By Miranda Koewler

Pharmaceutical sciences student Shivani Patel knows that her actions can make a powerful impact across the globe. Read her story to find out more about her incredible journey at Ohio State and around the world.

Miranda: What are you studying and why?
Shivani: I am studying pharmaceutical science. I know it’s an unpopular opinion, but I love chemistry. I want to help others learn and understand the medication they are taking and how it helps their body.

What are you involved in on campus and in the Columbus community?
With the Global Health Initiative program, I went to Malawi. There, I gave health presentations to help educate villagers. We were able to give them supplies they did not have access to for things like pneumonia and neonatal health. I also helped to take blood pressure and provide simple medical check ins. We were trying to create a system where they don’t rely on medications, because they won’t have access to them. We also brought clothes, pencils, coloring books and household supplies.

I’m also a USG senator for the pharmacy department. Lastly, I helped bring the ONE Campaign to Ohio State. The mission is to help communities with extreme poverty and high rates of preventable disease.

“I struggle finding words for how humbled I am to have been with the people of Malawi for the duration of the trip,” says Shivani. “I miss them and the feeling of pure happiness that I experienced there every day.”

What are three words to describe you?
First, I would say mindful. I am always looking for how my work can benefit other people. I try to pay attention to how others are feeling, because it’s important to understand what they’re going through. Next is ambitious. I set goals and do whatever it takes to achieve them. Lastly, adventurous. I’m constantly looking for new experiences to get out of my comfort zone. I try to dive into things head first –– I committed to Ohio State even before seeing it!

In your bio, you talked about fostering happiness and creating positivity around you. How do you see this in what you do at Ohio State?
I have always been the type to approach anyone, and try to do so with sincerity and care. You have to acknowledge that everyone is doing something they love, so there is no reason to shut them down. One smile can change someone’s day and keep them motivated.

How did you realize that helping others is what you’re meant to do?
I knew I wanted to go into the medical field, not just because I love science but because I love people. I’m passionate about helping people who have no means of helping themselves, because where someone lives shouldn’t determine their quality of life. One person can change so much by helping, advocating or bringing happiness. It feels good to do good.

Can you tell me more about the ONE campaign?
The ONE Campaign’s mission to end extreme poverty and diseases in Africa. They prioritize by talking to village elders to find out what is actually needed. It’s advocacy to help promote and bring this movement alive, not through actions but through speaking up. There is power in words and how they connect people.

What have been your biggest successes or most proud moments while working with ONE?
I was Invited to National Power Summit in D.C. where I got to hear from sponsors like the RED campaign and Malala Fund. People from all over the globe came together for one common cause. We heard about equal education for young women all across the globe. It’s a concept that many women never thought would come to light. I hope to bring that feeling back to Ohio State.

What advice do you want to pass along to your fellow Buckeyes?
Keep your paradigm wide. Instead of doing things your friends are doing, do one thing nobody else is. You’ll be surprised by how much you like doing something on your own. I came to Ohio State knowing few people, so being thrown in by myself helped me to find what I love.

By Miranda Koewler

Fourth-year operations management student Ari Vandersluis has his sights set on medical school, but plans to make a positive impact on the student experience here at Ohio State first.

Miranda: What are you studying and why?
Ari: I’m a business operations management major in the Fisher College of Business. I’m also pre-med. I know that’s a bit different, but I think the business degree will allow me to look at medicine more holistically. It fosters people-oriented thinking.

What are you involved with on campus and in the Columbus community?
I have been in BuckeyeThon since freshman year and am currently serving as the vice president of outreach and engagement. I oversee events throughout the year and our year-long engagement strategy. I am a member of the Mount Leadership Scholars Society, Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity, and the 111th Class of SPHINX Senior Honorary.

Lastly, I serve as a clinical research coordinator at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, where I work on quality improvement studies in the hemophilia department. In this role I focus on what will have the best results for consumers rather than what is the most “groundbreaking.” My current project looks at assessing and providing knowledge for patients with hemophilia to ensure they are medically independent by 19 to 20 years old.

What are three words to describe you?
First, I would say ambitious. I’m very goal and achievement oriented, and I am driven by a specific idea of what I want an outcome to be. For the next two, I would say creative and analytical. I put these two together because most personality tests would say they are very conflicting – but I like to look at and solve problems in creative ways that are also actionable. Putting these two mindsets together works best in real-life applications, because I can look at things from both perspectives.

Why are you inspired by providing opportunity for others to make change?
Ohio State has shown me that regardless of your passion or interest, there is always someone who shares that passion and will help you thrive. People harness these opportunities and resources to prove that anyone can do anything they want. We all have the same opportunities to grow here. This campus is filled with ambitious people ready to change the world, and it motivates me to know that I can do the same.

Who has empowered you to become a positive change maker?
More often than not, it’s the people I work with in BuckeyeThon. They’ve shown me the way my actions can make a larger impact. Before I was on the executive board, I felt like my impact was within the small circle of work I was doing as a committee member. My more recent positions have allowed me to think bigger to see how my interactions change the way students think about philanthropy.

