I have changed so much this year. College has shaped me into a new young adult. This past summer I was still living at home and I had no idea what college or life as an adult really entailed. The amount of things I have learned this year at college is endless. I honestly thought I would have so much time on my hands because I wasn’t working or playing any sports. However, between Health Science Scholars, volunteering at the James, a hard school schedule, and everything else college throws at you, I had barley enough time to breath. I never pulled an all nighter until this year. I also learned to really appreciate caffeine. I am very appreciative for Health Science Scholars. It has brought me some of my closest friends. I am living with a bunch of Health Science scholars next year. I did however, expect more medical exposure. Although I enjoyed all the information about public health, I would have liked more information on other topics.  I also would love to go on a retreat like other scholar’s programs. I hope next year I can narrow down my interests and be dedicated to things that I most enjoy. I want to take on the step program as well as go on another Buckiserv trip. I also want to pursue experiences within disability studies. Lastly, I hope that our new coordinator will bring new things to the table. Someone with a science background will be a good addition to the Health Science Scholars Program.

During the second semester of my first year here at Ohio State, I was introduced to Recreation Unlimited, a camp for people with various physical and mental disabilities. My RA has worked there for about five years, and one weekend he suggested that I come with him and volunteer. I did not have much experience working with special needs so I did not know what to expect. By the second day at camp I fell in love. After the weekend was over, I did not want to leave. I was hooked and I volunteered another weekend. After my second weekend there they offered me a job as a camp counselor for this summer. I just finished my training and now I am a camp counselor at Recreation Unlimited. It is awesome because I am able to provide personal care and see the medical side of many of these disabilities as well as form personal bonds with many of my campers. This experience has significantly changed my life. I have met so many incredible people and I have found a new love. I want to continue working with people with disabilities. Working here has also inspired me to take sign language for my foreign language credit because we use baby sign with a lot of the campers to communicate. I am also interested in the Nisonger Center at Ohio State. The Nisonger Center is an autism center. Hopefully I can volunteer or do some research there. Recreation Unlimited has showed me a new a new passion.