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.