Global Vulnerability to Climate Change

On October 1st, I attended an event put on by the Institute for Population Research that depicted the use of big demographic data to measure global vulnerability to climate change. This event filled the academic category for International Affairs. I attended this event because I am really invested in learning about climate change and spreading awareness of it. This event put climate change in a new perspective for me as it described how the effects of climate change, specifically global warming, affect people. The presenter first started by giving an overarching distinction that he does not believe precipitation heavily factors into the effects of heat on people. He claimed that the two don’t have to be separated because precipitation has no significant impact on education or physical health in people. This was interesting to me as many researchers disagree and account many of the presenter’s findings to precipitation and not temperature. The presenter explained that there exists a correlation between levels of heat and the level of education people pursue. Specifically, the hotter the country, the less likely individuals are to pursue higher levels of education. The Institute found this true specifically when studying in Eastern and Southern Africa, Central America, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, West and Central Africa, and South America. The researchers wondered if because heat impacts education, if it could affect the physical health of individuals as well. The researchers found a significant correlation between issues in pregnancy, including the health of the mother and the baby, and heat. Specifically, the hotter the climate, the more likely the pregnancy can be affected by issues. Overall, the presentation provided me with insights I had not considered when thinking about climate change and how it affects people on a day to day level.

 

IA Involvement Fair

I attended the International Affairs Involvement fair, which fulfills the campus category; this event took place on September 11th on the Smith Steeb lawn. This event was very beneficial to me as it offered me opportunities to network and see the vast amount of clubs Ohio State has, especially those centralized around global issues. At the fair, I was able to sign up for clubs I had not seen or had not had the time to read information about at the massive involvement fair on the Oval. I signed up for the Alexander Hamilton club and for the University Democrats. This event was beneficial to me as signing up for clubs that have members with interests similar to mine will help me both network and make new friends. While I did not sign up for every club there, speaking to the leaders of many different clubs, such as Amnesty International, opened my eyes to the wide variety of politically cognizant and volunteering based clubs on campus. Additionally, I was not registered to vote before the fair and I noticed that the Ohio Votes booth was there and I registered to vote. Overall, the fair helped me meet new people and be more aware of what I can be apart of on campus.

International Affairs Study Abroad Panel

I viewed the International Affairs study abroad panel in the Smith Steeb glass classroom on September 9th. I walked in with apprehension about whether or not I wanted to study abroad. As someone who speaks both Hungarian and English, I have always found it difficult to learn new languages. In turn, I was nervous to pursue a study abroad program in a country that does not predominantly speak English as I know I would have trouble picking up the language. Thankfully, listening to the older International Affairs Scholars students speak on studying in Portugal, Canada, France, and at the White House really inspired me. Specifically, the girl who spoke on her experience in Portugal assured me that while all the people she worked with did not speak English, they placed her in a sector where the people did speak English and were experienced with working alongside English speaking interns. This, alongside the positive experiences the IA students had, calmed my nerves about studying abroad. Additionally, I found out about a study abroad program I may apply to. Specifically, the political science based program in Canada opened many doors to internships for the student who went there based on the portfolio the program had him write about what he accomplished there. The program also introduced him to prominent Canadian and American political figures; the program also requires a class taken on Canadian government which would surely broaden my knowledge of government holistically. Overall, the panel upped my excitement to pursue studying abroad.

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 guidance on using your ePortfolio, including questions and prompts that will help you get started, please visit the Honors & Scholars ePortfolio course in Carmen. To get answers to specific questions, please email eportfolio@osu.edu. Delete these instructions and add your own post.]

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 guidance on using your ePortfolio, including questions and prompts that will help you get started, please visit the Honors & Scholars ePortfolio course in Carmen. To get answers to specific questions, please email eportfolio@osu.edu. 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 guidance on using your ePortfolio, including questions and prompts that will help you get started, please visit the Honors & Scholars ePortfolio course in Carmen. To get answers to specific questions, please email eportfolio@osu.edu. Delete these instructions and add your own post.]

Artifacts

[Artifacts are the items you consider to be representative of your academic interests and achievements. For each entry, include both an artifact and a detailed annotation.  An annotation includes both a description of the artifact and a reflection on why it is important to you, what you learned, and what it means for your next steps.  For more guidance on using your ePortfolio, including questions and prompts that will help you get started, please visit the Honors & Scholars ePortfolio course in Carmen. To get answers to specific questions, please email eportfolio@osu.edu. Delete these instructions and add your own post.]

About Me

My name is Szofia Wiksell and I am currently a second-year student at The Ohio State University. I am double majoring in Marketing and Public Affairs, and minoring in Political Science, and am a member of the International Affairs Scholars Program. In college, I plan to get involved with volunteer organizations, study abroad, and join a form of student government. I love listening to all types of music, traveling, baking, and attending concerts with my friends.