As second semester of sophomore year comes flashing “Full Speed Ahead”, I am taking this time to reflect on my current year and how I’ve grown through my awareness, service and leadership and where I want to be in the near future. Just recently, I sat down with my Human Resource professor to discuss my options when it comes to professional development, building my resume, and graduate school. I’m always evaluating the gap between where I’m at and where I want to be. Despite facing many obstacles, challenges, and detours, I can continue reflecting and readjusting my steps. Each category of Honors and Scholars G.O.A.L.S.: Global Awareness, Original Inquiry, Academic Enrichment, Leadership Development, and Service Engagement; allow me to enrich my academic and personal journeys to success.
Global Awareness: I have further cultivated and broadened my worldview by traveling abroad and within the country. In March of my freshman year, I ventured to Costa Rica to explore sustainable agriculture practices and the significance of community engagement. The food I ate was incredible! The landscapes I saw were beautiful. The things I learned were eye-opening. But above all else, the relationships I made were unbreakable. In my sophomore year, I attended conferences in the uncharted cities of Indianapolis, Kansas City, and Houston, Texas. These experiences allowed me to further connect with other Ohio State students away from campus. It also ingrained in me a sense of confidence and independence.
Original Inquiry: My interests span all four corners of the horizon. I am passionate about Appalachian heritage, agriculture, higher education, and pursing Christ. In these facets, I each have one or multiple mentors, some of which are university faculty and professors. My interactions with professors an faculty and allowed me the opportunity to attend the Agriculture Future of America Conference, NASPA conference, and in the future the LEAD365 conference. These further hone my skills and prepare me for the job market while learning more about my passions. Within these sectors, I often engage myself in leadership roles (FYE Peer Leader, Athletic Host, AFA delegate) and practice public speaking.
Academic Enrichment: My academic experiences revolve around applied economics, business principles and leadership engagement. I currently am on the Deans List and work hard to maintain a good GPA that will help launch me into further collegiate opportunities. My involvement as a Mount Scholar hold me to a high standard and the community that encourages me to perform well in and out of the classroom.
Leadership Development: The biggest development in my leadership skills is from my role and training as a Peer Leader. I mentor over 250 incoming students throughout their first year journey at Ohio State. From Orientation and Welcome Week to spring semester finals, I walk alongside them and serve as a resource to ensure their success. I have learned the importance of listening, communication, outreach, knowledge, technology, vulnerability, bravery, confidentiality, and servant leadership. I can apply what I have learned throughout my time as a leader into the corporate world. My other leadership involvements include working with the OSU Football program as an Athletic Host, Mount Leadership Society, and CRU.
Service Engagement: During my second year as a Mount Scholar, I worked alongside the Columbus Metropolitan Library. There, I tutored children, K-12, in a variety of subjects. During my time, I engaged in mentorship and learned a lot about the topics of privilege, educational equity, and immigrant and refugee populations. I also volunteer with Pay it Forward during MLK Day of Service and well as in my church and hometown community during the holidays.