What has been the result of the empowerment you’ve found in BuckeyeThon?
It has proven over and over throughout my college career that I can make a strong impact in the world around me by working with people and sharing my ideas. A group of people working toward a common goal can have a larger impact than individuals on their own, and the mind power at Ohio State has so much potential.

During my sophomore year, I took a service-learning class where my service site tasked me with organizing the community free store. When I first walked in, it seemed like a mountain of clothing, so I worked with a classmate to research how we could make it a sustainable resource that would help the community access clothing and other daily necessities. We ended up creating an efficient system for long term success. Working together for a clear purpose is what drove us to find what was best for this community.

What advice do you want to pass along to your fellow Buckeyes?
There is always more to learn on this campus. Take advantage of opportunities outside of the classroom. Get involved, find new passions, learn new things – people and experiences change as you grow, so push yourself out there. Any passion you have, you can find an opportunity here at Ohio State to grow it.

By Miranda Koewler

Candace Cooper, a senior studying social work, has a clear vision of her purpose and how she will use it to help others find their voice. Her passion is as empowering as her plans for the future.

Miranda: What are you studying and why?
Candace: I’m majoring in social work because I aspire to make an impact on the community and give back to young women of color. I want to be able to create a space for these young women to be their authentic selves, to be vulnerable. Finding a way to promote professional and personal development is important – these spaces are often not available to girls of color.

What are you involved with on campus and in the Columbus community?
I am a member of the African American Voices Gospel Choir. I am an ambassador for the Young Scholars Program as well as an ambassador for the College of Social Work. I work in the Student Life Multicultural Center and do research for the College of Social Work. Lastly, I am a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

What are three words to describe you?
I would say ambitious, confident and charismatic. I achieve anything I set my mind to, because I am determined and empowered by my goal of helping others. I am very much a people person, and most of the work I do involves interacting with and learning about the unique experiences of other students on campus. Lastly, I strive to be the best version of myself. I bring a positive attitude and sense of hopefulness to make every day more enjoyable and challenge myself to do more for those around me.

Where did your passion for advocacy originate?
I first discovered it in middle school. I was involved in many summer programs and I was always looking for ways to do more. If I saw a way that I could help out, I stepped up. This is where I started to grow a passion for helping. I have always known that I did not want to feel stuck in a my job, so finding something I was passionate about that allowed me to help others led me to social work.

Who would you say is a role model or inspiration when it comes to this passion?
My supervisor, Dr. Gisell Jeter-Bennett. Working under her guidance is where I found my passion for working with women, which has now become my purpose. I do research in the College of Social Work that focuses on African-American women and their unique experiences in the realm of higher education. The work focuses on looking at diversity and gender identification in connection with ideas of success. This information helps create programming for the Women Student Initiatives within the Multicultural Center.

Tell me about the non-profit you plan to start.
I plan to one day create a place for young women of color to access programming that promotes positive self image, professional development, healthy relationships and ways to be their best selves. Women of color do not always have the best guidance, so creating a mentorship program that connects them to successful women in college could be very impactful. I also want to start a scholarship fund that can support at least one woman’s college experience.

How has your love of education made an impact on your life?
I have always appreciated learning and I see the mind as an incredibly powerful thing that shouldn’t be wasted. Inside or outside the classroom, we always have the opportunity to learn, grow and change. Learning is something that constantly surrounds us. We just have to be open to taking in information and seeing how it can change us. Many people think the learning process ends when school ends, but graduation is a beginning – not an end.

What advice do you want to pass along to your fellow Buckeyes?
Always strive to be the best version of yourself. Change is not a destination but a journey, so stay confident and intentional with the impact you want to leave on the world.

By Miranda Koewler

Fourth-your marketing student Nicky Stewart and I sat down to chat about his passion for finding new passions the wide range of interests and experiences that prove how extraordinary he really is!

Miranda: What are you studying and why?
Nicky: I’m majoring in marketing as a part of the Fisher College of Business. I originally came in studying industrial design, but decided that I was seeking something more business-focused. I’ve been able to use my creative thinking and apply my design skills to find ways to cater what I am studying to better fit my interests.

What are you involved with on campus and in the Columbus community?
I’m on the executive board of the Ohio Union Activities Board. I serve as the co-director of marketing where I coordinate our social media presence. I’m also a part of BuckeyeThon where I serve as the graphics coordinator for the Marketing and Communications Committee.

Lastly, I’m a graphic design intern for Student Life Marketing. I have the opportunity to work with student organizations and Student Life departments to design graphics and other marketing pieces for them. Some projects offer a lot of freedom in creative thinking, which I’ve really enjoyed.

What are three words to describe you?
First, I would say creative. I get to use this a lot with graphic design and marketing, but I also find that it applies to the new interests and projects that I take on all the time.

Related to that, I would say passionate. I’m a firm believer in finding something you love and diving into it completely. It’s interesting, though, because I always seem to be changing what I love. Whether it’s photography or baseball, I get really invested in whatever I’m doing and just run with it.

I think the last word would be focused. When I want to do something, I always put in 100 percent and do it to the best of my abilities. I invest wholeheartedly to make sure I’m happy in whatever I am doing.

