Global Awareness
In an increasingly globalized world, it is important to have a comprehensive understanding of the unique values, beliefs, and practices of distinct cultural and regional groups. This comes through an awareness of diversity within our own communities and in other parts of the world. I will develop this area of my undergraduate experience through my participation in the Morrill Scholars Program, a study abroad experience, and my program of studies. In particular, I am interested in visiting Finland, as their education system is the best in the world, and would provide an excellent case study as I develop a career in education-related nonprofit and political work. I am also interested in taking classes that expose me to identities other than my own, especially courses in the African-American and African Studies Department (many of which, as a bonus, fulfill certain GE requirements). These experiences will enhance my global awareness as I embark upon my undergraduate journey at The Ohio State University.
Original Inquiry
There is always more to be discovered, so it is crucial to seek out continued opportunities for learning and advancement in all fields of study. This comes through research, formal and informal, undertaken to unveil hidden connections and gain deeper understanding of complex topics. I will develop this area of my undergraduate experience through my work with the Cognitive and Affective Influences on Decision-making Lab (CAIDe Lab). In particular, I plan to publish the research paper that I started in high school, assist the lab with existing studies, and eventually create a study of my own. My ultimate goal is to graduate with an honors research distinction by completing a thesis, as I believe that this will provide great practice in research and communication skills. These experiences will allow me to engage in original inquiry during my time as an undergraduate student at The Ohio State University.
Academic Enrichment
The core purpose of a college education is the opportunity to earn a degree, so it is imperative to put academics first. This comes through rigorous coursework that presents an appropriate challenge and allows for significant growth. I will develop this area of my undergraduate experience by carefully selecting my majors and minors and enrolling in GE courses that inspire and enlighten me. Currently, I am majoring in Psychology and Philosophy, Politics, & Economics (PPE), with a minor in nonprofit management. However, I plan to explore the possibility of creating a new Nonprofit Management major that incorporates public policy, human rights studies, communications, and so on. This would allow me to design a curriculum that fits my career goals without enrolling in 5 or 6 minors, and would free up space for me to minor in French. I would also like to take GE courses that stretch my mind without breaking it. For example, while I may select highly-advanced courses in the “Cultures & Ideas” category, I will be far more conscious of my limits in the sciences, and make my course selections accordingly. These experiences will allow for deep academic enrichment during my time at The Ohio State University.
Leadership Development
The world as we know it would not exist if not for the leaders who shaped it, so it is important to actively advance our leadership capabilities. This comes through involvement in extracurricular activities that allow us to demonstrate leadership both intrinsically and extrinsically. I will develop this area of my undergraduate experience through my involvement in clubs and residence life. In particular, OSU Mock Trial will allow me to progress in the communication, organization, and goal-setting domains. I am also seeking out opportunities to get more involved in my residence hall and learning community, with the eventual goal of becoming an RA. And of course, I am constantly learning what it means to be a true leader through my role as the founder and program director of Camp Potential: A Lakota LEADS Summer Camp for Gifted Children. Through these experiences, I will immerse myself in leadership development as an Ohio State University undergraduate.
Service Engagement
Service and philanthropy are the pillars of a functional and just society, making it crucial that we all look for ways to better our community. This comes through traditional community service opportunities as well as innovative solutions to local problems. I will develop this area of my undergraduate experience through my work with Camp Potential. I believe that the work that I am doing related to Camp Potential is my true calling, and I want to dedicate myself to developing and expanding this opportunity for my community and others around me. By the time I have graduated, my goal is to be in the process of forming a new 501(c)3 organization, so I can turn Camp Potential into its own nonprofit agency. This experience will allow me to engage in service during my time as an undergraduate at the Ohio State University.