For as long as I can remember, I have been a fan of The Ohio State University. My friends never really understood why I had such a passion for Ohio State. I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, and neither of my parents attended the University. However, that love for the University, and the Buckeye culture is what drew me to attend The Ohio State University. The picture above is from my first game in The Shoe as a Buckeye, and even though we lost the game, I for the first time felt like a Buckeye. Being around passionate and crazy fans like me reminded me of why I came to the University in the first place.
Looking back at my first month at school, that picture means more to me now than it did at the time it was taken. From left to right in that picture is my friends Annika, Charlie, myself, Jeff, and Timothy. On August 16th, I did not know any of these people. However, through my scholars program and the fact that they all live on the same floor as me, I have formed very close relationships with all of these people. Annika and I bonded over our love for hockey. Me and Charlie connected over the fact we went to similar high schools. Jeff and Tim flank my room on either side and I see them every day. But these friendships are more than just surface-level acquaintances. Slowly we are learning about each other, our strengths and weaknesses, our hopes and fears. But beyond that, we are supporting each other and really challenging each other to become the best versions of ourselves both inside the classroom and in the real world.
To me, that is what being a Buckeye is about. The community I am surrounded with here at The Ohio State University is one of the most supportive I have ever been a part of. Coming from a tightly-knit friend group in high school, I was scared to adjust to college life. However, getting to know friends like the ones I mentioned above has helped me ease into the challenges of college life. They made sure I was focused during Midterm week so that I could perform at my highest level and they hold me accountable to attending various club and Mount scholars events. My few short weeks in Columbus has taught me that “Being a Buckeye” is about more than screaming your head off on Saturday nights in the Shoe. Being a Buckeye means supporting your fellow Buckeye no matter what, but also challenging them to become the best versions of themselves that they can possibly be. I am incredibly excited to see what I can do with my time at The Ohio State University, and I know that I am surrounded with people who truly care about me.