You said that your interests are always changing. What are some things you’ve been focusing on recently?
Recently, I’ve mostly been working on photography. I don’t really make any plans with it. Instead, I’m just seeing where the love of the art takes me. It has led me to meet some great people and make new friends while going out around Columbus to take pictures. Another thing i’ve been invested in is running. I originally planned on running a full marathon, but after an injury, I decided to tone it down to a half marathon.

Lastly, I would say baseball. I’ve been a huge Cleveland Indians fan for a while, so I was getting very consumed by the World Series hype. I started digging more into the statistics within baseball and learning more about the players and other team. As you can tell, this is a wide variety of things. I tend to get obsessed with something for a while before I move away from it and onto something else.

How has Ohio State helped you facilitate this exploration?
You have endless opportunities to discover what you’re passionate about and find new interests. There are infinite resources to take advantage of. Columbus is a great place to explore, too. There’s always something going on in the Short North, Downtown or German Village. This city has been a great tool for me to utilize while navigating through my interests, especially with photography. It has allowed to me to experience some really unique places.

Do you have any specific plans for the future?
Not exactly. I’m looking around, but I’m still uncertain of exactly what I’m looking for. I’m lucky to have had great experiences working with different types of people with different work styles. I’m learning how to cooperate with a wide range of ideas and to challenge the way I think about things.

What advice do you want to pass on to your fellow Buckeyes?
Get involved with as many things you can and find people with similar interests. You’re bound to find people that share the same values and ideals as you. Once you find them, stick with them because you never know what amazing things could come from those relationships.

You can check out Nicky’s latest photography on his website: www.nick-stewart.com

By Miranda Koewler

Sitting down with third-year Shamina Merchant brought incredibly meaningful conversation about her deep-rooted values and her hopes for technological advancement in the future. Shamina’s story is an example of a unique and spectacular student experience.

Miranda: What are you studying and why?
Shamina: I am majoring in information systems in the Fisher College of Business. I really enjoy problem solving and looking for long term results. I am also extremely interested in the advancement of technology. Adding these components together to study how they fit with one another is the best of both worlds for me.

What are you involved with on campus and in the Columbus community?
I serve as Deputy Chief of Staff for Undergraduate Student Government. I work closely with the issues committees and oversee the fluidity of the organization to make sure we are achieving our goals. I am also now on the University Senate Fiscal Committee that works to make college more affordable. Outside of USG, I am the Director of Project Sourcing for the Buckeye Undergraduate Consulting Club. We collaborate with the Columbus community to give back and also gain experience.

What are three words to describe you?
First, passionate. I care about this school, and being a part of something like USG allows me to hear stories of student experiences. This is what drives me to be involved and make changes happen. Next would be persistent. I am willing to devote my time and push towards something if I put my mind to it. If there is an idea, I will find a way to make it possible when others may not see a solution. I know this isn’t just a word, but finally, I would say I strive to learn from everyone I meet.

There are two values that are important to your family: pluralism and education. Can you tell me more about the importance of pluralism for you?
Pluralism stresses learning from every person you meet. When I was younger, I was involved in Muslim religion classes where we learned about the history of Islam as well as other cultures and religions. We were taught about things we may not have been exposed to originally. I recently interned in India where I was surrounded by a lot more diversity.

I also went to Israel to see Jerusalem and learn more about the subjects I have learned about for years. The world is filled with people who have lived through astronomically different experiences. We have to be respectful and understanding to everyone we meet, because we truly do not know the life they are living or the lessons they can teach us. I learned a lot about different perspectives by learning about the challenges my dad faced . He is my superhero who always encourages me to have optimism for the future.

And what about education?
I find that education does intertwine with pluralism and the idea of giving back to the world around you. It allows us to have a background and basis to connect with other people. We must always be working to uplift communities around the world. My dad’s personal experience has reiterated the importance my parents have stressed. He came to the United States by himself and had to adjust to a lifestyle where he could support himself and his family back home, all while getting an education. Every decision he made was affected by hope for his future children’s access to education – this was something unattainable in India.

As another interest of yours, how do you see technology advancing into the future?
Every day we are hearing announcements about how Ohio State is looking to bring students into the world of the future with technology. Creating access to anything – quickly and easily – is the most important resource we can offer students. I had the privilege of working with the Ohio State app team to make it better for student use, so I can’t wait to see how that, and other additions like the Apple partnership, impact the future of this university.

What are your own future plans?
I like to take the future into account, but I do not necessarily know what it means for me. I am interested in going into consulting, possibly for higher education. This is never something I originally would have considered, but it would give me the chance to look at differences and find unique problems faced by universities. I would have the opportunity to create solutions that have lasting impacts. I know for sure that I want to continue to travel and learn more about different cultures and different people. Then, I can use what I learn to give back.

What advice do you want to pass on to your fellow Buckeyes?
This is something that might be a little bit weird, but I try to start conversations with people I have never met. I like to learn about all their different experiences as students. These discussions have become some of the most insightful conversations I have ever had. I love utilizing these opportunities to connect, because people on this campus are going to change the world someday.