My First Semester at OSU

Overall, my first semester at OSU was incredible and eye-opening. At first, I was scared that classes were going to be impossibly difficult, that I wasn’t going to make any friends, and that I would struggle with going to such a massive school with so many people. Almost four months later, I’ve learned that I can succeed in my classes if I work my hardest, I’ve learned to make the closest friends I’ve ever had, and I’ve learned to be myself both in the classroom and in the dorm. College was a huge adjustment for me and I’ve learned to be independent and manage my time so that I’m productive yet social at the same time. 

Arts Scholars is a perfect fit for me – the people are unbelievably talented and kind, and there’s such a supportive environment in the dorm. I’ve learned to appreciate more forms of art as well as experience my friends’ talents in live concerts and shows. Arts Scholars has highly encouraged me to participate and get involved in several intriguing forms of art. One thing that I never thought I would do is attend a Greek Festival, but Arts Scholars showed me that it’s a different environment as well as an interesting place to see other people’s cultures in real life. Also during Arts Scholars Seminar, I learned a lot about the other Arts Scholars and unique ways of how they perceive things. From the projects such as the Inspiration Board, I learned about the various talents and characteristics of people and I learned about how they viewed themselves. Also I loved how Arts Scholars pushed me to experience Short North and visit the various shops and restaurants in town. I learned that I definitely should return for it is a famous and not to mention fun location in Columbus. 

I would like to be involved in Humanities Scholars in the future by continuing to attend my fellow scholars’ concerts and shows, as well as attending more activities in the dorm.

My First Week at OSU

Stefanie Wyszkowski

Arts and Sciences 2000.01: Arts Scholars Seminar

My First Week at OSU

When I first moved into Baker West, everything seemed overwhelming but exciting at the same time. I had already visited OSU’s campus three times, but I still didn’t know how to get to certain buildings. Also, I was nervous about being social in my dorm and in classes because I come from a small, private, all-girl school with a graduating class of 24. The people in my dorm are outgoing and I learned that they are reliable in every situation. This helped me to adjust to the atmosphere better because I realized I can go to my roommate or my neighbors whenever I need help.

Welcome Week was a once-in-a-lifetime experience I will always remember. Everywhere was crowded with thousands of students and it made me anxious to see so many people. Overall, Welcome Week was entertaining and there was never a dull moment. At Convocation in the Schottenstein Center, I loved seeing all the freshmen gathered to celebrate the start of the new school year. Listening to President Drake and Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston speak made me proud to be a Buckeye and excited to learn at the collegiate level. Another memory from Welcome Week was the Involvement Fair where I learned how to meet new people and engage in activities outside of the dorm. I signed up for the clubs I was passionate about such as Club Tennis and several health clubs. One thing I learned from the Involvement Fair was that OSU has so much to offer to students and I should be proud of be apart of a school that can build potential.

My schedule is drastically different in college than it was during high school. My parents aren’t here to tell me to be productive, I can’t drive wherever I want, my “school day” is shorter in college, I have to buy my own groceries/supplies, and I have numerous food options. I learned to create a different schedule everyday to make sure I’m using my time efficiently while also being on time for classes and extracurriculars. Though I enjoy the company of my family and having someone to depend on at home, I love being independent and experiencing the advantages of being a student.