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.
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.
Accompanying the TOPS program, this semester I continued to be a secretary in the club entitled Bucks for TOPS, whose main goal is to raise awareness about disability inclusion and also to raise funds for the TOPS program’s scholarships. This club was built this year, allowing my leadership capabilities to grow. The nitty-gritty content of creating a club was mostly what myself and the executive board members did the first semester of this year, such as creating a constitution and brainstorming for member recruitment and for potential ideas for the first fundraiser. The second semester included a lot of deeper planning for the 5K race in the spring. My job specifically involved being in charge of social media, which is key to raising the money for the fundraiser. It taught me a ton about building a club from nothing and how to properly put on a successful fundraiser, especially coming from a first year club.
Service Engagement: Honors & Scholars students commit to service to the community.
This past semester, I engaged in two service opportunities that continued to allow me to build my networks within the Ohio State community. First, I remained a volunteer with the TOPS program, serving again as a tutor for the students. However, this semester, I often found myself in situations where I had to conflict manage with students who sometimes behaved aggressively. This allowed my communication and problem-solving skills to grow, as I learned how to approach certain situations. Being a tutor again helped me to work on time management skills by helping the students find the necessary tasks to complete first. Overall, this service experience continues to expand upon my assets working with a population that has intellectual or developmental disabilities, which also further helps me in my future career goals.
The other service opportunity I participated in was a Semester of Service through the Honors & Scholars house. Specifically, I worked with the OSU Suicide Presentation Program, helping to compile a list of people that the program could give to students who requested religious or spiritual support. This experience allowed me to reach out in the community to organizations I normally would not have.