My road to earning a degree and what it means to me
I’m not your typical Ohio State student. I didn’t start out here in Columbus at the main campus. When I was getting close to graduating high school I wasn’t sure that I even wanted to go to college to further my education. My parents however urged m
e to give it a shot and if I didn’t like it no big deal. So I applied and enrolled in The Ohio State University Agriculture Technical Institute (ATI for short).
I attended ATI from fall of 2012 through spring of 2014 and while I was there I made many new friends, met great professors, and found a subject I was passionate about. All of this was because my parents urged me to give it a try.
Dr. Laura Deeter who was my academic advisor at ATI was the one who helped me find my passion for turfgrass science. She helped set me on the path to where I am now. Through her guidance I was able to complete my course work there; while she helped prepare me for the transition down here to the Columbus campus.
Once I was here I took a few more classes to meet the requirements to be eligible to receive my Associates of Science degree from ATI. I transferred the credits back and received the news that I would be receiving a diploma from them. I called my parents told them the great news and they were so excited for me. There’s no greater feeling in my opinion than having your parents say they’re proud of you. All of this was made possible because of my parents and because of Dr. Laura Deeter and many other people who have been instrumental in my life.
A picture of my Associates Degree diploma. Photo taken by myself.