The G.O.A.L.S of the Honors and Scholars program at The Ohio State University are global awareness, original inquiry, academic enrichment, leadership development, and service engagement. Each of these qualities are meant to enrich and further my education so that I can succeed beyond the classroom.
Global awareness is understanding other people’s culture, beliefs, values, and world view and respecting everyone’s unique perspective. It is also realizing how cultural differences impact and shape the world around me. In order to fulfill this ciritera, I plan to study abroad. I have never been out of the country so I am extremely excited to travel outside the U.S and experience a whole new culture. Studying in a foreign country will enhance my education experience by allowing me to immerse myself in a different culture and experience various ways of thinking. It will challenge my perceptions and widen my outlook. I believe that studying in a new country with different customs, foods, and traditions will help me appreciate that culture in a whole new way.
Original inquiry is pushing yourself to go beyond the teachings in the classroom and pursue research or other academic endeavors. During my time here, I plan to take part in undergraduate research so that I can graduate with Honors Research Distinction. Not only will research look good on a resume, it will allow me to independently study a topic more thoroughly. It would also encourage creative thinking and critical analysis through hands-on learning. Through research, I can learn to cultivate real-life solutions to unanswered questions, like diseases without vaccines or ailments in need of treatments. These opportunities will give me more comprehension in medicine development and lead to a better understanding of the chemical principles of living things. Since I am undecided right now, I am also hoping that looking into research positions will help me find what I am passionate about and what I would like to continue studying for my career.
Academic enrichment is taking challenging classes and enrolling in rigorous coursework. It also means getting involved in clubs and organizations that are related to your major or studies. To achieve this goal, I will push myself to take honors and upper level courses when possible. Since I am in the College of Arts and Sciences, I will be taking a wide variety of classes that could range anywhere from sci-fi literature to calculus 3. Taking an array of classes will expand my creativity and critical thinking so that I could solve problems in new ways.
Through involvement in curriculars and the Honors community I hope to develop leadership skills that will greatly benefit me later in my future. By joining and becoming involved in clubs such as MedLife and WISE, I hope to become a leader and role model to other women pursuing medicine. Especially since medicine is currently a male dominated specialty, I am grateful that there are groups like WISE that provide support and advice to female pre-med students. Through involvement in these organizations I plan to develop desirable qualities for leaders such as confidence, communication, and resolve. I also plan to become involved in my community through service and engagement. Since I am in the Honors and Scholars Program, I am apart of the Honors community and I plan to become an active member within the group by attending events and living in Honors dorms. I also want to join volunteer clubs and organizations so I can be involved with and help give back to the surrounding area.
By keeping all of the G.O.A.L.S in mind while I go through college, I will be on track to get the most out of my education and have a great experience here at The Ohio State University.