My First Semester at The Ohio State University

This semester has not been easy for me. I have learned more about myself in the last 16 weeks, that I have the last 19 years of my life. From learning how to accept that there are many things that you cannot change, to understanding that we all grow up and become independent. Above all else, however, I have learned that there is nothing wrong with beginning again and making a second attempt at succeeding. There are always obstacles that stand in our way of success and triumph. It is what we do to overcome this obstacles that define us. This semester has been an obstacle. One that I am not going to get through unscathed, however, I will survive. I will continue to fight all the way up until graduation, and then I will do the same throughout Medical School. This semester has taught me that it is never okay to give up completely, and that there are people supporting all of us, even when we feel we are alone.

Who I Am

Autumn Sexton

My Life: The Oxymoron

I am from a small town, not unlike the millions across the world. From a family that is seemingly identical to those that fill houses across that small town. What is it that marks our experiences as different? What factor is uncommon? For me this factor isn’t just one. It is a multitude of differences that combine to become an influence on who I am as a person.

It’s the soil that conceals my mother’s skin tone after a tranquil day of gardening. It’s the music coursing through the speakers, loud enough to draw static, of a rebellious style. Making ends meet, and a struggle that most were unable to see; but not me. The values of working until you can claim that you had made it the first time, even if that means trying again and again. Tears of frustration, but laughter filled with delight. A movie and snacks on a quiet Friday night.

I am from strength and perseverance, all tied together with independence. I am from home-cooking and family meals (sometimes of the pre-made variety).  The smell of pasteries sneaking out of the oven, and burns on the tips of fingers. From sucking it up and dealing with it, but not without complaining the whole time. I am from love everlasting and relentless teasing. I am from two things, seemingly not alike, but complimentary all the same.

 

First Week Reflection

Before having moved onto campus, and getting a feel for the environment that I would be living in for the next four years, I was extremely nervous and hesitant to get involved. The secondI stepped onto campus, however, I realized that I was not simply moving to a school, but rather a community that welcomed me with open arms. Quickly, it registered in my mind that all of the individuals around me were just as nervous as I was. This was a large change for not just me, but everyone who bid their old life farewell. Together we were all able to begin to rely on each other to deal with the multitude of changes happening, and in turn friendships began to develop. I also began to realize that all of my worries of not fitting in were entirely in vain. Truth be told, nobody fits in; which is precisely why everyone finds their place somewhere. We are just a bunch of college kids trying to make it to graduation. We may have a while to go, but we’re going to do it together: as Buckeyes.

Autumn Sexton

Hi,

My name is Autumn, and I am in Ohio State’s Class of 2023. As of right now, I am majoring in Biology with a Pre-Medical track. I am also a humanities scholar. I have an Associates Degree in Health Science from North Central State College, and my career goal is to be a surgeon of some sort.

I enjoy reading, history and music, with classic rock being my favorite genre. I am a people person, and I care about almost everyone and will help those in need. As an individual, I believe the greatest thing you can do, is be a good person.

Peace & Love,

Autumn 🙂

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.]

About Me

[Your “About Me” is a brief biographical statement that might include your intended major, your academic interests, your goals, as well as the things that make you unique.  Definitely include a picture! Also, remember that you can always update this post at any point. 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.]

Year in Review

[ “Year in Review”  is where you should reflect on the past year and show how you have evolved as a person and as a student.  You may want to focus on your growth in a particular area (as a leader, scholar, researcher, etc.) or you may want to talk about your overall experience over the past year.  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.]

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.]

Career

[“Career” is where you can collect information about your experiences and skills that will apply to your future career.  Like your resume, this is information that will evolve over time and should be continually updated.  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.]