Posts

Year in Review

My first year at The Ohio State University was certainly not what I expected, however, it was also more than I imagined. Beginning college during a fatal pandemic made me nervous to meet people, learn through online classes, and adjust to my new surroundings. Despite this, I was determined to take advantage of new opportunities and succeed even in face of constant obstacles.

My freshman year classes, a neuroscience class, biology, and general chemistry 1, in the fall semester went rather smoothly and this semester consisted of forming strong and effective study methods and developing my time management strategies. The second semester was a little more challenging for me; my classes included physics 2, general chemistry 2, a neuroscience course, and a cancer prevention class. Physics 2 was far more difficult than anticipated and I certainly struggled at the beginning and this course soon became my main source of stress. However, attending office hours of both my TA and professor, attempting more practice problems, and familiarizing myself with the content more often proved very effective; with hard work, I was able to end up with a grade I was proud of and happy with. Though the class was difficult, it taught me many things about myself such as how to actually study and how much time and effort was really needed.

Joining clubs in an online zoom format also did not completely appeal to me, however there was some student organizations that really peaked my interest and so I was determined to learn more about them. I ended up joining BuckeyeThon as a team member very early on in the fall semester, and this club has been really exciting for me. By reaching out to many contacts, I was able to raise over $1425 for Nationwide Hospital. Raising money for pediatric cancer is an extremely important cause and I hope to continue raising awareness about it. Next year, I am taking on a bigger role as a team captain and family ambassador and will be constantly looking for more exciting opportunities in BuckeyeThon to be involved in. Additionally, I took on a leadership role in the Student COVID Alliance. I was in charge of organizing the entire meetings and assembly and delivery of the care packages for students in isolation and quarantine housing. I really enjoyed taking on a larger role in this club and looking forward to more leadership opportunities next semester. Thirdly I took part in UHAC and was able to volunteer at the free health screening. It was amazing to see the impact that access to free healthcare can have and its importance; I am really excited for everything to come next semester in this organization. I am also looking forward to continue my role as a Big Buckeye Little Buckeye mentor, AKidAgain pen pal and organization member, an active member in the Health Sciences Scholars Program, and volunteer at the Columbus Free Clinic.

During the spring semester, I sought out research opportunities and became involved in the Godbout/Sheridan Lab focusing on neuroimmunology, aging, and neurotrauma. Currently my role consists of researching and compiling information about genes from DNA/RNA sequencing and organizing them in an accessible manner for all the lab members. I present my findings every week to my PI and grad students with updates and questions. I am looking forward to going to lab in person next semester and helping out where I am needed.

I am really excited for my second year at The Ohio State University and am ready to take on classes and extracurriculars. It is important to find a balance so I will also try to find time to meet new people and make time for social activities. Overall, taking part in new opportunities and learning new things related to my major and my minor will be great and I am thrilled to continue!

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.]

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

Hi! My name is Ziniya Shah. I am currently pursuing a bachelors of science in Neuroscience in the College of Arts and Sciences and College of Medicine. I am also on the pre-med track. I hope to attend medical school and specialize in pediatric oncology.

I am from Perrysburg, OH which is about 2 and a half hours away from Columbus and I attended Perrysburg High School. In high school, I was involved with philanthropy organizations, tutoring younger kids with reading, National Honors Society, and Teen Court. Some of my achievements include graduating with honors and in the top 10% of my class.

I am a member of the Health Sciences Scholars program at Ohio State University. Some extracurriculars that I am currently involved in is AKidAgain, MEDLIFE, Doctors Without Borders, and BuckeyeThon. I hope that these extracurriculars can develop both my personal and professional skills. Additionally, I’m sure they will continue to influence my desire to step into the field of healthcare and also greatly prepare me for this.

My main goal for this ePortfolio is to display my academic and professional development and portray my path through The Ohio State University.