Hello my name is William Wiper Sharp. I am from Granville, Ohio which is approximately 25 miles east of Columbus.
In high school I competed in basketball, baseball and golf. I was involved in environmental club, student leadership, youth and government, and ping pong club. I studied French and European history among other things. My interests range widely from sciences to public communication and investing. I hope to study world religion, philosophy, and environmental ethics in college. In my free time I enjoy sailing, hiking, adventuring, playing tennis, and cooking. I love to work with others and community is huge for me.
A project that made a lasting impact on me in high school was called by my student peers “The Land Lab”. During the entirety of my final year in high school a team and I took on a massive conservation and restoration project involving 33 acres of farmland. We worked in tandem and at times in conflict with the school board, with long three hour public town halls, and 7:00 A.M. planning meetings. The project was partnered with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife, The Granville Fire Department, Soil and Conservation District, Denison University, The Licking Land Trust, and many others. Our goal was to convince the school board that a ‘land lab’ as a outdoor classroom for the entire district was worth giving up the 30 some acres as farmland leased to a local farmer. We sketched ideas, drew up a map of the proposed plan, compromised, and eventually prevailed.
My goals are vast and my potential to grow at Ohio State is massive. I hope to some day become an Environmental Lawyer. I believe that climate change, transitioning to clean energy, and preserving nature’s greatest treasures is the number one issue for my generation and I hope to tackle it head on. My entire life I grew up wishing to help others. For many years I believed my outlet would be medicine, social work, or a teacher. But through some thought, there is no profession that could impact as many people as working to help our planet. At Ohio State I hope to join clubs that work towards goals such as these. I hope to serve others. I hope to travel and see the world. I hope to make connections that will last a lifetime. With Ohio State’s vast alumni and millions of opportunities I know that my ambitions and skills will be enhanced.
