Freshmen year has been an experience; this time I have spent at college has taught me a lot about myself. Negative experiences I had definitely were with academics, as for once, I was into a whole new and larger perspective about grading. I am no longer similar to how I was in high school, with perfect grades, which has been a troubling thought to accept; however, I believe though it has caused me many problems, it has also made me grow in many ways. I know now that I do not have to be perfect all the time, that sometimes doing the best that is possible is sometimes all you can do, and receiving a bad grade doesn’t determine who you are and your worth. This year in academics, I feel like, has prepared me for the future and a common idea: failure is evident in college, but it can either destroy you or make you stronger. Though many times I feel slightly broken by this attribute, I know it will lead me to becoming a better professional one day, as failure builds character and allows perfection to be an absent idea, which can allow mistakes to happen and for it to be okay. There has been a few positive academic experiences, with my love for Spanish at its prime, and my need to minor in it stronger than ever. On the other end of the spectrum, I believe my need to serve my community has been greatly utilized this year, as I became involved in multiple service organizations. These sites have taught me much about myself, and my abilities to keep a busy schedule and meet new people I never would have before. I am thankful and proud of myself for putting myself out there to join these organizations and make the best of my time at college. This summer and next year, I believe, will be all about growing and becoming ready for the trivial pursuits of sophomore year. I know that as long as I remain grounded and focused, this next year will have much more positives aspects, and success will happen with this perseverance.
Month: May 2018
G.O.A.L.S.
Global Awareness: Students cultivate and develop their appreciation for diversity and each individual’s unique differences. For example, consider course work, study abroad, involvement in cultural organizations or activities, etc .
Original Inquiry: Honors & Scholars students understand the research process by engaging in experiences ranging from in-class scholarly endeavors to creative inquiry projects to independent experiences with top researchers across campus and in the global community. For example, consider research, creative productions or performances, advanced course work, etc.
Academic Enrichment: Honors & Scholars students pursue academic excellence through rigorous curricular experiences beyond the university norm both in and out of the classroom.
This semester I had the opportunity to interview my peer mentor and ask her questions about my future at Ohio State. Our main conversation revolved around her experience in Organic Chemistry, and the advice she recommends following. The ups of her situation, which is taking Organic Chemistry 1 laboratory and Organic Chemistry 2 lecture, involved knowing past information from the Organic Chemistry lecture to utilize in laboratory. However, the clear downside is having another semester of laboratory to take, while her peers may be done. She recommended finishing it as soon as possible, in order to not have to worry about taking it. I was really struggling with what choice to make at this time, as there at first, were no openings for the laboratory, but then some opening did happen, but at rather bad times. I wasn’t sure whether or not to wait, and take a class I really wanted to, or just have the class completed; I decided to just finish it and save classes I enjoyed for later. Advice was also given about the Spanish minor and how to precede, which helped a lot with my process of knowing what to do to achieve this minor.
Leadership Development: Honors & Scholars students develop leadership skills that can be demonstrated in the classroom, in the community, in their co-curricular activities, and in their future roles in society.
Service Engagement: Honors & Scholars students commit to service to the community.
I had the amazing opportunity to be exposed to multiple service organizations this semester, such as the TOPs program at OSU, Semester of Service, and Your Night Out. I became involved in the TOPs program through my interest of working with people who have disabilities, and the fulfilling experiences I have had in similar volunteering experiences in the past. The TOPs program was a twice weekly, three hours total a week, experience where I had the opportunity to serve as a educational coach for a student with a disability. My tasks included uploading updates about her schedule and homework for the class as needed, and just serving as a general support system if she needed it. I enjoyed my time with her greatly, and actually learned how interesting a Introduction to Jazz class can be, which helped me connect to the OSU community. In the Semester of Service opportunity, I volunteered at a local food pantry, Neighborhood Services, an service site I was not as familiar with. My tasks here were to assist neighbors with their grocery shopping, and also clean and stock the pantry as needed. Lastly, with Your Night Out, I babysat a group of children, all under ten years old and one that had Down syndrome. This organization allows the parents to have night to themselves, while their children will be taken care of. Again, my interest stemmed my passion of working with people who have disabilities. Next semester, I intend to keep participating in all of these service sites, and actually am hoping to work two sites for Semester of Service if possible, one at the same food pantry and the other possibly working with the youth. Overall, these service engagements have allowed me to become more involved in the OSU community, and build unifying connections and relationships; I can’t wait to see what next year becomes for me!