An Ode to Freshman Year

My first year here at Ohio State was everything I wanted it to be and more. When it came to academics, I was pushed to go outside of my comfort zone and take my learning to an entirely new level. In my animal science classes I learned about career possibilities that I didn’t know existed before and was able to have the opportunity to be truly hands-on with numerous species. In chemistry, I explored how to stretch my brain to not only learn, but apply that knowledge. I can tell that these classes have made me a much better student, ready to tackle whatever comes my way in the next years of schooling.

Outside of the classroom I grew as a person, friend, teammate, and leader. As a member of the Environmental and Natural Scholars, I was able to live in a community of people that were incredibly uplifting and like-minded. I was even graced with the opportunity to help form this program for the upcoming semesters. This taught me how to be an active member of a community and how to better communicate with others. I joined the Triathlon club, which not only kept me active but gave me a family that I never knew I would find again after high school sports ended. On this team are some of the best people I have met in college and I have learnt what true friendships are like. At OSU, I became part of a community that was more diverse than I had ever seen in my life. I learned how to value acceptance and equality because everyone is so beautifully different.

Personally, this year I was shown who I really am. I had to learn how to exist on my own, which lead to a path of self discovery unlike anything I knew. Through this new lifestyle I was shown what gets me motivated, how I cope with stress, what people I want to be surrounded with, and even eating habits. I believe that I now know who I am and who I want to be almost fully because of the experiences that I have had in this first year. I never would have dreamed that this year at OSU would be so revealing and formative.

I also couldn’t have asked for a better time. Moving out early was only so heart wrenching because I knew that I was cutting short what had been the best year of my life so far. As I sit back at home I found it so hard to pick just one day or time that I enjoyed the most. Then, it came to me that I loved every single day. Just waking up and walking to class in the sunshine, studying at the library with my favorite coffee and a sense of productivity, finishing a tri workout and laughing with a teammate, or listening to TBDBITL practice in Buckeye Grove. It was these little moments that made every day the best day ever.

Next year I hope to continue all of the positive energy that my first year was full of. I hope that with every sunrise comes discovery and general enjoyment, and that every day is once again the best day ever.