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 information, go to: http://honors-scholars.osu.edu/e-portfolio. Delete these instructions and add your own post.]

G.O.A.L.S.

Global Awareness

Thus far in my collegiate career, I have taken many trips abroad and have been involved in a student organization with a focus on global awareness. In Autumn of 2016, I took a course called London Honors. We spent the semester learning about many aspects of London’s culture, history and people. As a class, we then traveled to the city for 10 days over winter break 2016 to experience first-hand everything we had learned about. Additionally, I went on a medical volunteer trip with a student organization on campus called Volunteers Around the World to Panama for two weeks in May of 2017. I will continue to work on this goal as I plan a study abroad trip to Corfu, Greece in May of 2019.

Original Inquiry

My first experience with original inquiry came to me during my introductory biology class. In Autumn of 2017 I took biology 1114H, the honors version of evolution and organismal biology. During the course, a partner and I completed a semester long project researching whether or not there was any difference in endophyte growth in organically grown versus non-organically grown potatoes. I plan to continue my work on original inquiry by getting involved in ecology research beginning Autumn of 2018.

Academic Enrichment

My honors contract demonstrates a commitment to the goal of academic enrichment by the multitude of upper level and honors courses I plan on taking in the up-coming semesters. Both my biology major and forensic science minor relate to my future aspirations of going to medical school and becoming a physician. My biology major with a specialization in pre-med will ensure that I have completed all of the necessary courses for the MCAT and medical school. My minor in forensic science serves as a set of fun and intriguing courses that can be still geared to the medical field and boost my knowledge. I chose the GE courses I did because I wanted variety in my schedules and wanted to graduate from OSU with a wide range of knowledge in as many subjects as possible. Me as biology major taking an introductory theatre class was one of the best decisions I have made in college yet.

Leadership Development

I am currently involved in Honors & Scholars Ambassadors and Volunteers Around the World. My involvement in VAW contributes to my leadership development in particular because this past school year I was elected as treasurer. This is a role that I will serve in until I graduate in Spring of 2020. My time in this role has taught me a lot about time management, delegating tasks and general responsibility. I am also learning a lot about finances as my primary role is to act as the organization’s CFO. My involvement in VAW relates to my career goals because they are an organization focused on medical volunteering. I have been exposed to many great experiences and knowledge regarding the medical field that I otherwise would not have been had I not joined the organization.

Service Engagement

I have already taken a two-week service trip to Bocas del Toro, Panama for two weeks in May of 2017 for medical outreach service with Volunteers Around in the World. I plan to continue my participation with this organization as I prepare for a second trip with them to Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic in May of 2018. On campus, I have participated in service events with Honors & Scholars ambassadors. These events have centered around interacting with incoming students and their parents. I frequently give presentations and answer any questions they may have. I plan on staying involved with this organization during my entire time at Ohio State.

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 information, go to: http://honors-scholars.osu.edu/e-portfolio. 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 is a reflective description of the artifact that attempts to communicate its significance.  For more information, go to: http://honors-scholars.osu.edu/e-portfolio. Delete these instructions and add your own post.]

About Me

Hi everyone! As you already know, my name is Vincent Zack and I am a first year at The Ohio State University. I am part of the honors college and plan to major in Biology with a minor in Spanish.

I’m from the fairly large town of Elyria, OH located just twenty minutes west of Cleveland. I attended Elyria High School and graduated as the valedictorian. During my time there I was very involved in student service organizations and in the Marching Band, eventually rising to leadership positions in each. I took a variety of classes in high school, but the science classes in particular sparked my interest.

I knew from early on in my life that I wanted to be a buckeye. My dad is an Ohio State alumni and probably the biggest buckeye fan you will ever meet. I chose Ohio State because I knew I could advance my education here. Being such a large research university, I knew my quest for knowledge would be endless. During my time at Ohio State, I wish to expand my knowledge and grow as a person. Following my four years here I want to transition into medical school. With my minor in Spanish, it is my goal to take modern day medicine to other reaches of the world.

Along my college journey I will continue to follow my motto: If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.