Author: Amber Alexander

Student Club Spotlight: Undergraduate Student Government

Undergraduate Student Government is one of the many Student Club Organizations on the Marion Campus to get involved in. In the past, USG has helped implement Graduation Celebration for Seniors, making Student Club Funding more about students, advocating to update classroom furniture on campus, helping students find answers to their questions, and bridging the gap between students and faculty/staff on campus.

We asked USG members about their participation in the club, what they’ve accomplished, and what they gained from being in the club, especially in a high standing leadership position.

USG is still accepting applications for the 2020-2021 Academic Year! Don’t miss this opportunity to be a leader on campus. Contact Karen Leuthold.12 or Sanders.822 for an application and get involved!

If you ever have any issues or questions you’d like to bring up to USG, please don’t hesitate to contact them at their email:  or reaching out to President Bayli Sanders.822 or club advisor Karen Leuthold.12

           

 

Nathan Baker, Senior Senator 
Him/His/He
Rank: Senior
Major: Psychology, Business minor

I became a USG member because in my work as a peer leader, I was hearing concerns and student issues that I wanted to be able to directly address at a university level. I knew a few people who were already involved with USG and it seemed like a place where I could help do a lot of good in the campus community.
Most of my efforts in USG have been focused on helping improve communication between students and staff (e.g. working to help improve advisor-student interactions, or bringing concerns about the facilitates to the attention of staff) and also working with other USG members to bring things like an on campus graduation celebration to Marion, or advocating for additional mental health support systems. Currently, I’m working to help staff and faculty move graduation events to an online format.
One thing USG has helped me do is to self-direct projects on my own, i.e. to come up with an issue I would like to help address and then figure out how to go about solving that issue. It’s also helped me learn to work with people more effectively when addressing problems, from helping understand the needs of a wide range of students to also learning to work with, and communicate student concerns to, administrators such as Dean Rose.
Bayli Sanders, President 
She/Her/Hers
Rank: Junior
Major: Early Childhood Education

 

I was inspired to join because I  wanted to make a difference. In the big scheme of things, no one is going to remember who I am. But I’ll remember what I did to make our campus the best it can be and I’ll know that I helped students in some way. That’s the most rewarding feeling, to know you took charge and helped others.

Since becoming a member, I have helped complete projects of every size to help benefit students. I have also been put on multiple committees as the student voice because I want what’s best for the students.

Leadership and time management are the two main strengths I’ve gained from being a member of Undergraduate Student Government. But I also gained the strength of knowing I have a voice and what we say matters.

 

Sabrina Helman, Senior Senator 
She/Her/Hers
Rank: Senior
Major: Marketing

I didn’t originally seek out USG. In fact, I didn’t even know really what it was. But another member of the club had seen my actions every semester asked if I would be interested in joining. You see, every semester I found myself fighting for the rights of the students, and trying to make OSU a better learning environment for all students. From seeking out advocacy for disabilities students to helping new professors get the proper guidance and assistance they needed. It wasn’t until my Senior year that I found out about USG and what they stand for. These students do exactly what I have been trying to do since I started College 4 years ago.

I saw the changes they were able to make and it excited me to even be a small part of that change. A true chance to give students a voice, so I joined. USG has given me the chance to not only learn more about the university but it allowed me to see that just a few students could make such a large difference in so many lives at this beloved college. This club has the greatest strength of all, giving students a voice.

 

Amber Alexander, Treasurer 
She/Her/Hers
Rank: Junior
Major: English (concentration in Literature)
Minors: Professional Writing, Creative Writing, History

I’ll be honest, when I first joined USG I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Joining such a prominent club on campus was at first a little intimidating. But it didn’t take long for me to make friends and start to feel comfortable in my position. In middle school, I was elected Secretary in Student Council, but it was only because we voted by speeches read anonymously over the intercom. I wasn’t included in meetings, planning for events, etc. When it came to high school, it was such a popularity contest that even if I wanted to run on a solid platform, I’d never be respected as a member. However, having this chance now that I’m more mature and in an environment where people want to see me thrive, I’ve really been able to use the voice I’ve been wanting to be on behalf of students and be a major part in changing this campus and community for the better.
USG instilled me with leadership and communication skills I didn’t even know I  could have, and continuously pushes me to be a better person and advocate.
Main project: Helping make student club funding more orientated towards students being in charge (2018-2020)

 

Erin Rollins, Secretary
She/Her/Hers
Major: Middle Childhood Education

 

I didn’t exactly plan to join USG, I was approached by one of the members (Bayli Sanders) about joining next autumn, and before I knew it they were voting to have me join that spring. I always wanted to join the student body government at my high school but I wasn’t very popular, or confident enough to get the chance, so I saw this as my chance to do something I’ve always wanted to do. So far with the help of a few of my fellow members, I have helped discuss ways to make our campus look more beautiful, and bright, through the use of a mural I designed, flowers, etc. although my time in the USG hasn’t been very long but I truly love my time in it and I can’t wait to continue representing my fellow student body in the best way I can.

