Andrew Drozd

On a busy Monday afternoon, our writing team scanned through Andrew Drozd’s personal statement in preparation for our upcoming interview. We shouldn’t have been so surprised by how profound it was – this blog is about extraordinary students, after all. But even more profound than Andrew’s written words were his spoken words with us that day. We hope we can do them justice.

Andrew Drozd, a fourth year neuroscience major from Broadview Heights, is currently spending his last year of college involved in almost every way imaginable. He serves as a development intern in the Office of Student Life, graduate relations chair for his fraternity Phi Gamma Delta, president of the OSU Ukrainian Club, historian of SPHINX senior class honorary, research assistant for the OSU College of Medicine and volunteer for countless student organizations.

Given his involvement, it’s truly hard to believe that Andrew has had any time at all to devote to studying for the MCAT and writing medical school applications. Andrew shared his study tip with us: the Ohio Union is a great place to go on Sundays because it is quiet and empty, so you can enjoy a solid WIFI connection almost all to yourself. Andrew has learned so much more than what can be found in a textbook, though. As a student research assistant for the Center for Brain and Spinal Cord Repair, Andrew has gained a wealth of hands-on experience studying genes in mice providing important insight for human healing and recovery.

Andrew looked back on his career at OSU thus far, relating that his story has unfolded through his fraternity, which led him to research and volunteer opportunities in medicine, along with encouragement to seek out new connections. But his time as a Buckeye almost didn’t happen, because at one time Ohio State was his very last choice. Andrew smiled widely and his eyes brightened when he recalled the tour that changed everything. Standing on the Oval in front of Thompson Library, he turned around and listened to the story of the building facades remaining the same throughout the years reflecting deep history, as he saw current students studying and enjoying the space. In that moment, Andrew realized that Ohio State was the intersection of everything he wanted his college experience to be.

Passionate, meticulous, empathetic; Andrew Drozd wants to be remembered for the way he puts others before himself and puts his words into action. In all of his roles on campus, he is most passionate about helping younger students find their own passions and encouraging them to say yes to opportunities. Saying yes led Andrew to some amazing places – including a trip to Africa with Buck-i-SERV. “I want other students to know that it’s okay to take risks. It’s really cool to look back and see the domino effect that happens when you say yes to something that may seem really crazy at first.” Life-changing friendships, meaningful involvement and interaction with every type of diversity have made Andrew’s experience here extraordinary, changing his worldview for the better and making him a citizen of the world.