Service has always been a big part of my identity and played a large role when deciding on my major. Currently, all organizations I am affiliated with are service organizations. I volunteer at a local dog shelter, through Buckeyes for Canines. I also volunteer at the Wexner Medical Center, where I am part of the Hospital Ministry in conjunction with the St. Thomas Moore Newman Center. I plan to become more involved in service organizations, including CUREU, during the spring semester. I would like to participate in a Buck-I-Serv trip during my sophomore year as well.
Leadership Development
I strongly believe that education takes place as much outside the classroom as it does inside the classroom. That being said, I am involved in various student organizations on campus that do not directly relate to my major, including Buckeyes for Canines and St. Paul’s Outreach, but I also plan to get involved with organizations that pertain more to what I would like to do in the future, such as Undergraduate Student Government and Collegiate Council on World Affairs. I also look forward to interning in the Statehouse here in Columbus, and participating in the Washington Academic Internship Program through the John Glenn School of Public Affairs.
Academic Enrichment
I plan to use my Academic Plan to create and pursue a program of study that allows me to be challenged in the classroom through upper-level and honors courses. Most of my GE courses are either Honors or 3000 level, or higher, which shows my commitment to learning and pursuing distinction. I chose to major in International Relations because I like the idea of serving people on a large scale, including people outside the United States, and also foreign policy and how Americans treat outsiders. I also chose to minor in Arabic because I feel strongly about Middle Eastern conflict, as well as the refugee crisis.
Original Inquiry
To work toward the goal of original inquiry, I plan to complete undergraduate research. I would really like to do a study on economic inequality in the United States or research different religious conflicts in the Middle East, incorporating my Arabic minor. I would also like to complete an Honors Thesis and other advanced coursework as an upperclassman at the Ohio State University.
Welcome to my Honors & Scholars e-Portfolio
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Year in Review
Global Awareness:
This year, I feel like I have very much developed my global awareness. In my course work, I studied the contemporary culture of the Arab world to enhance my understanding of the people and daily culture, rather than just the language. In addition, I will be studying abroad this May in Kigali, Rwanda which will increase my global cultural knowledge and foster more appreciation for African culture, since I do not currently know much about it. I am also a CORE member in a student organization called Catholic Relief Services. CRS is the Catholic church’s response to international humanitarian crises. This year, I have helped run simple solidarity meals, in which I helped prepare different meals from six countries around the world, and facilitated a discussion about different aspects of culture from each country.
Original Inquiry
In the fall of my sophomore year, I took a course called Political Science 4132H. The class was researched based, and required that I research a particular case being argued in front of the Supreme Court in order to predict the outcome. This was my first research based class, and I learned a lot about how to find credible sources and how to analyze different texts and compile them into one report. In addition, I have met with my study abroad faculty advisor so that I can conduct research about the effects of mass violence on law while I study abroad in Rwanda.
Academic Enrichment
I think my honors contract shows my commitment to academic enrichment because I have really pushed myself to take upper level, and under my political science major even graduate, course work. I chose my majors and minor to help my pursue my future goal of going to law school to be an immigration lawyer. Because I think this is what I want to do, my course work in political science and international studies has focused a lot on law, domestic and international, and human rights.
Leadership Development
As previously mentioned, I am a CORE member of Catholic Relief Services Student Ambassador Chapter at the Ohio State University. The CORE team is essentially an executive board, with a horizontal leadership structure. Through this organization, I have been able to plan several events on campus, including solidarity meals and a Stations of the Cross at the local Catholic Church. It has enhanced my organizational and collaborative skills, making me a better leader. In addition, I will be a Peer Minister for Service Trips in the upcoming school year at the local Catholic Church, and I will get to plan, lead, and facilitate a domestic service trip with about ten to twelve students, as well as train other student leaders to lead and facilitate trips in two other locations.
Service Engagement
This year I have completed several service projects with my CRS Student Organization. I volunteered a couple times at the Youth Empowerment Program (YEP) in Columbus, which helps homeless teens get on their feet through street outreach. I also helped make and deliver hand-tied baby blankets to a local women’s care shelter on several occasions. Additionally in the future, with my role as a Peer Minister for Service Trips, I am hoping to plan a weekend urban plunge in downtown Columbus to help students continue to serve the local underprivileged community and engage with those who are marginalized in the area.
Global Awareness
To work toward the goal of Global Awareness, I would like to experience the world outside of the classroom. Not only do I intend on being involved with cultural organizations, such as the No Lost Generation club here on campus, but I plan on going studying abroad to completely immerse myself in other cultures and idea. During this upcoming winter break following my first semester, I will be traveling to London with the Honors program to learn more about their people and culture. I have also done research on the Global May programs, and would like to take part in one at the conclusion of my sophomore year.
Career
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Artifacts
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About Me
My name is Kaitlyn Toth and I am a current first year undergraduate student at the Ohio State University. I look forward to majoring in International Studies, with minors in Arabic and Economics, so that in the future I can become a member of the United States Government after completing a Ph.D. program at the Graduate level. I value service, leadership, liberty, equality and justice in all aspects of political, economic, and social life, and my interests include current local, national, and global news, justice, service, travel, and learning. A career in government would allow me to represent and serve the American people, and influence policy that could benefit others.