[ “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:

In hopes to broaden my understanding of my career path, I decided to interview my TA who is graduating this year and will be attending medical school next semester. She answered a lot of my burning questions in regards to the importance of conducting research, having productive summers, and finding a specific passion. Throughout my semester of being in her Chemistry Lab, she had always displayed such ease and grace. After hearing about some of her obstacles and daily struggles that she conquered, I am convinced that stamina helps everyone get through the rigor and high-demands of college. She explained how there is not one “perfect” plan towards making it into medical school. Her responses to my very specific questions such as whether or not a gap year is frowned upon or valued and what kinds of influential extracurriculars to get involved in were resolved by her establishing that there are pros and cons to every situation. She suggested that the most important aspect is that I am content with my actions. Overall, I felt inspired to personalize my own college experience, make it my own, and display my true character in order to create a better version of myself and to advance into my professional career.

Service Engagement:

I spent my time this semester giving back to my community. This was seen through volunteering weekly at the University Hospital and becoming involved with a student organization called Camp Kesem. I worked as a volunteer in the Endoscopy center. My role consisted of helping turn over unit rooms in between patient visits. In addition, I helped with extraneous tasks provided by the nurses. Throughout my experience volunteering here, I witnessed the several factors that sustain a hospital. A hospital is not simply run by doctors and nurses, rather a wide range of employees with various specialties.

My role in Camp Kesem this semester can be distinguished by my counselor position for their summer camp provided to children who have a parent affected by cancer. In anticipation for this weeklong camp a great deal of planning and training is imperative. I have partaken in training meetings, fundraisers, and handed out flyers. My most memorable service experience this year has been going to a fundraiser event and being able to immediately see the boost in morale for the specific individual.