Being a Romance Studies major, global awareness isn’t an uncommon aspect of my life. As I work to learn three languages and their respective cultures, I am able to grow my understanding of and appreciation for people from all around the world. I have always been fascinated with other cultures and societies and I strive to expand my cultural horizons as much as I can. I  especially plan to do so during these next four years while I have such a great wealth of opportunities readily available. This desire of mine to learn about diversity didn’t just start this year, it has been a passion of mine for a long time. After looking for such an opportunity for a long time, during my senior year of high school I was able to be a part of an exchange program with a school in Ireland. Spending time both in Ireland with the Irish and in America with my Irish exchange student gave me an entirely new perspective on how different seemingly similar countries can be. My experience with the Irish only encouraged me to continue down this path of global awareness. This coming December, right after Christmas, I will be headed to Cusco, Peru for a week  to volunteer in a clinic with other members of MEDLIFE, the organization putting on this trip. I am thrilled to be able to broaden my cultural views and understandings even more as well as provide assistance to those in need. In the coming years I plan to do a study abroad in Spain. Since I’ve always dreamed of studying abroad, it’s convenient that one of my majors, Romance Studies, requires me to do so! I can’t wait to be immersed in the language and culture and to learn as much as I can about the differences between Spain and the United States. With two majors and a premedical path I’m not sure how many trips abroad I’ll be able to take in the next four years besides these two planned ones, but I will be trying to squeeze in as many global experiences as I can for the rest of my life.

While I unfortunately do not have any research experience yet (apart from the “research” conducted in high school labs), I am currently looking into doing some research this coming summer at the University of Rochester. I am very interested in doing research here at The Ohio State University in future semesters but to begin with I would like to work in a summer lab where I can focus all of my attention on the lab and not have to divert attention to schoolwork as well. As an honors student I value highly the opportunity to take advanced courses and learn from professors who are currently engaged in research, and I plan on taking full advantage of these opportunities during my time here.

As a premedical undergraduate student, I plan on taking on a course load that will best prepare me for medical school and my career as a physician. I am on track to take all of my required courses on time to graduate with two majors in four years and I plan to make these required classes very beneficial. I will take rigorous courses so that I am prepared for the rigor of medical school and my chosen profession. I am passionate about helping others at all costs and I believe that when individuals are doing something for another person they acquire a “super-strength” to perform the task needed to be done. Due to this ideal–and the passion I already possess for working to help others–I know I will be able to take rigorous courses and that they will be the best path for me. I selected my majors based on a similar thought process. I am passionate about science (my Biology major) and languages (my Romance Studies major), and I believe that both majors will help me greatly in my future. I believe the power to communicate with someone is wonderfully strong, for if you can communicate ideas there’s no end to what you can do. That idea, combined with the practicality of knowing multiple languages while working in a hospital, drove my desire to major in Romance Studies. My biology major, similarly, was inspired by my love for science and concrete facts as well as the, once again, practicality of having a background in biology as I enter medical school.

I have had a lot of experience in leadership experiences in the past, notably co-leading a benefit concert for mental illness awareness and suicide prevention. This leadership position prepared me for many more that I encountered throughout high school, and has prepared me well for leadership positions I aim to hold in the future. Additionally, being captain of my high school track team gave me exposure to leading a different type of person and using a different leadership style. I am currently a part of Best Buddies, MEDLIFE, and ENCompass. Best Buddies will help me not only create a new friendship with an adult with intellectual or developmental disabilities but will also teach me another new leadership style, one originating from a more personal place. MEDLIFE and ENCompass, two medical organizations, will show me the direct and dramatic impact leading can have on the well-being of others. I hope to take all of this leadership experience and knowledge to my future career and other leadership roles I assume along the way.

MEDLIFE and ENCompass, two organizations I have previously mentioned, are committed to serving the community. Through MEDLIFE I have already been a part of Clean Up Columbus and I have plans to volunteer at a 5k and participate in a Habitat for Humanity project, as well as participate in events not scheduled yet. Through ENCompass I will be volunteering in free clinics around Columbus serving members of the community. I have always been committed to serving those around me and I am delighted to have joined groups with the same commitment. I plan on continuing this mission of service throughout my life, especially during my career as a physician.