experience. I believe that we all need cheerleaders in our lives!”
Melinda’s support for recovery extends beyond just supporting people in recovery; she is also an avid proponent for Collegiate Recovery Communities. “The CRC provides a powerful social network and community that facilitates its students’ support of each other, to authentically live their values.” Her genuine concern for people in recovery on college campuses can be infectious, and her love for collegiate recovery continues to remind us why we do this. “After being in the University environment for over a decade, at five different institutions during that time, and in roles as a student, a graduate student, and now a professional, I have seen the powerful effect that social networks and community have on a student’s choices. We act primarily based on our own values, but we also act based on what we perceive to be the values of those with whom we have our strongest relationships. If students are surrounded by people who are committed to the same values, they are much more likely to achieve their goals!”

Alex K. Student Spotlight

Alexander Kiseloff of Columbus is a senior at the Ohio State College of Social Work interested in working in the field of substance misuse. He loves traveling, meeting new people and dogs. His passion is helping others overcome addiction. Alex’s favorite place on campus is Union Hall and has most enjoyed his biology courses. His most memorable moment as a Buckeye was the CRC Trip to Washington D.C for Unite to Face Addiction.

His journey of substance misuse began at 19. “I have struggled with addiction for many years. I was an IV drug user for approximately ten years. Multiple failed treatment attempts and 3 years in jail were the results of my using. I finally found the solution in a 12-step program and stopped using all mind-altering substances. The support I found in my 12-step program, my family, CRC and sober housing have been instrumental in my recovery.” To Alex, life in long-term recovery means life without the use of drugs. “…but it also means to be a good son, friend and productive member of society. It means to have integrity and help others. It means not using no matter what happens in your life.”

Alex spoke very highly of the CRC. “It has given me support I needed as a student who is also in recovery. It is a place that I can go and talk about my challenges in school but also a place where I can share my experience in recovery with other students.” his words of advice to anyone working towards recovery, “I have failed many times to quit drugs. It is something that is difficult to do. For me, it was the hardest thing I have ever done, but it is so worth it. I just kept on trying, no matter how many times I have failed. Trust the process and you’ll succeed.”

Michael O. Student Spotlight

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Michael O. is a fourth year Ohio State University student majoring in biology. He loves the outdoors, to go hiking and camping whenever he can, and to snowboard in the winter.  He is also a musician, who’s been playing violin for 17 years. His most memorable moment as a buckeye was when we won the national championship in football and his chemistry class was cancelled the next day.

Michael, a Columbus native began his journey with substance abuse at 14. “I’d steal beer from my parents’ garage and drink it when I got home from school.  At the time I didn’t think it was a big deal, and it wasn’t until I was around 17 that things started to get bad for me.  Whenever I’d go to parties with friends I would binge-drink until I got blackout drunk.  It was the only way I knew how to have fun.  In college I got into drugs, and went from an honors student to academic probation.  I started isolating when I realized people knew I had a problem.  I lost a lot of friends over the next few years, and was in really bad shape mentally and physically.  I tried getting sober on my own several times, but I honestly didn’t know how to be okay without drugs or alcohol.  I was introduced to a program of recovery that showed me change was actually possible, and that gave me a lot of hope.  I learned that real recovery took real work, and that I had to take action every day in order to stay sober and be happy.”

In June of 2015 Michael was offered the chance to go to a 6 month treatment program in Arizona, and that’s where things started to turn around for him. People who understand what he’s dealing with and who can call me out when he starts to lose focus. To him, long term recovery means being able to decide for himself the kind of life he wants to live Michael’s words of advice towards anyone working towards recovery “action was my best friend, and to have faith in the process.  It’s okay to have doubts and to ask questions, but what ultimately matters is what you do.  It’ll be worth it.”