Seven Ways to Stay Involved: Campus & Community

Well Buckeyes, it’s been a rollercoaster since the last time we checked in with one another. The Office of Student Life and Diversity and Inclusion miss seeing all of you and hosting events on campus. As you may know, our annual International Festival is now moving online! Check our Events tab to see when we’re hosting online Diversity events like International Festival and Diversity Bingo!

As for these unprecedented times, we’re all having to adjust to a different kind of life. It may seem scary and gloomy, but Ohio State Marion still has a lot of resources like our Mental Health and Wellness Counselors Leslie Beary.4 and Ellen Thomas.1159 who are still available for online appointments. Email them to set up an appointment and remember, it’s okay to not be okay.

With all that said, it’s so sad to be apart, but we’ve complied a list of some things you can do during these times to help pass the time, stay involved in the community, and Marion campus.

  1. Participate in online programming
    The semester isn’t over yet, and neither is programming! Vote for the best Ice Cream Flavor (a la bracket you may have seen in the Student Center), participate in Enneagram Zoom classes to learn more about yourself and others, play Diversity Bingo with your friends online, or learn more about different cultures and Cook with Kathleen!
  2. Write a letter to patients in nursing homes 
    Due to the restrictions on visitation in Nursing Homes, there are several residents that don’t have a familiar face to comfort them while they’re either rehabilitating from surgeries or placed for long term care. Through outreach coordinated by Emily Creasap, students, faculty, and staff can write or create greeting cards, drawings (which can involve kids at home), or a quote for inspiration. Check out our Involvement During COVID-19 Tab for more information and more outreach opportunities.
  3. Take up a new hobby 
    Not sure what to do when you finish your homework? Get crafty and make some Ohio State inspired things like Buckeye Necklaces (if you have some Buckeyes available), keychains, or look to Pinterest for some fun crafts to make scarlet and gray! Or, you can take up painting, knitting, needle point, learn how to cook your favorite meal or bake your favorite cookies, start doing yoga, or pick up your high school instrument and start playing again!
  4. Learn how to sew and make masks for others
    With new guidelines to wear masks and low supplies for everyone, especially health care workers, learn how to make masks and give them away to people who really need them!
  5. Go grocery shopping for people who are more at risk
    Now that only a limited number of people can be in a store at one time and restrictions on one person per family going in, take some time to go grocery shopping for people who are more at risk or have a hard time getting out of the house. They greatly appreciate it, I promise. Just remember to be careful and maintain CDC standards for social distancing.
  6. Leave meals on neighbor’s and family members porches
    Did that baking or cooking hobby work out for you? Spread your new talent with members of your community or family by leaving them some food at their door so they have one less thing to worry about that day.
  7. Take time to clean up a nice study space and submit it to The Student Story!
    A lot of people have been moving back to their parents house or having to take the time to set up a better study space in their own apartments or homes and we want to see them! If you want to share your cool study space, reach out to us on Instagram or email alexander.967 with the Subject “Newsletter Study Space” and include pictures, your preferred name and pronouns, and a little paragraph about what makes your space special or cool!

Leadership and Love Languages, Oh My!

On February 1, 2020, Marion campus students had an opportunity to attend a Leadership Retreat in Columbus. The retreat was organized by the Marion Campus Office of Student Life.

Six of Marion campus clubs were represented by eight students, including Undergraduate Student Government, Campus Activities Board,  Buckeye Food Alliance, OutLoud, Griffin Society, and Kapow! Creative Writing Club.

In total, there were 33 students representing all regional campuses.

The retreat brought together all of the regional campuses to the Ohio Union, where student leaders took assessments on their Love Language and how to be an effective leader through navigating what’s effective in each situation.

Love Languages is a test that allows the quiz taker to see how they prefer to receive love. This is scored by a ranking system of 1-12 and includes: words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service, and physical touch.

 

 

Once arrived, students from the same campus were advised not to sit together so everyone could meet someone new at their table. After a few ice breakers, everyone settled in to take the Love Languages test and split off into groups to talk about how this certain love language fit into their own leadership views and duties of their respective student clubs.

Marion campus student Ben Macklin, Zoology Major, said that “Love language is a concept that can help create a welcoming and positive atmosphere at a job and this retreat helped teach what love language is and how each individual can take it back to their campus and incorporate it into their workplace.”

