Freshman Year in Review

As the year comes to an end and I reflect on the last two semesters, I realize how much I have changed and matured during my time here at OSU thus far. I came to Ohio State with the intention of pursing a degree in Biomedical Engineering and attending medical school afterwards. Two weeks ago, I changed my major to Health Sciences and am now minoring in biology with the same aspirations of attending medical school. Not only has my major changed, but so has my mindset on my life and its effect on those around me. I have learned to love and hate in new ways that have helped shape my personality and further my growth in character. I have laughed and I have cried. I have made memories and friendships that will last a lifetime, and I yearn to make even more.

During my first semester, I struggled to acclimate to the workload that my classes brought upon me. I spent countless hours in Thompson Library, and I was hating my college experience. I never had time for myself or those around me. I was always overwhelmed with work here and studying there. It was too much. I tried to get involved but noticed that my time was limited and that I needed to focus on my schoolwork. As the semester progressed, I managed to find somewhat of a balance, but I was still unsure about my college experience and my overall choice of even attending college. I went home almost every two weeks because I missed my family and I was not enjoying my time here. I was scared and unsure about what I was doing and what my future was going to be. I needed to get my life together.

On the first Friday of this semester, I joined Sigma Phi Epsilon, and my life changed for the better. From that day on, I have gained an appreciation and love for all of my new brothers, and I cannot thank them enough for supporting me and guiding me with my decisions. I have grown close to a few individuals that I know will be a part of my life for the rest of my life. They have challenged me, motivated me, and most of all, inspired me. Through Sigma Phi Epsilon and its Balanced Man Program, I strive to balance my mind and body. I have noticed significant improvement and interest in my coursework as well as a greater commitment to maintaining my health and fitness. I have found time to balance my involvement with International Affairs Scholars, a position within the community service committee through my dorm, two positions within two committees in my fraternity, my schoolwork, and my social and personal life.  Altogether, I have noticed a significant change in my attitude on my life and college itself.

Sigma Phi Epsilon

SigEp Flag

I joined Sigma Phi Epsilon during my spring semester of my freshman year, and I can honestly say that it has been one of the best decisions of my life. I have made so many memories this semester, and I’m glad to have shared them with some of most meaningful people in my life. I never imagined that I would have 160 brothers, especially ones that share the same values and beliefs as me. I have grown close to a few individuals, and I am excited to see where our relationships lead us in the future. One of my friendships within the chapter has led me to understand the true meaning of brotherhood, and what it truly means to care for someone. I have been challenged many times, and if it wasn’t for this constant support system, I don’t think that I could have survived the semester. I found myself learning and self-reflecting every day about not only myself but the world around me.

Within the fraternity lies The Balanced Man Program, a program set out to provide an unparalleled fraternity experience. The program is chapter-driven and self-paced. It is a continuous development experience focused on scholarship, leadership, and life skills that complement a university’s classroom curriculum. The Balanced Man Program is designed to provide a sufficiently structured, supportive experience with a brotherhood of high achievers, close friends, and mentors to provide personal and professional guidance.

It is built on five principles: equal rights and responsibilities, continuous development, accountability, living the ritual, and mentoring. The Balanced Man Program replaces the traditional pledge process with four challenges: Sigma, Phi, Epsilon, and Brother-Mentor. Through the challenges, brothers become progressively more prepared to transition out of college at one of the most transformative times in their lives. As a newly joined member, I am part of the Sigma challenge which aims to educate members on the fraternity’s history, principles, and values. I have also started fostering relationships within the fraternity and am about to select a chapter mentor. In addition, I have developed a comfort level with the larger Greek Community and understand my role as well as the fraternity’s within it. The Sigma challenge also helps brothers find the resources and opportunities available on campus and through the fraternity. I have also started developing the necessary skills to live independently and succeed as a college man. Along with my schoolwork, I know how to maintain a sound body through weekly fitness challenges and workouts with brothers. As my time in the Sigma challenge comes to an end, I am looking forward to furthering my development as I interview for the Phi Challenge this weekend.

The Creative Project

Say Yes to the Mess

A group of students and I created this piece of drama in my Theatre 2100 class during my spring semester of freshman year. After attending various productions and reading many scripts throughout the semester, I was assigned to a team that had to create a five minute production focused on failure. In our piece, the main character, Demetrius, was madly in love with Clara, a woman whom he had never even met. Demetrius had schizophrenia, and after he broke in Clara’s apartment to propose to her, he was sent to a mental institution. After two years, Demetrius had been cured and was getting married to a new woman. The main theme of the production was how failure could still lead to the redemption of love.

