Year in Review

I cannot believe my experience in ENR has come to an end. At the time of being accepted into the ENR scholars program, I did not understand the impact it would have on my life. Initially, I was disappointed when I learned I was placed in Environmental and Natural Resource Scholars. Going into Ohio State, I was ready to pursue a career in the medical field, and as such, I applied to the Health Science Scholars as my first choice of programs. However, I soon learned ENR scholars would provide me with more than I ever expected.

Overall, the highlight of my ENR experience is the community itself. Living in Morrill Tower on a floor with shared by most every other student in my program, a school of 60,000 students didn’t seem so large. I grew with my fellow scholars, as we learned about living on our own and shaping our college experiences. ENR scholars provided me with my best friends, people who I never would have met without this program.  I can actually trace the formation of my closest friends to the first-year ENR scholars camping trip. On this trip I was a part of my first O-H-I-O picture, which I have provided in this post. My life was filled with standard tree-hugging vegetarians that loved the outdoors. I knew I belonged.

I can honestly attribute my major and current life path to ENR scholars. This program provided insight about life after college, and that it’s okay to sway from the mainstream career choices. Going into Ohio State as a freshman, I believed I was destined to become a part of the medical field like my mother and sister, but I soon realized I did not share their passions. ENR was filled with such a diverse community of students, following their passions about serving the environment and pursuing career fields that may not always have a straight path. However, I learned that it’s okay to not quite know where you see yourself in 5 years, and that if you have a passion for something, you can pursue career in it. I now study linguistics and Spanish with a goal to continue researching the preservation of indigenous languages. Though this life path results in not knowing where I will be in 5 years, I’m excited to see where it takes me.
My Spring 17 project was volunteering for Habitat for Humanity. After returning home from the winter Buck-I-Serv trip, I immediately signed up for Habitat’s Columbus branch. I loved seeing the final products of my labor, and appreciating the service I was completing. Volunteering with Habitat has not only introduced me to another community, it has provided me with a new skill set I never thought I would learn. Plus I get to work with power tools, which is always fun. I plan to continue to volunteer with Habitat, as helps both the people I am serving, and myself as well.

My advice to ENR scholars is to embrace the diversity this program provides. Not only are there outdoor adventure activities, but ENR boasts creative, intellectual, and stress relieving opportunities. It is not limited to simply learning the correct way to recycle. ENR truly tailors its program to the interests and desires of every student, so take advantage of that. Also, though Esther and Amanda are your scholars coordinators, they are your friends too. I have never been so comfortable discussing problems and questions to individuals that are considered my instructors. They will truly help you.

Overall, I am very grateful for my experience in ENR. I owe this program my best friends, my major, and even some of my lifestyle choices. It has given me more than I ever expected, and I have learned about myself and the world around me.

My Buck-I-Serv group.

My first ever O-H-I-O picture.