Sophie Chang

Sophie sat down with the Student Life communications team to tell us about her passions, her bucket list at Ohio State and even her spirit animal. We hope that you learn from her story and find it just as extraordinary as we do.

Independent, Passionate and Creative: this is Sophie Chang. A third year from Plainesboro, New Jersey shared her campus involvements, passions and future plans with us. Sophie is a junior studying Environment, Economy, Development and Sustainability while juggling several student organizations. As a resident advisor in Baker East, Sophie is constantly motivated by the people around her. “The environment is my passion, but overall I think people drive me. I continue to be a resident advisor because of my residents and I serve in Undergraduate Student Government because I enjoy being around people who are passionate about making change.”

This past year Sophie served as a South Campus Senator. In the upcoming year, Sophie will serve as the Director of Health and Safety, with plans to improve the university. “I hope to make the university better for students – we are the University.” As the Director of Health and Safety, Sophie has ideas for implementing online mental health initiatives and an off-campus safety initiative. With this in mind, Sophie wishes to leave a positive legacy.

As a Morrill Scholar, Sophie reflected on her decision to attend Ohio State and said that “Columbus was a hidden gem in the Midwest that I was excited to explore.” Her freshman year, Sophie was involved in many different student organizations. Speaking from experience, Sophie advises that incoming freshman shouldn’t over-involve themselves like she once did, but at least try getting involved in something. Alongside this lesson, Sophie also learned that everyone has their own story. Knowing that it is difficult for many people to accept diversity in others, she has challenged herself to be open-minded. Before her journey here at Ohio State comes to an end, Sophie has one item on her bucket list that she must complete. Before graduation, Sophie aims to take a photo with every Brutus statue on campus.

Thus far, Sophie’s proudest moment in her college experience was picking a major. Figuring out what you wish to do with your life can be a difficult decision, and Sophie is most proud of her choice to change her major from Public Affairs to Environment, Economy, Development and Sustainability. “I am proud that I have made that decision. You can only make a difference if you focus on a few things, rather than when you try to make a big impact in many areas.” We are excited to see how Sophie’s journey continues here at Ohio State, and all the ways she is able to make a difference.

 

 

Pompeo Mazzella

By: Andrew Jackson

Pompeo Mazzella, a first-generation college student from Connecticut, reminisced with us about his three years here at Ohio State with a touching re-telling of his story. He originally applied to the top 10 business schools in the nation but immediately realized that Ohio State was the place for him when he got to campus. “I could feel the pride of every other student in being a Buckeye,” Pompeo recalled.

Throughout his three years he has definitely made an impact on campus, from membership in the Mount Leadership Society to being a Fisher Ambassador. He even has a three-step plan to give back to Ohio State during his fourth and final year in order to leave a legacy. First, Pompeo is serving as Marketing Co-Chair for the Major Campus Events Committee (MCEC), marketing for impactful events such as Homecoming and the Student Involvement Fair. Secondly, he wants to ensure that the Fisher College of Business is able to recruit great new students, not only because it is a top business school, but because Ohio State is capable of producing the best authentic, genuine business minds. Lastly, Pompeo wants to give back to his scholarship program: the Morrill Scholars.

It was clear that Pompeo had reflected on his journey at Ohio State as he answered our deeper questions about his passions and drive. So what was the one question that stumped him? Naming a favorite spot on campus. With iconic locations like the Ohio Union, the RPAC and Browning amphitheater, it’s hard to pick just one. But Pompeo finally narrowed it down and shared that he loves the Oval. “Watching people throw a Frisbee, run or sit on a blanket with friends shows everyone another side to Ohio State that reaches beyond the astounding academics for which we are known.”

Pompeo interned this summer with Grant Thorton in Chicago, helping advise companies in difficult circumstances. The experience was right up his alley, as he is a double major in both accounting and economics. When asked the three words that best describe him, Pompeo selected strategic, analytical and futuristic. With those descriptors, it’s no wonder that he snagged an internship at the 6th largest accounting firm in America.

Remember Pompeo Mazzella – it might just be the name of a CEO of a Fortune 500 company someday.