Author: stocker.78

Vision Statement and Statement of Action

I am now halfway through my experience as an undergraduate at Ohio State, with two more years left.  My immediate vision involves finishing out these two years and obtaining a Bachelor of Science and then going to graduate school and obtaining a Master’s there.  In the long haul, though, I plan on having a career that involves doing research on animals.  I still have to think more about what kind of research I want to do, so for my junior and senior years, I plan on reaching out to various professors and/or graduate students with the idea of assisting them in their research.  I can use these opportunities to determine what kinds of research I would be interested in doing someday, as well as what kinds of research I would like to avoid.

End Of Sophomore Year Reflection

Overall, I feel like I grew and developed a lot this semester.  I was confronted with classes that were tougher than the ones I had taken freshman year and expected to pass them.  However, I was able to not just pass them but do well in them, proving that I can handle the tougher prerequisites for my major.  However, there was one major exception, and that was Organic Chemistry.  I found it to be the toughest class I had ever taken and ended up dropping it as a result.  Luckily, I was able to save my GPA in making this move, as I was close to failing the class.  However, I did a lot better in every other course, and I have a plan in mind to develop my Organic Chemistry skills over the summer.  Thus, I realized that I will have to be more dedicated and studious if I want to succeed in certain classes that are tough for me.

Second Artifact

This picture was taken during one of the many runs I conducted for an experiment in my Ecology class.  The experiment involved analyzing the foraging behavior of squirrels, and my partner and I were required to manipulate one variable that could have an impact on their foraging behavior.  We chose distance, seeing if squirrels would prefer to forage at closer or further food trays.  This experiment represented the first form of research I had ever conducted pertaining to wild animals, and serves as a key building block for me as I further my experience in Zoology.

Abstract

My ePortfolio contains a variety of information that pertains to the experiences I have had during my freshman and sophomore years at Ohio State.  It includes artifacts that represent significant achievements for me, a G.O.A.L.S. section that demonstrates how I am improving as a student and as a leader, an event that shows my involvement within Biological Sciences Scholars, reflections of my years at Ohio State, and also other general information about myself.

Scholars Movie Event

I watched the movie Kingsman: The Golden Circle at the Gateway Film Center for my second scholars event of the summer.

One thing I gained from the experiment was that going to the movies is an enjoyable experience.

Year in Review

My first semester at The Ohio State University has been a meaningful experience for me.  Prior to the start of this autumn semester, I was concerned about being able to create friendships and getting acclimated to the nature of college life.  But so far, my experiences in the Biological Scholars program have helped me accomplish both of these goals.  It has also provided a good head start for me in developing a professional profile, through means such as the ePortfolio and the resume.   Additionally, it has provided some insight to me about the resources that are available on campus and different avenues I can explore to further my research career.

G.O.A.L.S.

Global Awareness: I have gotten the opportunity to learn about other people’s cultures during this semester.  For example, I have a Korean roommate, and he has told me about some of the customs and traditions of Korean people.  He has even taught me a few Korean words and shown me some Korean music too.
Original Inquiry: Given that I am only a freshman, I have not yet pursued any research opportunities related to my major.  However, I plan to take zoology-related courses as early as my sophomore year and am considering using the knowledge I gain in those classes to find an internship opportunity the following summer that could involve conducting some research with the aid of others.
Academic Enrichment: I am currently taking Chemistry 1210 this semester, a challenging course that has been responsible for most of the homework that I have had to do.  For me, the toughest part of it has been carrying out the lab experiments and making sure that the data I collect is accurate.  I also have had to take at least one online quiz every day that tests me on the material that has been covered so far.  Overall, it has been a rigorous course that has helped further develop my work ethic and improve my study habits.
Leadership Development: I have helped develop my leadership skills by assisting my Korean roommate as he continues to further his understanding of the English language.  I have helped teach him what certain words and phrases mean, and about certain grammatical pointers to ensure that he can be understood more clearly.  I have also helped some of my peers in Chemistry on their assignments, especially in one instance where I finished my lab report before they did, allowing me to use my knowledge of the assignment to guide them in doing theirs.
Service Engagement: I have not had the opportunity to complete any service hours yet, but I plan on taking part in a canned goods event later this month.  It will show me the importance of giving back to the community and helping others in need.

Artifacts

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This artifact represents my experience of carrying out my Eagle Project.  The Eagle Project was one of the many things you had to undertake to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank in Boy Scouts.  My Eagle Project involved donating tennis equipment to an organization in inner Cincinnati called the Inner City Tennis Project (their mission was to give less fortunate kids the opportunity to play tennis).  It also involved conducting a tennis tournament which the organization’s kids participated in.  I learned that I was capable of exhibiting leadership qualities even in uncomfortable environments.  I was very introverted so it surprised me that I could pull it off.  I will use what I learned during this experience to play a more proactive role in situations where leadership is required.