This artifact represents no particular experience but rather a collection of experiences that I have been able enjoy thus far with some of my best friends in Mount. I was a bit apprehensive about meeting new people and making friends the first day I arrived on campus way back in August. After all, it was the first time that I was ever away from my family in a completely unfamiliar environment. The instant my parents and I parted ways, however, the people present in this picture were some of the first “Mounties” I interacted with. Ever since that fateful day, I have developed numerous memories with these individuals that range from screaming our hearts out at OSU football games to exploring the nightlife in the Short North. I will certainly never forget our daily visits to Scott Traditions or our intense games of pool because those are truly some of the main experiences that have shaped my first year. There is never a day that passes where our group does not exchange laughter or personal anecdotes about our childhoods. My experiences with these guys have truly taught me how to appreciate my value as an individual because each and every one of us brings a certain dynamic or attribute to the group that makes our bond even more unique. Before I met the people in this photo, I never realized the impact that I could have on a group of individuals that I barely knew. I hope the future holds many more memories to be made with these guys as our burgeoning relationships continue to flourish. I will certainly take the knowledge of my personal worth that I have gained from being around this group of individuals and apply it to future interactions with new people. For instance, I will have the confidence to speak my mind in the workplace about projects because my personal experiences will grant me with the ability to see solutions to problems in a different light.

This past year I had the privilege of listening to Mr. Robert Bishop, a 96-year-old Pearl Harbor survivor, speak to our government class about his experiences in the U.S. Navy. My artifact displays our first encounter when I had the opportunity to meet him and thank him for his dutiful service to our country. Mr. Bishop grew up in my hometown of Austintown, OH and attended the same high school as me. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the Navy and was sent to Hawaii where he was then stationed on the USS Tennessee. When Mr. Bishop described the eventful day of December 7^th, 1941, he recalled vivid images of what happened throughout the entire attack. He described the chaotic scene of people scurrying around on ship decks, the loud noises of torpedoes demolishing vessels, and the distinct smell of oil burning on the water. The main reason why Mr. Bishop survived the attack on Pearl Harbor was the fact he was protected by the thick steel of the gun turret that he was operating as he attempted to shoot down enemy planes. Thankfully, his ship survived multiple torpedo strikes. Mr. Bishop’s firsthand account of that infamous day not only enlightened me even more about such an imperative event in our nation’s history, but it also opened my eyes to the vastly different lives that 18-year-olds had during WWII compared to 18-year-olds in today’s age. While I fretted about deciding which college to attend, Mr. Bishop committed the selfless act of serving his country in the ultimate way. I could not even begin to imagine enduring such an event like Pearl Harbor at the age 18 like Mr. Bishop. Without a doubt, Mr. Bishop’s valiant efforts taught me to value my personal liberties and freedoms because they ultimately came at a significant cost. I also discovered from the lecture how proud I am to be an American. Our country is truly unique because our citizens are always willing to answer the call to defend our freedoms. This specifically applies to men and women who were a part of the “greatest generation” like Mr. Bishop. Ever since the day that Mr. Bishop talked to our class, I have gained a greater appreciation for U.S. military personnel and their families. Whenever I see a veteran or active service member now, I always make it a point to shake their hand and simply thank them for their service.