Author: rotblatt.3

A Fork in the Road

“Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.”
– “The Road Not Taken”, Robert Frost

 

This year, I began pursuing my Arabic minor. Thus far, I absolutely love it. The language is engaging and unique; I find myself gaining a deeper appreciation for it every day. I’m hoping to spend this summer pursing an Arabic intensive in either Jordan or Morocco, to help further my progress and immerse me in the culture.

I find myself at an interesting crossroad when I truly think about studying Arabic or tell anyone about this facet of my education. Not only am I studying Arabic, when can be controversial within itself, but I identify as Jewish and am studying Arabic. The two seem to be diametrically opposed, perpetuated by the Palestinian/Israel conflict. I’m expected to hold certain beliefs that correspond with my religion or with my area of interest. However the reality is that I don’t fit either of these paths, I hold my own beliefs and don’t fit into either category. I am at a fork in the road, but am stuck in the middle. I cannot pursue either path due to barriers placed by those on the other side.

As a result, I have decided to forge my own path between the two forks. I refuse to be confined by what others believe and the labels placed on me. My path is narrow and treacherous and I will almost fall off it many times. I am certain that I will never regret this decision and hope to use my position as a Jew and Arabic student to shine new light on the political conflicts currently occurring. I refuse to let others tell me what to think or believe, and value my ability to see both sides.

Though I will be taken a road rarely traveled, and certainly not the easiest option, I have faith that this will “[make] all the difference.”

G.O.A.L.S.

I have found that much of what I am pursuing during my time at Ohio State falls into the Honor’s and Scholar’s G.O.A.L.S. infrastructure.

I hope to apply my future career to a more global scale, using the structure of policy and law to protect human rights in an inclusive setting around the world. While I am not necessarily involved in international causes directly through OSU, my major in International Relations & Diplomacy and sequential minors in Arabic, French, & Human Rights encourage my to analyze my interests from a global lens and with concern for the multitudes of cultures I might encounter. Further, I am hoping to study abroad both the summer following my second year and the second semester of my third year.

I am challenging myself academically through taking difficult classes focusing on a variety of topics, which challenge my ability to balance courses as well as increasing my knowledge about my specializations. I am studying a wide breadth of interests which will grant me a large knowledge base, further permitting me to broaden my interests following undergrad.

Mount Leadership Society is allowing me to focus on my leadership growth as well as my giving back to the community in which I live. Not only am I able to hold a leadership role within this scholars group, as a co-chair of Recruitment, Outreach and Welcoming, but I am also involved in a service project through which I encourage young adults to get involved in the political process.

All of these experiences have combined to give me the best experience possible at Ohio State, and allow me to make the most of the Honor’s and Scholar’s G.O.A.L.S.

 

Legacy Week

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This week marks the beginning of Legacy Week, a Mount Leadership Society program that encourages service and giving back to the community, focused on different areas of interest. I am lucky enough to be a captain for Team Abuse, and I couldn’t be more excited. There are so many possibilities for service that can be done in Columbus centered around abuse, and this is an area I am very passionate about. I work with amazing co-captains and a wonderful team, and I know that everyone is going to bring their A-games to truly make a difference in the community. Even though we haven’t really started yet, I know this will be a life-changing experience, and I’m excited to show everyone what I’ve got!

Sphinx Plaza

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http://sphinx.phanfare.com/5566537_6323815

 

Sphinx Plaza is hidden in a corner of the Oval, behind the looming shadow of Thompson Library. You can only truly see it if you know what you’re looking for; so many other people tend to walk past this alcove, but it has become a haven to me.

My sister was in the 106th class of Sphinx, a senior honorary dedicated to scholarship, leadership, and service. My sister is far and away one of my biggest role models, and as a preteen who couldn’t even fathom the concept of applying to college, I was inspired by her time in Sphinx. I made it my mission to eventually join the honorary, and make as much a difference at Ohio State as she did during her time as a student.

Sphinx is the shining beacon at the end of the tunnel, one of the many things I am working towards that motivates me to keep going when I only want to give up.

Not only does Sphinx motivate me, but it acts as a shelter for me, a way to escape when I am overwhelmed. More often than not, you can find me at Sphinx Plaza, doing homework or taking a break in between classes. It is one of my favorite places on campus, and sitting by the names of all the individuals who have been changed by being in the honorary inspires me.

“If they could do it, so can I.”

Who knows where I’ll be in four years, if I will still want to be in Sphinx 113 or if my priorities will change to better reflect who I will become. Regardless, I will be eternally grateful for the small respite that Sphinx Plaza provides me, how it both shelters me when I feel like giving up, and how it pushes me to be the best version of myself and make an impact on campus.

Career

Marcie Rotblatt Resume-1lyjmhx

 

Internship with Friends of Sherrod Brown: I have had the opportunity to intern on the Finance team of Friends of Sherrod Brown (FOSB), which works on the reelection campaign of Senator Sherrod Brown for the 2018 elections. I have primarily worked on reaching out to potential voters and donors, gathering donor data, and working on fundraising events. This role has allowed me to reach out to others about political efficacy and voting, as well as learning about working on a financial campaign in contrast to my previous work on the governmental and constituent side of a Senatorial office.

Internship with Senator Sherrod Brown: I worked for approximately seven months in the Columbus office of U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown. I focused primarily on constituent work, interacting with constituents who called into the office and aiding with requests for assistance. I was also in the office during a pivotal time in the political process and was able to interact with constituents seeking to become more involved in advocacy.

About Me

Marcie Rotblatt is a first-year Scholars student from Cleveland, Ohio. She is planning on graduating with a dual degree in Public Affairs and International Relations & Diplomacy, with minors in Arabic and Human Rights. She is planning on pursuing a career in International Law, with a focus on human rights, and hopes to attend law school after graduating. Marcie is involved in the Mount Leadership Society scholars program, as well as Camp Kesem and College Democrats. She hopes to become more involved on campus during her time at Ohio State through joining more extracurriculars and doing research. Marcie loves to travel, and hopes to take a semester abroad in her junior year. She can’t wait to make an impact at Ohio State!