plans

Summer Sixteen

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Drake loves the change of pace “Summer Sixteen” brings!

I know that we are all getting excited for spring break (2 more days, we can do it!); trust me, the sunshine and sand are calling my name right now. In addition to lounging on the beach, I also want to finalize my summer plans over break. I know summer may seem so far away, but it’s really not–it’s less than two months away. It’s time to start planning now, whether you are heading back to your hometown to spend some quality time with your family or to work a summer job, or studying abroad or traveling, or if you are staying in the great town of Columbus to take some summer classes, do research, or work.

If you are looking for summer employment, make sure you start searching early and send those job applications in. You can search for opportunities through Ohio State’s student employment site.

If you want to spend your summer engaged in research, reach out to a professor who is performing research in an area that interests you. Or, you can start your own research project! Information about funding for the summer and getting started in research is available through the Undergraduate Research Office.

If you want to have a Buck-I-SERV experience there are some summer trips happening, and the deadline to apply is Sunday, March 20 (the tail end of spring break).

Many people will be taking classes during the summer (I will be taking a few classes too!) and those classes make occur through another institution. I wanted to spend some time talking about how to make sure that you are taking classes that will transfer and steps to take to have a successful experience.

First things first, decide if you will be taking classes at Ohio State (either at the Columbus campus, a regional campus, or online) or at another institution.

If you are taking classes at Ohio State:

  • Check out the new Summer term 2016 structure. Things are changing and knowing the structure is crucial! The Registrar’s website also has some helpful information.
  • Go to Buckeye Link to schedule your classes; I’d recommend using the Schedule Planner feature to organize your classes.
  • Once you are registered for classes, the expectations are similar to what you’ve experienced in any other term, but be sure to pay attention to specific dates and deadlines that may apply just to summer term.

If you are taking classes at another institution:

  • I recommend starting at Transferology, which is a website that allows you to see how your credit will transfer to Ohio State. This way you will be sure that the class you are taking at your guest institution is an equivalent of an Ohio State course and will transfer.
  • If your course at your guest institution isn’t an exact match of an Ohio State course, you may still earn credit for it by having the course evaluated.
  • Make sure you are talking to your academic advisor; they are extremely knowledgeable on the entire process. The advising website also offers many helpful hints!
  • On the Buckeye Link home page under the “Enrollment and Academic History” heading is a link called “Transfer Credit Report” that will allow you run your report.

Drake knows it’s a bad idea to not think about your summer plans.

Regardless of how you are spending your summer, take some time to reflect on your first year of college and your Ohio State experience thus far. During my summer after my first year I made a list of things that I wanted to accomplish or experience during my time at Ohio State, kind of like my own Ohio State bucket list! Make sure you are planning ahead because summer will be here before you know it!

Dear Freshman Libby

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Dear freshman Libby,

First thing I would like to say is good job! You’ve done a pretty good job or keeping yourself together this far! We’ve had a few bumps in the road, but nothing we couldn’t get through without the help of friends and family and eating your feelings. But there are some words of advice I would like to give you…

First, because this is hitting you hard right now, your life after college is not going to be as perfect as you planned. Remember how you thought you would get this amazing job for two years then go to your dream law school? That’s not working out quite as planned, but as you have learned from two amazing grad students that is okay. It is okay to have no idea what you are doing with your life (even though your parents are not too happy with that idea). Everything will fall into place.

Second, academics are really important. I know you want the friends you have made to think you are funny and cool and are like the greatest person they have ever met, but guess what?! They will care about you no matter if you go out that night or not. Focus on school. Your friends will always be there.

Third, do something outside your comfort zone. You have always played it safe because that is the easy way to do things. Raise your hard in class even if you only kind of know the answer, talk to that cute boy you see in class, apply for that job/internship you never think you will get, and always remember the quote from We Bought a Zoo:

You know, sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage. Just literally twenty seconds of just embarrassing bravery. All it takes is 20 seconds of insane courage and great things will happen.

Fourth, don’t take your quick four years here at Ohio State for granted. This place has so much to offer, so take advantage of it all. In 2012, 2016 seemed like a long time away, but here we are. We have done a lot of amazing things here at Ohio State and I am proud of the women we have become, freshman Libby. I can’t wait to see what the next four years have in store for us.

Here’s to 2020.

Love,

Senior Libby