Author: Ruhi Sahu

Year in Review

My freshman year consisted of a lot more than I first imagined during a pandemic. While I often saw familiar faces, I enjoyed meeting new people, exploring Columbus, and making lots of cherished memories. In terms of academics, I continuously challenged myself by taking many classes related to neuroscience, biology, chemistry, physics, public health, and even a cancer prevention course through 16 and 18 credit hours during my first and second semesters. Although virtual classes came with obstacles, I learned to take advantage of office hours, professors, TAs, and review sessions early on which I believe definitely helped me get the grades I wanted. 

In addition to staying on top of my classes, I was always really invested in exploring my passions through student orgs throughout the year. Firstly, as Assistant Director of Signature Events for BuckeyeThon, I had the opportunity to help plan both online and in-person events to raise awareness for fundraising for pediatric cancer patients at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. I also joined the Inaayat dance team where I was able to meet a team of passionate individuals and practice and perform with them in person this semester. Through Power in Neuroscience, I did my part in helping run virtual workshops and competitions for underserved and low-income students locally. While I was not able to continue volunteering at the hospital because of Covid restrictions, I became a volunteer for Crisis Text Line where I continue to support individuals across the nation while advocating for mental health. Getting involved with these extracurriculars among others allowed me to meet new people easily and explore my interests in tangible ways, even through virtual platforms. Because of my involvement, I also acquired leadership positions for this upcoming year. Next semester, I will be serving as a Neuroscience Ambassador, Vice President of Internal Engagement for Power in Neuroscience, Vice President of Philanthropy for Humanism in Medicine, Social Chair for the Inaayat dance team, and Mixer Chair for Buckeye Mela. I’m excited to take on new opportunities to lead and get a head start over the summer!

Another pivotal moment of this past year was getting involved in undergraduate research by joining Dr. Pollock’s Sarcoma lab at the Ohio State Comprehensive Cancer Center in January. Although undergraduate students were not able to go into the lab this semester due to Covid-19, I was grateful to be able to connect with faculty members and other undergraduate students through our virtual lab meetings. I have also been working with a group for the past few months to write a manuscript for the lab involving extracellular vesicles in sarcoma, which is on the path towards publication. Overall, I am looking forward to continuing the research and writing process over the summer and possibly joining the lab in person in the near future.

About Me

Hello, my name is Ruhi Sahu and I am from Dublin, Ohio! I am a first-year undergraduate student majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Global Public Health in the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Medicine.

I am a member of the Health Sciences Scholars program and currently serve as a Residential Hall Team Captain, Morale Captain, and General Body member for BuckeyeThon, a student-run philanthropy that raises funds and awareness for pediatric cancer patients at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. I am also currently a member of Power in Neuroscience and the Inaayat Dance Team while serving as a Freshmen Representative for the Indian American Association. After my undergraduate years, I plan on attending medical school and hope to pursue a career in pediatric medicine.

Outside of school, I work a part-time job tutoring kids in math, volunteer at Riverside Methodist Hospital, and work alongside many nonprofit organizations to providing research and medical opportunities for students around the world. Although this first semester falls under such unprecedented times, I hope to get involved in a research lab and other extracurriculars of which I can further explore my passions and prepare myself for a successful future in healthcare. Through this e-portfolio, I hope to document my journey and accomplishments throughout the next four years.

G.O.A.L.S.

[ “G.O.A.L.S.” is a place where students write about how their planned, current, and future activities may fit into the Honors & Scholars G.O.A.L.S.: Global Awareness, Original Inquiry, Academic Enrichment, Leadership Development, and Service Engagement. For more guidance on using your ePortfolio, including questions and prompts that will help you get started, please visit the Honors & Scholars ePortfolio course in Carmen. To get answers to specific questions, please email eportfolio@osu.edu. Delete these instructions and add your own post.

  • 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.
  • Service Engagement: Honors & Scholars students commit to service to the community.]

Artifacts

[Artifacts are the items you consider to be representative of your academic interests and achievements. For each entry, include both an artifact and a detailed annotation.  An annotation includes both a description of the artifact and a reflection on why it is important to you, what you learned, and what it means for your next steps.  For more guidance on using your ePortfolio, including questions and prompts that will help you get started, please visit the Honors & Scholars ePortfolio course in Carmen. To get answers to specific questions, please email eportfolio@osu.edu. Delete these instructions and add your own post.]