Global Awareness: Students cultivate and develop their appreciation for diversity and each individual’s unique differences. For example, consider course work, study abroad, involvement in cultural organizations or activities, etc .

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Original Inquiry: Honors & Scholars students understand the research process by engaging in experiences ranging from in-class scholarly endeavors to creative inquiry projects to independent experiences with top researchers across campus and in the global community. For example, consider research, creative productions or performances, advanced course work, etc.

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Academic Enrichment: Honors & Scholars students pursue academic excellence through rigorous curricular experiences beyond the university norm both in and out of the classroom.

I spoke with Laura Zdon, who is a senior in the Public Health  program at OSU. She became interested in the medical field when she was a middle school student, and originally thought of becoming a doctor. However, once she got to OSU she realized that her passion lies in Public Health instead. She would like to use her degree in Public Health in a hospital setting, and she is not quite sure what position in the hospital she wants to pursue. This consoles me, since I have also not narrowed down my ideal career path yet.

Laura is preparing herself for her career by volunteering locally and seeking internships related to Public Health. She stays organized academically by following her degree plan that she created, which outlines what classes she needs to take and when the best time to take them is. Laura says that she really enjoys her courses in Public Health, and she is glad she chose this major. She is excited for her future in Public Health.

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Leadership Development: Honors & Scholars students develop leadership skills that can be demonstrated in the classroom, in the community, in their co-curricular activities, and in their future roles in society.

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Service Engagement: Honors & Scholars students commit to service to the community.

This past year, I spent the most time volunteering with the Mid Ohio Foodbank. I assisted in the Kroger Food Pantry as a shopping assistant in the fall, where I would walk with the shoppers and help them choose the items they wanted. In December I volunteered for the South Side Community Kitchen as a meal server. This volunteer event was my favorite since I was able to communicate with more individuals from the community, and so it was the one I continued with in the spring.

I think the South Side Community Kitchen was the most memorable experience out of all the places I volunteered at. At this volunteer opportunity, I was best able to form connections with the people that were participating in the dinner. Being a table washer was not the most glamorous job, and probably not a job most would ask for, but I think it offered a lot experience wise. Cleaning the tables meant that I would have to often face a community member having their meal, and gave me an opportunity to get to know them a little better. All of the people I interacted with were friendly, polite, and interesting to talk to. They all had their own stories, and I enjoyed hearing them.

My favorite connection I made was with a woman who goes to the weekly dinner offered at the center with her three young sons. I first met her mid December, and we chatted about the holidays, her kids, future goals, and other topics. She was very bubbly, and I enjoyed getting to know her. A few months pass and when I volunteer again, she recognized me! I was very surprised because while we did talk in the past, it couldn’t have been more than for half an hour. Yet, months pass and when she sees me she brightly waves and starts talking with me as if no time had gone by. I was very happy to speak with her again, and was very touched that she had remembered me.