It was incredibly interesting to be the one offering advice and asking questions about a first year student, rather than being the one in their shoes. I interviewed my mentee, Kathy Cordova, in a coffee shop so that we would have the chance to talk in a relaxed setting. While I learned general information about her, such as her major (currently biochemistry but potentially soon psychology), I also had the chance to hear about her values and the ways she wants to become involved with OSU and Columbus. We talked for a long time about academics, majors, and the responsibilities that come with college. It was odd to be the person ‘in-charge’ due to seniority, but it was great to be able to help out and answer any questions that arose.
One thing I asked Kathy about was which class has been the most challenging so far. She (understandably and unsurprisingly said chemistry. She mentioned that the material is difficult, and the lack of personal assistance in the lab portion of the class doesn’t help. Furthermore, the labs themselves are very hard and take up a lot of time. What Kathy said resonated in my mind, for it is exactly how I felt last year when I took chemistry. When I asked her about how she studied for her classes, she said she learns best when studying alone in Thompson library. She re-reads her notes and rewrites them, as well as completing any suggested practice problems. This seems to me like a great way to study, as I can recall many of my professors saying how important it is to go over lecture notes later and rework the problems.
Kathy is hoping to be involved in Buckeyethon, and in the meantime she is partaking in organizations to help the homeless. She is very involved in one of these organizations, and she said it has exposed her to people that she previously did not know much about, so it has been a good way to learn about their lifestyles and the ways that they need help. When I inquired about what she had been involved in during high school, her response impressed me. She was in Key Club, three different bands, NHS, student council, Speech and Debate Club, LinkCrew (a leadership club to help incoming freshman), and more. I could definitely tell that has always been a student that acts as a leader and wants what is best for others.
When I asked what Kathy was most looking forward to in the ACES program, she mentioned the idea that it would broaden her horizons. She said that as a science major, most of her classes are spent with people who are very similar to her, so ACES would be a great way to be around a more diverse group of people. Living among and attending many activities with a group of individuals who have different majors, such as education, would help her to connect with people who have different ideas, backgrounds, and focuses. Reflecting upon my first year and living with other ACES members, I can see the definite truth in this. Two of my best friends in it are education and special education majors, and I learned a lot from them, such as the depth of today’s school system and the types of issues that many students are facing. ACES has been a great way to become more aware of new ideas and places for improvement in society, and I hope Kathy also has the eye-opening experience I received.
While Kathy is likely going to change her major from biochemistry to psychology, she is definitely planning on going to medical school and continuing to become a doctor. After completing her residency, she would like to specialize in either fetal medicine or cardiology. When I asked her about how majoring in psychology would help her after completing her undergrad years, she said that it would help her to understand patients on a substantially better level and it would allow her to work better with patients who have mental illnesses. Thus, she would be able to come to conclusions such as diagnoses on the patients that other doctors would fail to think of.
Nevertheless, she knows that becoming a doctor is far into the future, and there is a lot that she must accomplish before such a feat. In order to achieve her goal, she knows that balancing academics and involvement is crucial. When I asked her about how she plans to do this, she mentioned having a calendar that she uses to set up dates of when she has commitments, and then she marks the time in between such events as times to study. She knows that time management is critical in college, and that she needs to be sure not to overcommit. Rather, it is best to stick to a few clubs that she can get to know well.
Upon asking what has surprised her most about OSU, she said she is in awe of how much there is to do and how much opportunity is here. She said that there are always events on the Oval and all over campus, and there are new clubs and organizations she hears about every week. Furthermore, she is surprised by how much she likes being here, for she was not expecting to truly enjoy OSU after growing up next door. She was expecting that this would be nothing more than the place she attends classes and studies, and said she only chose OSU because it had the best financial aid offer. Back in high school she was heavily involved in music, yet had a poor impression of OSU’s music department, and thus, didn’t have the best impression of OSU. Now however, she sees that there is opportunity around every corner, and she has met many close friends. Kathy is excited for everything OSU has to offer, such as the great science department, and hopes to make the most of it. I couldn’t agree more with her, and I recommended she continue taking advantage of the opportunities here. Nevertheless, I also said she must be sure to not overcommit, which is incredibly easy to do. However, as long as Kathy continues doing exactly as she has, I believe her time here will be very successful and enjoyable!