Global awareness is the understanding and appreciation of diversity. As of now, I plan on achieving global awareness by continuing to study Arabic as a foreign language and hoping to study abroad in the future. A month ago, Arabic was a completely foreign language to me in which I had no previous knowledge of. By taking the class, I have not only learned the basics of the language, but I have also been educated about the culture of different Arab countries. By continuing this coursework, I will learn about a culture different from my own, allowing me to diversify my knowledge of the world. Additionally, I hope to study abroad in an area I have never visited while completing coursework related to my major. Fortunately, Ohio State offers many biology related study abroad programs and several different colleges, including King’s College or Arcadia University. Furthermore, many of the programs are specific to my major, including doing molecular biology research. Not only does this allow me to immerse myself in another culture, but it helps fulfill any course requirements; therefore allowing me to gain global awareness.
As a microbiology major, most of the students in my field tend to immerse themselves in research; therefore, in order to further myself through inquiry, I intend to find a lab assistant position at the university as well. There is no doubt that there are several researchers on campus who would like to have undergraduate help. It is my job; however, to research about any projects I find interesting and take action to try and get a role in the research. Additionally, by being involved in Microbiology club, I have already been given a list of available lab positions; therefore, in the next few weeks I plan on sending in my resume so that I can have a lab position by my second year and learn about the research process.
As a first year student, many of the courses I am taking this semester are GE courses; however, once these are completed I plan to take courses that apply to my Microbiology major. I chose this major because I find it interesting the way tiny microbes can work to have a big impact on the world. This goes hand in hand with the public health major since many of the worlds epidemics are caused by tiny microbes. For this reason, I have an interest in double majoring in public health. Many of the GE courses I will be taking will provide a backbone for the more detailed major related courses. Additionally, classes like Folklore are there to expand my knowledge on different topics and the fact that this is an honors course allows me to push myself through my coursework.
Being a leader means guiding others during different situations. By involving myself in several different clubs, I have the chance to be a leader and attempt to help others in specific events. For example, as one of the photographers in the Scarlet Magazine, I can guide the other members on what type of look we are going for during a photoshoot. Furthermore, once I become a junior or senior, I have a chance to guide other Microbiology majors in the Microbiology club. There is no doubt that being a leader is a critical skill in the medical field.
Community service is something I have always involved myself in and will continue to do so through my college career. I will continue to volunteer at the Riverside Methodist hospital because it not only allows me to experience the hospital, but also gives me a chance to bond with both patients and other volunteers who have goals similar to mine. Additionally, I will continue to volunteer at the Riverview International Center by helping tutor children. By taking Arabic this semester, I am able to communicate with some of the children at the center, allowing me to use my recently gained education with something I have loved to do.