Another goal of mine was to prepare me academically for future endeavors. This included increasing my GPA and beginning to study for the MCAT. Although my final term grades are not entirely uploaded yet, I took a far heavier courseload this year and have continued to maintain relatively good grades while increasing my performance in important science and heavy credit-bearing courses. Moreover, I have obtained various study materials and study guides for the MCAT and have begun studying my resources. I have also taken on leadership roles on executive boards of various clubs that I participate in to gain leadership experience and diversify my abilities. This year helped me build a resume and strengthen my academic abilities.

This year I was faced with the challenge of understanding who I am and thus, who I want to be.  I was not sure of what I specifically wanted to do and who I saw myself as in the future. During the summer of 2018, I accepted an internship at a radiology facility, where I am currently employed. I was firsthand exposed to the ins and outs of the medical industry – all of the disparities and challenges the medical industry faces. I dealt with scheduling and preparing stat patients, I learned the requirements and limitations of various insurance policies, and I learned of the various legal implications that owning a medical practice entails. I have seen patients max out their cards receiving services and I have seen patients go into cardiac arrest while in office. I learned that this setting was right for me. I learned that I found joy in remaining busy and often under high stress. I learned that I enjoyed helping others and educating others about their options and that medical services are still not accessible enough. I also learned that perhaps the front desk of a medical facility or radiology specifically were not quite for me. I realized that I want to possibly impact healthcare on a larger scale. I found the major of environmental public health and officially made the jump. Although I am still pre-med and still may see a future as a medical practitioner, I want to prepare myself to possibly work before medical school in the position of a public health official and work on initiatives that lead to policy and lifestyle changes.

[ “G.O.A.L.S.” is a place where students write about how their planned, current, and future activities may fit into the Honors & Scholars G.O.A.L.S.: Global Awareness, Original Inquiry, Academic Enrichment, Leadership Development, and Service Engagement. For more information, go to: http://honors-scholars.osu.edu/e-portfolio. Delete these instructions and add your own post.

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 .
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.

Academic Enrichment: My TA and peer mentor Carson Herron is graduating this semester with a major in psychology. She is taking a year to work before applying to medical schools and possibly graduate schools. Like me, she has found herself having many interests and explained to me that many of the classes and skills acquired for medical school are also valuable in other fields. She explained to me that while the MCAT and all of the other prerequisites for medical school are challenging, they are even more rewarding. Carson switched majors her junior year but still graduated on time, as she has worked diligently each semester and applied herself to a career pathway that she knows will provide her with much opportunity. As a TA, Carson helped me navigate my way through HSS and my freshman year.

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.

Service Engagement: In such a large and diverse community, service opportunities are not hard to come by. Throughout my freshman year, I took part in a diverse set of volunteering events. Within my own scholars community, I helped create Valentines Day cards for children a Nationwide Hospital. I also had the opportunity to volunteer with Dunn scholars at their annual triathlon. My job consisted of checking in participants and guiding them to the proper location. Working with another scholars community helped me understand the different ways you can be involved in your own community and how your passion can be translated into your service projects. The brunt of my work has been completed at a local animal shelter. As an environmental science major and student considering a career in veterinary medicine, working with animals is not only my passion but provides me with beneficial experience. At the shelter I often clean the cages of animals, many of which have disabilities or are ill. Cleaning the cages while also taking care of the animals while out of their cage has taught me how to work with animals and nurture them based on their specific needs.