G.O.A.L.S.

The University Honors & Scholars Center at The Ohio State University serves high-ability, motivated undergraduate students. While embracing diversity in both ideas and people, the Center fosters purposeful learning communities that enhance students’ academic and social experiences. The Center facilitates impactful, rigorous, and unique opportunities that further student success and involvement in our G.O.A.L.S.: Global Awareness, Original Inquiry, Academic Enrichment, Leadership Development, and Service Engagement.

G.O.A.L.S. November 2016

Global Awareness-

To work toward the goal of Global Awareness I will most likely study abroad.  Even though study abroad is not required for my Spanish minor, I think it is an important part of learning a second language since it will help improve my skills.  Through my own experience, and through listening to others experiences, there is so much to learn when we go outside of our own country.  It is critical that we learn about and meet people from cultures different than our own.  Alongside with Service Engagement, I believe that the goal of Global Awareness is the most important.  While the other goals will help advance me academically, these two goals help me to become a well-rounded individual.

Original Inquiry-

In terms of achieving the goal of Original Inquiry, I would like to participate in some sort of research over the next four years.  Although not many Math nor Actuarial Science majors complete research whilst they are completing their degree, perhaps I can work with a professor in a topic that interests me, regardless of connection to my major.  Or perhaps I will engage myself in some sort of creative production.  I am currently a member of the First-Year Orchestra, but I would like to work on a theater production.  My acting skills are lacking, but working on the crew would be enjoyable for me.

Academic Enrichment-

For the goal of Academic Enrichment, I am planning on taking difficult classes.  While I chose my major(s) and minor because they are logical and easily employable, I truly enjoy the classes I have to take for them.  In order to give myself a break from the difficult classes, I am planning on taking interesting GE courses that are not necessarily relevant to my major or minor at all.  My first semester I took a Folklore class, and I did not know what to expect from it.  However, it was a fun experience and I am glad I took the class.  For the rest of my GE requirements, I will be taking classes on topics I will never have the opportunity to learn about again in a classroom setting.

Leadership Development-

To develop my leadership skills, I would ultimately like to hold some sort of leadership position in a club at OSU, preferably a service organization.  Currently, I am not involved in any activities except the Orchestra, where I am the assistant section leader, but I would like to become more involved as the years go on.  However, simply holding a title that says I can “lead” does not automatically mean that I can lead well.  I would like to have internship experiences that allow me to work observe leaders in the field of work I would like to pursue, giving me real experience in seeing leaders work every day.

Service Engagement-

Being involved in volunteer work and giving back to your community are both very important to me.  To work toward the goal of Service Engagement I want to be involved in a service organization on campus, especially one that works within the Columbus community.  Although I would like to take a Buck-I-SERV trip sometime over the next four years to help a different community, I believe helping the community of which you are a part is more important.  Earlier this year I participated in the Buckeye Service Connection and the Community Commitment, both of which focus on service work within Columbus.  Being engaged in service to others not only helps the community, but it can help me grow and learn more about people who come from different walks of life.