Global Awareness:
To develop my global awareness, I have taken courses that satisfy the general education requirements for my degree. In my sociology class, I learned about how societal values, cultural values, race, gender, socioeconomic status, and upbringing deeply influence who a person is, and I have learned how to think more critically about the ever-pressing issues of today’s society. Through my classical mythology class, I learned about the cultural values and stories of ancient societies that still influence the world today. I will continue to work toward this goal by engaging with the Columbus community through volunteer work.
Original Inquiry:
Since my first semester, I have been working as a research assistant in the Cripe Lab at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. During that time, I have learned many lab techniques, namely cell culture, PCR, plaque assay, gel electrophoresis, and data analysis. Conducting research has been both rewarding and challenging. My time in the lab has taught me to persevere and continue to fight for the children diagnosed with cancer each day. I plan on continuing to work towards this goal by completing an undergraduate thesis during my senior year and diving deeper in my inquiry of oncolytic virotherapy. I also partake in original inquiry through my classes. For example, I did a semester-long research project on fungal endophytes in my Biology 1114H class. I will continue to work towards this goal by taking challenging course work.
Academic Enrichment:
My Honors Contract demonstrates a commitment to the goal of academic enrichment because I have chosen to take challenging classes that I am interested in. For example, I took honors-level prerequisite classes (biology, chemistry, organic chemistry) even though it was not required because I want to gain a deeper understanding of the topics. With regard to my general education requirements, I have chosen courses that I am interested in (i.e. abnormal psychology) that are also challenging. I have also taken classes that will help me prepare to apply for medical school, and ultimately, for a career in medicine. I chose to study biochemistry as my major because I am fascinated by the molecular interactions that dictate the complexity of life. Fundamentally, biochemistry investigates the underpinnings of life, and an understanding of biochemistry will help me in my future profession as an oncologist because I can understand physiological interactions between medications and the human body as well as physiological processes.
Leadership Development:
On campus, I am involved in Buckeyethon, Alpha Epsilon Delta, and Brighter Futures. Through Buckeyethon, I am a Team Captain, and I have helped team members fundraise to raise money for pediatric cancer research. I have developed as a leader through this experience by helping others recognize their passion for philanthropy, providing fundraising tips, and effectively communicating deadlines and requirements. My involvement in Buckeyethon relates to my personal goals of giving back to the community as well as my professional goals of becoming an oncologist. I am also involved in Brighter Futures, a club that mentors high school students in Columbus and helps them reach their academic goals. In Brighter Futures, I am involved in the outreach and activities committees, and I research programs that Brighter Futures can partner with as well as help brainstorm activities for the students to do during the mentoring sessions. My involvement with Brighter Futures has deepened my passion for helping other students reach their academic goals, and I have developed as a leader by utilizing critical thinking and creativity to best serve the students.
Service Engagement:
My main service-oriented activity is volunteering through the Wexner Medical Center. Before COVID, I was a volunteer in the SICU, and I helped patients’ loved ones in the waiting room with whatever they needed, provided emotional support, escorted family back to see the patient, and tried to make family members as comfortable as possible. During the fall semester, I volunteered in a different capacity, helping with temperature checks and making sure every patient had a face mask. Over the next month, I look forward to volunteering at the vaccine clinic at the Schottenstein Center. Furthermore, through my involvement with STEP, I will complete a project focused on service-learning and community service. I will work with Dress for Success, a non-profit organization in Columbus that helps women achieve their professional goals and overcome sociocultural barriers to employment.