After the session about Love Languages, students were then given $10 on a BuckID to use at vendors spanning around campus and particularly across High St. A few options included Chik-Fil-A, Raising Cane’s, BibiBop, and Apollo’s.

 

After roaming High Street, students came back to The Ohio Union where more information about being an intuitive leader was presented, along with conflict resolution. Students were broke into groups multiple times to test their mastery of these skills presented in the afternoon.

Brittany Kuykendall, a Natural Resource Management major, “This retreat did an amazing job at opening up the line for communication and tackled this subject wonderfully. I went in not knowing what to expect but I left with so many tools that can be applied to not only my work and school life but my social and personal life as well.”

After the training on conflict resolution, students were then able to split into groups to discuss some issues they’re having with their own student clubs to brainstorm solutions. These issues included topics such as reaching out and gaining more members and handling issues with members and advisors.

Ander Jackson, Business major, recounted that the multiple group discussions was a great way to “help fellow students come up with different ideas that they can incorporate into their clubs and organizations that they may be President or Vice President over!”

Jackson continued, as seemed to be the consensus for students that attended the leadership retreat was “a great opportunity to build leadership skills and to make connections with those attending and talking with them about there programs they are involved with!”

 

 

Curious about your own love language? Take the test and find out!

5 Love Language Profiles

A Memorable trip to Washington, D.C.

During fall break, October 10-12th, 40 students, faculty, and staff took on the sights and streets of Washington D.C. The trip, sponsored by the Marion campus Office of Diversity and Inclusion, allowed students an opportunity to experience diversity throughout the trip, from staying in an ethnically diverse neighborhood and taking students on a self guided tour through the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

 

Students were also given the opportunity to go on tours through the White House and the Capitol Building.

Something that distinguished this trip to students was all of the free time available to do what they enjoyed. Students were able to go anywhere in the city and experience history and culture. Brittany Kuykendell recounted her experience, saying that she “didn’t realize when I signed up, that the culture of itself entirely would affect me more than possibly some of the monuments. Being able to see and live in the diverse city life (even if only for a few days) was eye opening. From the food, to the newest technology, to the people who call this home, I loved having the chance to be a part of it.” 

 

Being able to walk around the city and do things the students enjoyed was a highlight for the students on the trip. This included seeing monuments at day or night, visiting museums that fit their interests, and being able to try new and different foods, such as Indian Curry from Jyoti Indian Cuisine and Japanese Ramen from Sakuramen. These restaurants, for example, were on the same street as the HighRoad Hostel, located in an ethnically diverse neighborhood near the heart of the city. 

 

The hostel offered multiple bedding arrangements for guests, like 4 people bedrooms with bunk beds, personal lockers, and some even had personal bathrooms. Students had the opportunity to meet and interact with other travelers from all over Europe like Germany, Ireland, Italy, and England. Continental breakfast was provided free everyday with access to local coffee shops and diners as well. The Friendship Cafe, halfway down the block, had fresh baked macaroons every morning.

 

The National Museum of African American History and Culture offered a special experience for all students.

Ander Jackson, a sophomore, wrote about her experience saying that “Throughout this whole trip to the African American Museum I felt at home and I was simply at peace. I loved learning about the different inventions made by African Americans and just simply learning about the different events from my history!” Jackson also noted how she loved being surrounded by her culture. 

Although a lot of students had already been to D.C. before, it wasn’t hard for them to find something they liked. Amber Alexander, a junior, recounted on her second trip to the city. “Some things were much more emotional now that I’m an adult and I have a much better understanding. I felt much more connected with the history in the National Holocaust Museum due to my history classes. You learn much different things in a college course than you do in 8th grade English reading The Boy In The Stripped Pajamas. Both important, but one much more poignant as an adult. To unlearn and learn more truth is what I value from college and this trip.”

Perhaps the most important thing gained from this trip was, as Chiharu Mochizuki puts it, “I liked that we could get into some government buildings. My friend and I imagined working there and realized that it is not an impossible dream. It was nice that we could see all the rare places. We gained a motivation to study harder at OSU.” This trip offered students not only a view of the broader United States and a real sense of the “Melting Pot,” but also how their education could be used. 

From English, Business, Education, Art History, and Biology, students from all different educational backgrounds and studies were able to not only enjoy themselves, but find interests within the city. This gave students, such as Mochizuki, a sense of how useful an education at Ohio State really is and how obtainable the goal to work in the government can be.

 

“In a place like Washington D.C., where major changes in this country occurs, I was glad that there was diversity in political ideologies and activism, as well as racial diversity.”
–Megumi Mae