Month: March 2014

The Moment I Knew: #BuckeyeForLife

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As a part of the Buckeye community, I share the great passion and love that all members of the Ohio State community have in common. But there is one epxerience that is unique for each and every one of us. This unique experience is what I like to call the #BuckeyeForLife moment.

What is this #BuckeyeForLife moment?

Let me elaborate: The #BuckeyeForLife isn’t the moment that you seal the envelope with your Ohio State housing deposit during spring of your senior year in high school; it isn’t on move-in day when you meet your roommate who looks nothing like their Facebook picture (making you realize you added the wrong person…awkward); and, it surely isn’t your first echoing sneeze in the Grand Reading Room at Thompson. #BuckeyeForLife is that one single moment where you stop everything you’re doing, look at all that is going on around you, and say to yourself, “I am a part of something amazing, something much bigger than myself, and I absolutely love it.”

It goes a little something like this:

Now let me tell you about my #BuckeyeForLife moment.

You might be surprised, but my #BuckeyeForLife didn’t even happen during my first year at Ohio State; however, my #BuckeyeForLife moment did occur during an event that is specifically for first-year students before each autumn semester: the President’s Convocation. I was fortunate to attend this event again through my involvement with the First Year Connections Team. My Connections Team peers and I attended Convocation to mingle with new first-year students as St. John Arena filled, so they were entertained while waiting for the ceremony to begin. Many of the first years looked half asleep, as it was pretty early in the morning, but we tried to wake them up a little bit with our enthusiasm.

One of the great traditions of Ohio State is singing Carmen Ohio after large events, such as football games and in this case, Convocation. My #BuckeyeForLife moment happened as I watched the incoming first years put their arms around each others’ shoulders, and start to slowly sway side to side. Seeing the new members of the Ohio State family come together in unison and sing the famed lyrics that each Buckeye keeps in their heart, I couldn’t help but get chills down my spine.

That was the moment I knew. I looked around and knew in my heart that Ohio State is where I belong. I knew that all the work I was putting toward my education and the nearly 1,000 miles to my hometown were all worth the toil. I knew that I had a family, a home, and a future, all because of Ohio State. And last, but not least, I knew that I truly am a #BuckeyeForLife.

I can’t tell you what your #BuckeyeForLife moment will be, because it is different for every person. You have to go out there and find it for yourself. You’ll know when you experience your #BuckeyeForLife moment, and that moment will be a part of you forever.

So here is my task for you: explore, dream, build relationships, stay up a little too late, or do whatever it takes for you to experience your own #BuckeyeForLife moment.

How firm thy friendship,

Josh

My Siblings are Coming to Town!!!

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Plan now for Sibs and Kids Weekend 2014!

As the end of the semester nears, you may get a little homesick because you are thinking of FINALLY getting home. But, you’re in luck because I have a cure!!! The first weekend of April is Sibs & Kids Weekend (SKW). So, why not have your family and friends come to you!? This is a wonderful opportunity to cure that little bit of homesickness creeping into your system. Also, it is a great refresher before finals season starts. And, you will be able to show your family and friends what life at Ohio State is like. Let’s be honest, it’s AWESOME!!!

Last year, I participated in SKW and brought my two sisters here from Chicago. As an out-of-state student, I was really excited to be able to have my family here with me for a weekend. My sisters and I were able to do soooo much! It all started on Friday night, we took pictures on a big red chair and played on the obstacle courses (it’s nothing like sibling rivalry and competition). The highlight of the night was playing laser tag in the RPAC with other students and their families. It was great to see students with smiles on their faces as they interacted with their families and friends.

The next day, Saturday, was a jam packed schedule. There were Brutus-shaped pancakes for breakfast and cooking classes. Also, there was a luau sponsored by Lincoln Tower. We got Henna tattoos, cotton candy, popcorn, and tons of free stuff!! The best part of the day was going to the Woody Hayes Athletic Center to watch the spring practice of the Ohio State football team as part of Student Appreciation Day. We got to interact with the players and coach Urban Meyer! Also, former President Gee was there with Brutus to take pictures. Needless to say, when you have photo op with a university president, you MUST take advantage of it!

On Sunday I was able to explore Columbus with my sisters and go shopping at Easton. Throughout this whole weekend my sisters really enjoyed being able to run around campus doing different activities and to see meet some of the leaders of Ohio State. They can’t wait and I can’t wait until they come back this year!

SO, looking for some fun during the end of Spring Semester?  Make your plans today to attend Ohio State’s Sibs and Kids Weekend from April 4-6. Students are encouraged to invite siblings, children, cousins, nieces, nephews, or family friends to experience life as a Buckeye! Registration is FREE and all guests who pre-register receive a Sibs and Kids Weekend souvenir at no cost. Check out interactive programming, fun sporting events, and other activities that define life as a Buckeye. Programming is available for all ages.  Many campus departments, University Housing and student organizations are proud to present this FREE, fun, and festive weekend of Buckeye Spirit!

Visit the Sibs & Kids Weekend website for more information and to register your “sib”.