Our team of five was each assigned two roles. I acted as Demetrius onstage, and I was also in charge of the design concept for the second scene in the performance. From the first scene in the café to the last scene breaking down the fourth wall, the focus of the design elements was to incorporate the failure and revival of love within, no matter how mad one truly was.

To achieve a sense of attachment and belonging within the second scene, the actors were chosen to be clothed in everyday clothes. I wanted the audience to feel as if they could step in the actors’ shoes and truly understand the hardships of love. In addition, the police officer wore a single badge to signify his minimal effect on the power of love. Demetrius, was insane and in love, insanely in love, and he was not going to let the authority put an end to his feelings. Although Demetrius did not end up with Clara, he was able to move on from his reckless, psychotic self and find the one for him.

To incorporate the backbone, the production was chosen to be set in Paris, France, the city of love. With this in mind, a projected background was chosen to show an apartment with the Eiffel Tower in the distance and educate the audience on the location of the play. The second scene was set in Clara’s apartment, Eiffel Tower Flats, apartment 3B. Since it was daytime, a common time for break-ins to occur, we decided to keep the blinds open to allow in natural lighting and provide comfort for the audience. Katya and I were also tasked with the lighting in the room. Whenever our characters entered the scene, we turned on the lights to ensure actuality and reality. I, Demetrius, also proceeded to turn off the lights as Clara shuffled with the door. This darkness was used to signify the darkness within Demetrius and how his character was mentally insane.

Within the second scene, I chose to incorporate a table to allow Demetrius to set up his extravagant proposal and allow the audience to experience this life-changing moment. The table was also used as a place for cover as Demetrius hid from Clara after he broke in her apartment. The candles, flowers, and ring added to his announcement declaring his undying love for Clara. In addition, an umbrella was used to defend the psychosis that had stricken over Demetrius. Again, the umbrella did not stop Demetrius from pursuing what he wanted most, Clara. These simplistic props were chosen to add to the happenings on stage while maintaining the goal of showing that love can triumph as found in the final scene of the play.

The sound elements within the second scene were also chosen to add to the lunacy within Demetrius. For his proposal, I chose to play Every Breath You Take by The Police, a creepy, yet romantic song. The fumbling of the doorknobs allowed the audience to know that Demetrius was breaking in and when Clara was returning to her home. In addition, this was a signal for the characters to proceed with their next roles. The police sirens were also chosen as a signal for the actors as well as a signal that the authorities were coming in an attempt to break up the scene. Altogether, the design concept for the second scene attempted to encompass the madness of love that would soon be overcome at the conclusion of the performance.

From the whole process, I was able to understand the true meaning behind theatre and how much work truly goes into a production. My team spent 5 class periods to create a five minute scene, and it was definitely challenging. I can’t even fathom how much time goes into a real production. In addition, I had difficulty memorizing my lines, and as mentioned before, it was only for five minutes of acting time! The creative process helped me realize that every decision has a meaning and helped me gain an appreciation for the art that is theatre.

Toronto Trip

Toronto, Canada

I traveled to Toronto, Canada with International Affairs Scholars from April 7th to April 10th during my spring semester of freshman year. During the trip, I was able to immerse myself within the culture of the country and surround myself with people that I had grown to love. We arrived in Toronto on the evening of April 7th and were given the opportunity to explore the city on our own. A group of us decided to walk around and get familiar with the area. We stopped by Eaton Mall and grabbed some dinner at The Duke of Richmond.

The next day was filled with adventure as we toured the Royal Ontario Museum and the Aga Khan Museum and Ismaili Center. I was able to learn about the history of Toronto and various countries while being exposed to cultural timepieces and arts. My favorite part was at the Aga Khan Museum and Ismaili Center where our humble tour guide helped me gain an understanding and appreciation for the Muslim culture. Everyone seems to have these negative connotations associated with the Muslim population, and the tour was able to wash those stereotypes away. I was especially moved by the geometric works of art and intricate calligraphy. In addition, I realized how valuable religion is to the Muslim community and began to reflect on my own religious beliefs.

After our two tours, we headed back to the hotel to welcome our guest speaker: Mike Jancik, Officer of the Premier of Ontario. Our scholars group had an open discussion with Mike about the current Syrian Refugee Crisis and Canada’s efforts. It was definitely a unique experience due to the fact that I was very uninformed about the whole situation. Mike did a superb job of explaining the crisis and opening up my eyes to another part of the world. I learned that, as a nation and as an individual, pluralism and inclusion are vital for global and cultural success.

On the following day, I was found myself scurrying through the tunnels and rooms of beautiful Casa Loma. Later that day, a group of us managed to walk a ridiculous amount to reach Little Italy for some authentic Italian pizza. We then treated ourselves to some fresh cannolis, ice cream, tiramisu, and coffee. In the evening, the whole group headed to Medieval Times for some comic jousting and a rather peculiar dinner.

