Fourth year Greg Kerr sat down with the Communications Team in the Great Hall of the Ohio Union to tell us about his great journey here at Ohio State. We are certain you will find his story just as extraordinary as we do.

Determined, extroverted and communicative: these are the words that best describe this Buckeye, born and raised in nearby Granville. Greg, a marketing major, has been minoring in school spirit in a major way. As we started our walk down memory lane, Greg answered our one burning question: why Ohio State? “I didn’t choose Ohio State to be honest,” he said, smiling warmly. “It was just close by and I knew I could go home whenever I wanted. The funny thing is, I never really did go home.” Time and change surely show that one can create a home here in the heart of Columbus, Ohio. Through countless activities, jobs and experiences Greg was able to make Ohio State his home.

You’ve definitely seen Greg at a home football game chanting O-H-I-O as a cheerleader for two years prior to becoming the nation’s most-followed mascot. Last spring, Greg had the honor of joining the Brutus Buckeye mascot program. “Being the mascot for the university, you are essentially the face of Ohio State,” Greg shared. “Many think that it’s all about the football games, but I get to see everyone’s story here at Ohio State and the many paths people take.” One of the most important lessons Greg has learned came through this special opportunity to bring others so much joy. “By being Brutus, I have learned to be truly genuine, treat everyone in the same way and make everyone happy.”

During his time here at Ohio State, Greg has managed to live with the same roommates from his freshman year. He knows they will be friends for life. As for his favorite spot on campus, Greg chose the 11^th floor of Thompson library. His favorite place off campus is Antrum Park, which just so happens to be the place where he first learned how to ride a bike. Thinking back on his journey here, Greg talked about being motivated and driven by his peers at the Fisher College of Business and two other athletes he has always looked up to: Aaron Craft and Joshua Perry. Greg hopes to be remembered for bringing out the best in others. As an intern within the Office of Student Life, Greg works on promotional materials for student organizations. He shared that he is passionate about making the lives of the Student Life staff easier by pitching in to help with whatever is needed, even beyond his job duties.

With graduation ahead of him, one thing on his bucket list is to take his mom on an official tour of campus. We have a hunch they might reminisce about their first Ohio State sporting event together when Greg was just a child, and he wondered aloud to her about who might be behind that Brutus costume…neither of them knowing that it would one day be him.

One thing’s for sure, Greg Kerr will continue to hold onto the spirit of Brutus Buckeye wherever his life takes him.

Michael Inman met up with the communications team earlier this year to begin his interview with his favorite beverage – hot apple cider. Cozy up with your own mug of cider, tea or coffee and witness his extraordinary journey for yourself.

On a reminiscent note, Michael began to tell his story and quickly revealed his passion for music. With the vocal cords of an angel, Michael was anything but shy as he sang a popular song for us and followed it up with a pirouette right in the middle of the Ohio Union. Not surprisingly, Michael attended a high school for the performing arts in his hometown of West Chester, Ohio. As a third year business administration major specializing in marketing with a minor in the music industry, Michael has shifted his focus toward managing the talents of others rather than refining his own. “I felt like I had to give up some of my soul when I decided to stop performing,” he joked. “I’m not a Beyoncé! I’m more of a Kelly when it comes to my own singing.” With that declaration, he continued to share how he narrowed down his career goals down to three options in arts management. With an established career working in either the talent, music or film world, Michael will live out his dreams by first establishing his career, then returning to his own vocal career with a little practice.

Focusing back on the present moment, Michael listed his many involvements outside of the classroom. He spoke highly of his business fraternity, Alpha Kappa Psi, where he has developed some of his closest friendships. Convinced by fellow Buckeye Melissa Traeho, Michael’s first leadership role at the university took hold when he helped revive the student organization Out in Business. Leading this LGBTQ-friendly organization, he works to create initiatives and develop a value proposition for members who seek a supportive community as they develop their identities and careers. Also among Michael’s oversight is the Student Talent Agency Experience. As founder and current president of the organization, Michael reflected that “it’s wonderful to ‘mock-do’ what I want to do when I grow up.” Michael is also heavily involved with the national professional program for diverse candidates: Management Leadership for Tomorrow.

Michael’s leadership and learning experiences stretched beyond U.S. borders when he studied abroad this past summer in London. However cultured as he may be, Michael is not above what he describes as the “quintessential college cuisine.” His favorite spot on campus is the KSA Café in Knowlton Hall, with its infamous nutty waffle. Considering his overall experience at Ohio State, Michael shared that it is wisdom at this university that has made his time here extraordinary. “Many universities are filled with knowledge, but I have found a deeper sort of wisdom here at Ohio State that encompasses the practical experiences and accessibility of great leaders and peers who are changing the community.”

