Author: Stephanie Demos

Scarlet Scramble is Back

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Did you know University Hall is the real building used as Hollis College in Pretty Little Liars? Or that the first Wendy’s restaurant ever opened was in Columbus? Do you think you can eat a stack of Sloopy’s pancakes faster than anyone else? Then boy do I have an event for you — Scarlet Scramble 2015 is here!

So what is Scarlet Scramble?

It’s a 24-hour campus and city adventure that includes challenges, trivia questions, and clues to decode. Teams compete from 6 p.m. on March 27 to 6 p.m. on March 28 to earn points and win prizes (like Amazon and HOMAGE gift cards). The Scramble is brought to you by First Year Experience, and each team should have at least five first year students, but can have up to five other students (non first-years) too.

You know you want a new HOMAGE shirt.

You know you want a new HOMAGE shirt.

I participated in my first Scarlet Scramble my freshman year and have helped plan it the last two years. It is one of my favorite events on campus because not only do you get a sweet T-shirt just for signing up, you also get to run around campus with your friends, learn something new while you’re doing it, and compete for prizes! Plus you end up with some pretty cool pictures like these.

TBT to Scarlet Scramble 2013

TBT to Scarlet Scramble 2013

TBT to Scar Scram 2014

TBT to Scarlet Scramble 2014

To learn more about #ScarScram2015, check out the video below!

Registration is open until March 9. To sign up for the best time of your life visit fye.osu.edu/scarletscramble.

See you March 27!

How to become an RA — and why you should

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Every Ohio State student on who lives campus has an RA.

RA

These people ARE really awesome, but RA also stands for Resident Advisor.

Exactly one year ago I had never considered being an RA. After two years of living in a residence hall, I was going to move off campus with my friends and leave dorm life behind. But as I started to think about the effect I could have on potential residents, even in the smallest way, I knew that being an RA could really change my college experience for the better. It has been one of the best decisions I’ve made at Ohio State, and I would encourage anyone who is even remotely interested to apply.

So you may be asking, “What does a day in the life look like for an RA?” Well let me tell you.

We bring residents to events around campus.

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We plan programs within the residence hall (or on the Oval in this case).

Capture the Flag on the Oval!

Our complex played Capture the Flag on the Oval during Welcome Week.

We decorate the halls and build community within the residence hall.

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In addition to all this, we do rounds, discuss difficult issues with our residents, and work closely with our Hall Directors, Resident Managers, and other Resident Advisors. It’s a tough job, but it’s also really rewarding.

Now you may be asking, “How do I apply for this Really Amazing position?” Not to fear — there are 3 easy steps!

1. Attend an information session to get a more in-depth debriefing of the position. (There is one on November 13 at 8:30 p.m. in the Steeb basement of Smith-Steeb Hall.)

2. Get references from people who know you well.

3. Write unique essays that explain why you want the job and why you think you would be good at it.

And that’s it! My advice is to really think about why you want the position and how you think you can make a difference in the lives of your residents. You will be trained in every aspect of the job, but for now, if you have a passion for helping others and a good work ethic, this could be the perfect job for you.

The application deadline is November 21 — now go get writing!

 

 

You Mean to Tell Me You’re Not from Ohio?

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Let me start by saying we’re all united as Buckeyes. That said, for those of us from outside the borders of Ohio, there are some challenges that native Ohioans may not quite understand. But never fear, I have some solutions that you will make you feel right at home in no time!

Problem: You pay a higher tuition than anyone born and bred in Ohio. This is a downfall of going to a school in a different state, but we got to do what we got to do. It’s worth it.

Solution: Check out the Wellness Center in the RPAC for budgeting information if those student loans are starting to freak you out. You can also still apply for scholarships even though you’re already in college. It’s true, and I know what you’re thinking, “I just got into college writing a bunch of essays, and now you want me to write more?!” Well…yes. But think about it this way: you could essentially be paid to write down your thoughts, so go get ’em!

 

Problem: Ohioans can recite all 88 counties of Ohio in alphabetical order, but you barely know how to spell Cincinnati.

Solution: Take some time to get to know your new home state! Cedar Point, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame, and Lake Erie are my personal favorites. Don’t have a car? Keep reading to find out some awesome things to do right here in Columbus!

 

Problem: Homesickness. Everyone experiences this, even if they don’t admit it.

Solution: When you’re feeling blue, try to do things that remind you of home, like cooking a favorite meal or watching your favorite show. It also helps to think about the things you have here at Ohio State that you don’t have at home. Not sure about you, but my hometown doesn’t have Big Ten sporting events or the RPAC. Nor do you have any chance of running into Aaron Craft on the Oval. If your town has any of these things, please comment below so I can come visit.

 

Problem: While some of your friends can go home whenever they want, you’re a plane, train, and/or automobile away from your house.

Solution: Take the weekends when your friends are away to explore Columbus. Check out the North Market, a Blue Jackets game, or get some Jeni’s ice cream! You can also check out Buckeye Beyond Ohio events to meet some new out-of-state friends (and there’s usually free food!)

 

Well my fellow out-of-staters (and I suppose even you Ohioans), I hope this list has given you some ideas on how to feel more at home here in Columbus. It may all still be a little overwhelming, but I assure you the longer you’re here, the more you’re going to fall in love (how could you not?!).