Year in Review

Year One:

When I first moved into the Ohio State University in August, I was a bit anxious yet incredibly excited to be in a new place with an abundance of new people and opportunities. I was hesitant at first to live with three complete strangers, as I am a very clean and organized person. I was convinced that I was going to die if I had messy roommates! Lucky for me though, all of my roommates were extremely kind and neat!

One of the greatest challenges for college freshmen is adjusting to the new style of learning and class flexibility. I took several AP courses during my high school career, so learning on my own was nothing new. However, I did struggle a bit with the pressure of having so few assignments that are worth so many points. Although these types of tasks used to seem daunting, I have now learned that preparation is key. When these anxious thoughts come, I remind myself of how much I have prepared and that I am capable of achieving a great score.

As for my social life, I have been extremely fortunate to find so many wonderful people around campus. I have become great friends with my roommates as well as other people from my classes. I have also grown much closer to a few people from my high school who have decided to continue their studies at Ohio State as well.

The spring semester of my freshman year was certainly turned upside down due to COVID-19. With only a week to prepare, all of my classes were turned to a completely online format. While I initially struggled with this format, I soon got used to it. However, I certainly prefer in-person classes!

If this year is at all indicative of what is to come in my four years at Ohio State, then I am extremely optimistic about the future. As I further my professional and personal goals, I am beyond grateful to have to opportunity to do it as a student here, at The Ohio State University.

Year Two:

With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to plague the world, I was a bit disappointed but ultimately understanding of yet another online semester in the fall of 2020. In order to maintain some semblance of “normal” life, I moved into an apartment near Ohio State’s campus with one of my best friends, Abby, and this ended up being one of the best decisions I have ever made. Although we spent several of our days inside and on our laptops, there was never a dull moment. I will always cherish the memories that we made in our little plant-filled apartment.

Despite the positive start to the autumn semester, everything was turned upside-down when my grandmother suddenly passed in the beginning of October. My grandmother and I were extremely close as I lived with her throughout the latter half of junior high and all of high school. She was truly the kindest, most generous person I knew, and her passing made it extremely difficult for me to keep up with my heavy course load. I was ultimately able to push through and finish the semester, undoubtedly with my grandmother’s divine intervention.

After a much needed winter break, I was excited to start fresh in the beginning of 2021. While I was unfortunately all online again during the spring, I was determined to make the most of the experience and to continually remind myself of how fortunate I am to have access to such an incredible education. In order to get a break from the screen, I began practicing Muay Thai with a personal trainer as well as regular yoga and meditation. Both have proved to be great outlets for stress and pent-up anxiety.

Towards the latter half of the semester, I was lucky enough to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. With the end of the pandemic on the horizon, I am looking forward to transitioning back to a more normal college experience next year and getting more involved in the community. I am in the works of obtaining an internship in a Neuroscience research lab this summer/next school year as well as taking a few summer classes to get ahead. I am beyond grateful for all of my incredible family, friends, advisors and professors for their patience and understanding throughout this year. I could not have done it without them!