Year in Review

Sophomore Year

  1. Global Awareness –  This year provided much insight into the development and completion of my Spanish minor. The upper level courses in this field I have taken have shown more than just grammatical and literary concepts. I have developed a better understanding of the Latin community abroad through global topics incorporated into class. Continuing from here, I have decided on the location and duration of my study abroad, which will be next May in Barcelona, Spain. Using my STEP money, I hope to complete my Spanish minor as well as spend time after spending time rebuilding the connections I have with my exchange student from Germany.
  2. Original Inquiry  – This year was major for my development into the research field. During the fall, I accepted a research position in the Wexner Medical Center. I now work currently in Doctor Sakima Smith’s research lab, studying the protein composition and effects of cancer drugs on the heart. I plan to commit most of my summer to this research lab, living here in Columbus to continue my research project.
  3. Academic Enrichment – Working on my Honors Contract has provided me great insight into what needs to be done in my undergraduate career, as well as re-analyze my G.O.A.L.S. for my future. Completing this contract has set out a series of classes and objectives that follow my aspirations. My biology courses ahead will be rigorous, helping me become the best medical school applicant I can possibly be. The course selections also greatly interest me, and will further broaden my knowledge of the human biological system. My Spanish courses will help me communicate in my professional career, as well as let me help out a underrepresented minority within the United States. The GEs I am taking coincide with these two goals of my academic career, as well as letting me try new things I never thought I would attempt (Yoga, Skydiving). Maintaining my 3.915 GPA in these intensive courses reflects my determination for excellence here at OSU
  4. Leadership Development – Becoming Fundraising Coordinator of MEDLIFE on campus has taught me much about leadership, and effectively adhering to an agenda. Being a member of the executive board has taught me how to communicate and collaborate to make the best experience for our members. Our organization successfully raised over $2000 in the fall semester, and after being re-elected to the position for my Junior year, I hope to analyze the areas of work I need to become a better member of a great organization.
  5. Service Engagement – MEDLIFE provides me an opportunity for service engagement constantly. After learning more about the disparities the latin community has within Columbus, I have made it a goal to help over the summer reading to Spanish-speaking children with the Ohio Hispanic Coalition. I hope to be a positive role-model and impact on these children’s lives. In addition, I hope to continue my active volunteerism with MEDLIFE, colaborating with our Volunteer Coordinator to help others as well be a change for the better in Columbus.

About Me

Ethan Schwendeman is well into his spring semester of his sophomore year at OSU, and is enjoying every second of it. A biology major on the pre-med track, Ethan has began his first semester of research studying the structure of the cardiovascular system. In addition to his love of science, he is taking the steps to achieve  a Spanish minor to be able to actively communicate with the Spanish-speaking community during his professional career. Some of his favorite moments from his time at OSU is going on a medical brigade with MEDLIFE to Cusco, repesenting his fellow buckeyes at the USAT Collegiate Triathlon National Championship in Tuscaloosa, and attending Buckeyethon his sophomore year. When Ethan isn’t grinding for his classes, he travels most weekends with his band, Spirit of the Bear, excited to host his own festival of local music in Youngstown, Ohio!

G.O.A.L.S.

Global Awareness – I plan on incorporating global studies and activities into both my academic and personal life while at OSU. Studying for a Spanish minor, I plan to study abroad to fain insight on the life and culture of the language I am passionate about. In addition, I am currently an executive member in a club called MEDLIFE. This club strives to promote global welfare impoverished countries, and I plan to go on multiple brigades with them to be a part of their cause.

Original Inquiry – During my first year at OSU, I plan on gaining information on possible research opportunities through professors, FYSS, and my advisor. Once I feel confident and knowledgeable, I will begin to search and find specific research that interests me. Once I join a research project, I plan on trying to think of new topics of research, with hopes of running my own project.

Academic Enrichment – I plan to maintain a high GPA above 3.6 throughout my entire experience at OSU through challenging, rigorous classes. This goal will be a challenge, but I believe through hard work and assistance from friends and faculty I can achieve this goal. In addition, the classes I will take will expand over a broad field, to make me a more well-rounded person. I also plan to join clubs that correspond to my academic goals.

Leadership Development – As a first year, I will be observing staff and club leaders to leam and see how leadership and teamwork are formed and maintained in any organization and establishment I will use these skills to try to obtain leadership positions not only in clubs, but also through my academic pursuits as well. Being a leader does not always have a title

Service Engagement – I plan to use the numerous chances I have on campus to spend time helping others. I plan on dancing in the Buckeyethon, joining a BUCK-I-SERV trip, and completing smaller acts of services through clubs. I believe service is an extremely important portion of all students life, but it is highly overlooked or completed as a necessary task only to fill a requirement. Service is a voluntary action of kindness, which I plan of giving constantly throughout my years at Ohio State.