As we headed back to campus on Sunday, we stopped by Niagara Falls to see and hear the magnificent roar. On the bus ride back, I realized that aside from all the sights and wonders, I had enjoyed meeting and spending time with my peers the most. From sharing laughs and memories during dinners to trying different accents at every possible moment, I can say that my experience with my newly found friends was unlike any before. I now have many inside jokes and remarkable memories to treasure, and I cannot thank the people, International Affairs Scholars, and my parents enough for blessing me with the opportunity to embark on and experience this incredible journey.

 

G.O.A.L.S.

[ “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: Honors & Scholars students pursue academic excellence through rigorous curricular experiences beyond the university norm both in and out of the classroom.
Leadership Development: Honors & Scholars students develop leadership skills that can be demonstrated in the classroom, in the community, in their co-curricular activities, and in their future roles in society.
Service Engagement: Honors & Scholars students commit to service to the community.]

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.]

Environmental Sustainability

Environmental Sustainability Presentation

I created the Environmental Sustainability Presentation with a group of International Affairs Scholars during the autumn semester of my freshman year. After exploring the Seventh United Nations Millennium Goal – Ensure Environmental Sustainability, my group was required to write a paper about the goal. From this paper, my group created an informative presentation, which was presented in our International Affairs Seminar course.

This artifact helped me realize the struggle that our world faces everyday. In particular, the struggle of ensuring a safe and sustainable living environment. The Environmental Sustainability Presentation focused on China, a country with a vastly growing population and diminishing stability. After researching the problem in China, I was able to relate and compare the issue to my life. By living in America, I have not had to face the issue of Environmental Sustainability. But as I was reading through the information about China, I found connections with my homeland, Ukraine. I realized the need and struggle that the citizens of Ukraine faced. Just like China, many people want better healthcare, education, sanitation, and job opportunities. I felt an aching in my heart as I thought about my relatives back in Ukraine. For years, my family has been trying to help support and provide for our relatives. We have persistently helped them apply for Green Cards and Visas in hopes of being reunited with them.

After completing this presentation and reflecting on my own life, I realized what my true passion was: to help others. Throughout high school, I spent a lot of time volunteering within my community, and my heart was filled with happiness from the smiles of those in need. Now that I am at Ohio State, I know that I will encounter many opportunities to provide service for others. I yearn to travel abroad in hopes of changing the lives of others. In particular, I would like to travel to China and even Ukraine, if given the chance. Many people in this world do not have the resources to sustain a healthy lifestyle, and I want to change that.

About Me

Graduation

Graduation

Since I was born in Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine, the diverse world that we live in has always interested me. Growing up with different cultures influenced my life in multiple ways. After moving to America, I encountered adversity and diversity at every door. Challenges and obstacles persisted to test my strength. Throughout my life, I have battled against these obstacles and challenges. From facing bullies on the playground in elementary school or struggling to pass my conference rival on the track, I stared defeat straight in the eyes, but I never stopped fighting. Pushing myself to become stronger, I recalled a quote by Atticus Finch, “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view… Until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.” Using this as motivation, I strived to become a better, more-understanding individual.

Looking through situations from a different perspective helped me understand the world around me. I was in awe by the differences and similarities like never before. Adversity and diversity pushed individuals against their limits just like they pushed me. I tried to grasp the world, but it kept slipping away… Thirsting for knowledge, I placed myself in the shoes of the world. I saw life differently. I heard life differently. I smelled life differently. I was aware.

Being aware of my surroundings helped me pursue an interest in the cultures and life around me. Ukrainian, English, and Spanish have opened my mind to various chambers of the world. The cultures and traditions intertwine in my mind and taunt me to experience adventure over seas. Seeking international waters, I am interested in studying abroad and learning more about the great depths that the world has to offer. Whether it is researching along the coasts in South America or studying in the wondrous fortresses of Europe, I want to cultivate and expand my knowledge of the world. Hoping to make a difference in others’ lives, I plan on walking in their shoes. Developing my global awareness by furthering my understanding of adversity and the differences amongst us strives to be my goal. Adversity and diversity are only puzzles pieces of my life and experiencing them at Ohio State will fit them all together.

As I pursue a degree in Biomedical Engineering, I want to gain an immense amount of knowledge not only from my coursework, but also from the life around me. As an International Affairs Scholar, I hope to experience and learn about the cultures that comprise and surround me. I also hope to learn more about myself and develop a better understanding of my social identity and those around me. I yearn to use my worldly understanding as I pursue med school and my dream of becoming a doctor. Although I am not certain of what type of doctor I want to be yet, I know that I want to surround myself with unique identities that will help change and save the lives of those in need.