By: Miranda Koewler
Sitting down with fourth-year Colin Quinn, I learned about his Massachusetts roots and inspiring goals for the future. Read on for an incredibly unique and powerful Buckeye story!
Miranda: What are you studying and why?
Colin: Biology major with a neuroscience minor on the pre-med track. In the fifth grade, I started getting severe migraines. I was in and out of Boston Children’s Hospital trying to figure out what was wrong. The staff and doctors that helped me inspired me to do the same for others. In my studies, I’ve been able to learn more about neurology and its impact in medicine.
What are you involved with on campus and in the Columbus community?
First, I’m the president of BuckeyeThon. This organization has been a huge part of all four years of my undergraduate experience. I’ve learned so much about myself by being part of the incredible mission to end pediatric cancer alongside thousands of Ohio State students.
I also serve as the Vice President of Advancement for the Student Philanthropy Council and am a brother of Phi Kappa Tau fraternity. Once a week I volunteer at Riverside Methodist Hospital. Lastly, I’ve been researching neurogenic properties of retina development, replacement and sustainability.
What are three words to describe you?
Compassionate, dedicated and selfless. I have always tried to live my life with these three qualities in mind. I wake up thinking about how I can create a better world around me. I’ve worked with kids for a long time, so I’m constantly striving to help others. I get the most enjoyment from seeing others people’s happiness.
Tell me more about your passion for helping kids.
At the end of fourth grade, a classmate of mine, Meghan, was diagnosed with cancer. We didn’t see much of her the next year because she couldn’t come to school, but she held a fundraising event for other kids like her at Boston Children’s Hospital.
On September 13 during my sixth grade year, an announcement was made at school that Meghan had passed away that morning. I’ll never forget the overwhelming emotions I felt at the wake service when I said goodbye to my friend for the last time. Two weeks later, my mom was diagnosed with cancer. Watching her go through the process made me realize the reality of this disease. Luckily she’s happy and healthy today!
My passion for helping kids was reiterated during my five years working at a camp. I started as a lifeguard and worked my way up to being a branch director working with the kids who had disabilities or needed extra attention. Although it was incredibly challenging at times, I worked hard to make sure each child received the camp experience I knew they deserved. Because of my time at camp, I knew that working with kids was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
How did this translate to being involved with BuckeyeThon?
Before my freshman year began, I attended a summer program through Ohio State called RLEAD. Someone gave a presentation about BuckeyeThon and I knew I needed to get involved. I thought this was a chance to live out Meghan’s legacy. I could tell very early on that I was fortunate to be part of this group of people who had a mindset to change the world. I initially got so heavily involved because I could feel how special and important this was, but I never imagined the lasting impact it would have on me.
What are some memories that have kept you motivated for BuckeyeThon’s cause?
Every day I’m inspired by my memories of Meghan and the kids at camp; they are the reasons I am For the Kids. Being in BuckeyeThon has allowed me to meet the most incredible students at Ohio State. When I walk into the room for our Wednesday meetings, I can see Meghan’s spirit being kept alive. It’s the best feeling to see the hard work each person is doing.
There are two Dance Marathon moments in particular that stick out in my head. During my freshman year, the year we broke a million dollars, I had gotten to know one of our BuckeyeThon kids, Luke, pretty well. After the million dollar reveal happened, Luke ran up to hug me, and in that moment I could feel just how important this cause was.
The other moment that impacted me most was during the night shift this past year. I watched the Great Hall fill up with thousands of students all coming together for one goal, to end pediatric cancer. Seeing so many Buckeyes uniting for a single purpose was simply inspiring.
How have these experiences shaped your vision for the future?
I’ve learned a lot about myself through camp and BuckeyeThon. My perspectives on life, goals and relationships with others have completely shifted. If you want to accomplish something and you put your mind to it, it is 100 percent achievable. You never know how many lives you impact when you have dedication, selflessness and love. I want to spend my time as a doctor creating a better world for others.
What advice do you want to pass along to your fellow Buckeyes?
Make the most of your time here. Make the most of every situation you have because life will really be incredible if you do. You never know what will happen next, so have a good time doing what you can right now.