Script on Ice

On Saturday, November 4th, I performed in a fashion that I would have never foreseen if I had not joined the Athletic Band; I marched the Script Ohio for a hockey game–on ice.

The Athletic Band may not be as esteemed or publicized as the Marching Band, but we still have outstanding experiences. One may think that we have no chance of participating in the famed Script Ohio, after all we do not perform in the ‘Shoe, but this assumption could not be farther from the truth. We have our own time to play Hang on Sloopy, sing Buckeye Battle cry, and dot the I–all on an ice rink.  Under the lights of the Schottenstien Center, we marched out onto the ice with excitement and a slight fear of wiping out.

I was not planning on joining Athletic Band, but if I had not joined, I would have never been a part of such a memorable experience. Script on Ice ignited my thoughts regarding all of the experiences I could be a part of by getting more involved at Ohio State. I often lose scope of my involvement, as I end up concentrating on academics. Athletic Band, more specifically this event, is a reminder that I need to take advantage of my limited time at this university filled with endless possibilities. Turning my gaze forward, I will make more of an effort to make memorable, even life-changing experiences here at OSU. I have already put in my application for a study abroad trip to France and Moracco; who knows what the future will hold.

Letting Go of Perfectionism

I recently attended a First Year Success Session addressing perfectionism. Little did I know that this session that I was merely attending to complete an assignment for my Arts and Science survey class would shake my perception of my existence. Prior to attending the session, I had known that I suffered from perfectionism, but I did not realize that it applied to so many of the problems I deal with on a daily basis. Before, I knew that perfectionism meant being very meticulous and unsatisfied with everything, but I did not realize it came at such a high cost. In the presentation there was a quote that said “When perfectionism is driving, shame is in the passenger seat, and fear is right behind.” I realized that much of my anxiety is centered around these unrealistic demands I make of myself. It is a nonstop cycle of anxiety/fear and shame when I face things I am not confident about, or I “fail” at something. As she listed example after example that applied to me, I fell into a nebulous state of clarity, relief, and dread–clarity and relief because I finally knew what entity was holding me back, dread because I did not know how to banish it. The instructor, however, was prepared and offered the class very achievable methods to combat perfectionism: challenge negative thoughts of yourself with positives ones, be present while brushing you teeth or eating a meal, or even looking someone in the eye when talking to them. Each method was seemingly achievable, but none were as resonant as the message she told me privately: it is a constant battle that I will always have to work at, but it can be done. I learned that I was not a hopeless case, that I need not exterminate my condition but live with it in tandem. I was able to take a much needed deep breath. This session will not only help me form a healthier relationship with myself and others, but also will lead me to academic prosperity and success in my first year in college and beyond.

Welcome to my Honors & Scholars e-Portfolio

From academics to careers to personal life, this portfolio tracks my journey from the confused, wide-eyed freshman to the grounded, ambitious senior. The goal is to adequately showcase my skills, interests, and direction as I wander through my four years at Ohio State. Whether you are a potential employer or merely dropping in to check up on my activities, you will find something of interest.

About Me

I love art of all mediums. I live for that mental escape when I sit down at my desk to a blank canvas and get lost in my own emotions flowing onto the white fabric; that moment when I see the most striking sunset and carefully manipulate my camera settings to capture an image even better than the real deal; that feeling when I pick up my saxophone or flute and play a melody that actually moves me. Art is the most literal form of magic. It transforms, it heals, it inspires.

But I also possess a deep adoration for science, both physical and biological. My passion for physical sciences started when I first picked up Stephen Hawking’s A Brief History of Time from the dusty shelves at my local library as a middle schooler. As I read, my mind was broken, everything I thought I knew shattered, and built up again with a deeper, more profound understanding. I never looked at such sciences the same. Every time I learn about new information from classes, books, or my beloved YouTube subscriptions (minutephysics, Vsauce, SciShow, PBS Spacetime, Kurzgesagt) I am utterly blown away at the complex intricacy of our universe and crave more knowledge. Through my research, I became increasingly drawn to the ways in which particles interact and what becomes of them when they do. I yearn to understand these interactions and how they affect the universe.

