Hello everyone! My name is Irene Young. I am currently a freshman at The Ohio State University and I am double majoring in Psychology and Computer Information Science.

I have always had a specialized interest in math and science, taking many advanced math and science courses throughout middle and high school. As I got older, and was able to take different non-core classes, I discovered Psychology and Computer Programming. When I found these I was very excited to learn more, which is why I decided to further my education and study them here. Another academic interest I have is in the Spanish language and culture. I started leaning the language in middle school, and never stopped taking classes. Once I was in high school, I joined Spanish Culture Club, and stayed with it for 4 years, being an officer of the club for 3 of those years. A few other hobbies I have special interests in are playing ukulele, spending time outside, cooking and baking and making art (painting, ceramics and drawing).

Outside of school I have many interests. For all four years of high school I was a part of ski club, which met once a week in the winter and skied at the hills nearby. I was also in show choir crew for 4 years. Crew is in charge of costumes, set and technical execution. During the season, which is during the months of January- March we have a competition every weekend where we travel somewhere, normally in Ohio, and compete against other show choirs to win. During the off season and during the season we met once a week for normal practice. This became a large part of my life and had my interest grow in the performing arts and the backstage technical aspect of it all as well. Throughout high school I also worked at a vegan restaurant where I learned a lot about time management and responsibility.

Completely separate from my school year, over the summer I work at a jewish overnight camp. I grew up going to this camp, and the open and silly environment is where I think I really formed who I am and was able to find myself and  discover who I want to be. Nearly all of my friends from camp do not go to my school and this has helped me make connections in my community at home as well as when I go new places. The judaic aspect has also made a large impact on me, from the jewish friends I’ve made, to the jewish values I have learned about, to weekly shabbat services and traditions, it has helped me grow my jewish identity as well as strengthening my sense of self overall.

I think having a diverse area of actives and interests is important so that you can be a flexible and unique individual. Overall, my experiences have made me who I am and they are all part of me whether I continue to participate in them in the future or not.