Last Friday I was able to meet up with my ACES mentee, Payton Harvey, at the Ohio Union. We chatted about how the semester was going and areas where I could be of assistance as she finished up her first year at OSU.
Payton is a psychology major and plans on adding an art minor. She hopes to be an art therapist. We discussed the challenges of finding professional development opportunities during the pandemic. She has been researching art therapists in Columbus to better understand their experiences and credentials for working in the field. She is also considering reaching out to them to set up job shadowing if she is not able to secure a paid internship for over the summer. I mentioned an art therapist that did some project work at a previous job of mine that I could reach out to.
Payton is planning on applying for a Wexner Center for the Arts internship for the 2021-2022 academic year. She is also very interested in securing a research assistant position for her sophomore or junior year. She is considering taking an Excel course to become certified in the skill as she expects in could help her in the job search.
As a first generation college student, Payton was recommended to apply to be a First Year Experience Peer Leader. The job would entail running freshmen orientation and assisting first year students with their transition to Ohio State. I’ve recently been accepted for the position for the 2021-2022 academic year. I recommended she apply for next year as I thought she would be a good fit and could gain a lot from the experience. (Have you had the chance to explore your desired career through internships, field experience, etc.?)
Payton lives in the “connector” hallway of the ACES living-learning community. Her hallmates are all very close and enjoy being able to live so close together. Payton has continued to remain close with her roommate. While they are disappointed that one of their neighbors moved home to take online classes this semester they are hopeful that they will have as much fun and connection in their living- learning community as in the fall. (Have you enjoyed the ACES living-learning community in Smith-Steeb? Why or why not?)
We discussed the challenges of online learning and the transition back to in person. as a first year Payton has only had the opportunity to take classes under pandemic circumstances. She is concerned that while her grades are strong she isn’t really learning content. This is a particular worry for her pre-major and major courses. I shared with her that I was feeling the same and new of many others who were also concerned. I mentioned that I found making study guides helpful for retaining the content. She said that she did to and it was helpful for her in her bio course. (What kind of study habits have you developed? Did they work successfully in the fall?)
Payton has joined CHAARGE, Changing Health, Attitudes, and Actions to Recreate Girls. The student org provides opportunities for students to learn about health and fitness. Payton participates in a small group that meets over Zoom to complete at home workouts together. She’s enjoyed trying different types of exercise. Most recently they had a yoga session which she liked much more than she expected to. (How have you gotten involved on campus?)
For the rest of the semester Payton plans to stay involved in her student orgs, be proactive in her academics and seek professional development opportunities. (What kind of goals have you set for yourself for this semester?)