Biological sciences may not address the entire universe, but the much smaller, more local universe on Earth. However, it is no less intricate. It is with these sciences that I have the oldest bond. Before learning about particle bonding or quantum mechanics, I identified with animals. My first job aspiration was not a princess or the president, but a big cat trainer. Before even attempting division, I was reading book after book about life on earth and caring for the 8 different species (cats, dogs, rats, hamsters, sugar gliders, ferrets, parakeets, turtles) I called family at some point or another. Through expanding my knowledge, my interests have since evolved, but I could never lose these sciences that have been instilled at my core.

Unfortunately, science is often viewed as the stark opposite of art. While there are no boundaries to dam the flow of creative thinking, strict rules and laws govern scientific exploration. Even the physical and biological sciences are often viewed as different paths. While contemplating my path in life, I cannot imagine having to lose these passions that are all part of me, whether it be art which I have cherished since could hold a pencil, or plants and animals, or my hunger for physical sciences.

That is why I am at Ohio State; the options are endless. I am not yet sure where I want to go, but I know that I will keep my interests at heart with involvement in the Zoology Club, the Athletic Band, the American Chemical Society, and the Chemistry Club. Currently, my trajectory may be turbid, but my hope is that by the time I hold that diploma in my hands, my career path will be clear.

Year in Review

[ “Year in Review”  is where you should reflect on the past year and show how you have evolved as a person and as a student.  You may want to focus on your growth in a particular area (as a leader, scholar, researcher, etc.) or you may want to talk about your overall experience over the past year.  For more information, go to: http://honors-scholars.osu.edu/e-portfolio. Delete these instructions and add your own post.]

G.O.A.L.S.

Although I am not even sure of my path as a science major, the G.O.A.L.S. of STEM EE Scholars and Honors and Scholars in general will remain at the core of my future. Global Awareness and Academic Enrichment are two very prominent pillars of G.O.A.L.S. that I hope to use to further my success. With a French minor in my future, I have a large incentive to be exposed to other nations through studying abroad. Studying abroad counts as Global Diversity for obvious reasons, but it also can bee seen as out-of-classroom Academic Enrichment. I believe that exploring the myriad of cultures that come with the language is half of learning a language. Being able to speak, write, and listen in a foreign language is important, but understanding the culture behind the language fills in the area below the surface—leading to a more intellectual comprehension. For me to truly be satisfied with my minor, I want to be able to explore such cultures, and because there are so many francophone countries, I must start my journeys right away.

Within the next year, I hope to study abroad to France and Morocco through the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. Not only will this voyage immerse me in different culture from the US, it will also encourage me to think critically about the various cultures within the countries themselves and their histories. Along with my in-class teachings of french literature and language, I will be able to physically see and be a part of the culture behind said literature and language. I will also be able to gain perspective on the culture of another french-speaking country. This is valuable academic enrichment because most of the in-class learning associated with french is in regard to France; having the unique experience of visiting another french-speaking country will broaden my horizons more than the classroom typically would.

Hopefully by four to ten years’ passing I will have taken advantage of the countless study abroad opportunities Ohio State has to offer by visiting France and multiple francophone countries. However, after graduation I do not wish to end my travels. I will continue to expand my experience with Global Diversity by visiting as many countries as I can reasonably manage. As always, such trips will always enrich my academics while I’m in undergraduate school and beyond, whether I am studying french or chemistry.

 

Career

[“Career” is where you can collect information about your experiences and skills that will apply to your future career.  Like your resume, this is information that will evolve over time and should be continually updated.   For more information, go to: http://honors-scholars.osu.edu/e-portfolio. Delete these instructions and add your own post.]