Exuberant, ambitious and strategic, it is no wonder that Michael was featured last year on the “Faces of Fisher” business school magazine. We will probably see him featured there again someday as a successful young alum!

Fourth year student Chelsea Burrell sat down with the Communications Team in the Ohio Union to tell us about her journey here at Ohio State. We hope you find her story just as extraordinary as we do.

Originally born in Florida, this Public Health major moved to Cleveland to join the broader Buckeye family years ago with her parents. Chelsea has just one year left to finish her undergraduate experience at Ohio State before she hopes to take her talents to Case Western Reserve University. Chelsea plans to go to graduate school for nursing in Cleveland, Ohio close to the University Hospital and Cleveland Clinic. “I would focus on pediatric nursing—I love kids and that would be great!” Chelsea is most passionate about health and wellness. Her inspiration stems from her personal trainer Olivia, whom she says loves building up other women to be the best they can be. “I want to do this in my career in nursing,” she reflected.

In the meantime, Chelsea currently works for the Office of Student Life as an Advancement Intern for Tracy Stuck. “Working here has opened my eyes to a lot of what the university has to offer.” In addition to her job, Chelsea is involved with the student organization Society of Sisters and was a mentor within College Mentors for Kids for two years. Along with these two organizations, Chelsea is also in the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. Hardworking, compassionate, determined: these are three words Chelsea used to describe herself, and we believe they fit perfectly.

Chelsea chose to be a Buckeye because she always wanted to attend college somewhere close to her family. “When I came to visit, it just felt like home,” she recalled. Her favorite spot on campus is the Browning Amphitheater because it is a quiet place to think and relax when the weather is nice. As for off campus, Chelsea’s favorite spot is the Short North because of her experience as a Columbus Ambassador. Partaking in leading resident advisors around the city, Chelsea shared: “I’ve been here for four years and it was nice to step outside of the university.” One experience that has made Chelsea’s journey here at Ohio State extraordinary was her opportunity to engage with alumni across the state of Ohio on the 2020 Vision State Tour. “I was able to reflect on my time and make sure that I am taking the right steps, taking advantage of everything that the university has to offer.”

Chelsea would like to be remembered for showing people love and making them feel warm and accepted. “It’s hard to find your niche in life, and when someone is around me I want them to feel like they can do anything.”

A possible future humanitarian award goes out to Nyiala Harris, a fourth-year student who sat down with the communications team to tell us about her story. We hope you find her journey as extraordinary as we do.

Nyiala Harris reigns from the great Cincinnati, Ohio. With graduation around the corner, Nyiala talked about how Human Development and Family Science has been extremely exciting. At-risk youth and women’s initiatives are two social justice issues which seemed to truly inspire Nyiala as she spoke with us. Though Nyiala says that she is not exactly sure about her future plans, she knows where her passions will lead her. One thing is for sure: Nyiala enjoys the Columbus area and wishes to stay here post-graduation.

Nyiala works as an Advancement Intern under Tracy Stuck in the Office of Student Life. Projects like the State Tour, Women on Fire and Brutus’s 50^th Birthday Celebration are a few things she has had the opportunity to work on. “Meeting new people that I would not have crossed paths with…” is the one thing Nyiala says is powerful and rewarding about her job. Nyiala is also a student representative for the Young Scholars Program Alumni Society and a co-chair for the kickoff event for the Leadership Cohort of Women’s Student Initiatives.

A common question all Buckeyes answer goes something like this: how did you know Ohio State was right for you? Nyiala’s story is a little different than most. “I have known since the 6^th grade when I was inducted into the Young Scholars Program that I would become a Buckeye.” During middle school and high school, she made visits to this university with the Young Scholars Program and knew from that point that Ohio State was the right choice. As for a favorite spot on campus, the Stanley D. Gottsegen lounge on the third floor of the Ohio Union is what she chose. “It is peaceful and quiet. There isn’t a lot of traffic there, which is rewarding on such a busy campus.” When asked about her favorite spot off campus, Nyiala shared that the Park of Roses on North High Street is a beautiful tranquil place.

Passionate, fearless, caring: these are the words that describe Nyiala best. “My mom exhibits passion, strength and resilience, and the more I have my own experiences I am able to get to know her more and bond.” When describing her mother, she immediately said, “that’s bae!” – before all else – and grinned widely. In thinking about her life, Nyiala wants to be remembered as an advocate. “Being an African-American woman is central to my identity,” she shared. In the Office of Student Life, Nyiala is most passionate about issues concerning marginalized groups of people.

As for her favorite thing she has done here at the university, Nyiala traveled this past fall with the Office of Student Life to Rutgers University for a leadership exchange program. “I really enjoyed the experience because they are heavily focused on addressing and catering student needs, and constantly creating new traditions.” We look forward to watching Nyiala meet the needs of those in her community and create lifelong traditions of her own!

Written by: Erin Lee