G.O.A.L.S.

Global Awareness: As a minority myself I find it very important to gain an appreciation for cultures different from mine so I am aware different events on campus that allow me to be involved with different cultures than my own. I also really like the idea of being able to study abroad and exploring the world as much as I can to fully gain as many new experiences as possible.

Original Inquiry: As a science major, I’ve come to understand that research is a very important part of my college experience. This, along with rigorous classes, could help me get my foot in the door with things such as internships or even potential jobs.

Academic Enrichment: I have always been passionate about animals ever since I was a little girls and I originally wanted to be a vet but as I looked into animal related careers I learned that I wanted to work with zoo animals and that’s the reason that I’m majoring in zoology. Another thing I really would like to learn more is a different language and that’s why I’ve decided to minor in Spanish, and even if I do end up switching my major learning a different language will be really beneficial especially when dealing with the outside world.

Leadership Development: Building leadership skills are so important especially when looking into your future depending on what you aspire to do in life I think these skills are essential to any job. For this reason I have joined the Latinx Leadership Development Institute (LLDI) and an OSU Pen Pal program that allows me to write to elementary kids and show them that college is an opportunity that they can achieve.

Service Engagement: This is the ability to give back to the community by helping others achieve a goal this could be as simple as organizing some papers or as hands on as cleaning up a garden but they will in some way help you community but it also makes you feel good inside knowing that you did something that could brighten up someones day.

Artifacts

Especially as a first generation student my high school graduation was very important to me so being able to graduate and be accepted into a school like Ohio State was such a big achievement and I can’t wait to see myself in the future with a college diploma.

As part of the Scholars program we are required to attend an event a month and for the month of September, I decided to visit the zoo and see behind the scenes regarding the animal health center and I really just got to know more about the work that happens for the animals and learn more about what it takes to be a vet at a zoo which is what I one day aspire to become.

 

As I finish my first semester as a college student I can definitely notice a change in me from when I first arrived. When I first got here I was really shy and reserved but I have noticed myself open up more and be more willing to talk to people and even initiate conversations which I would never have done beforehand. I’ve also become more responsible for myself and my actions, beforehand I had my parents look over my shoulder and make sure I was taking care of my things like doing homework and getting good grades as well as other decisions but I’ve had to learn to fend for myself and understand that I will from now on be held accountable for my actions. Ive also learned more about myself while being here at college, like my strengths and weaknesses as a student but also as a person. My college experience so far has been very beneficial for my overall growth as a person and I can’t wait to see what the next couple of years will bring me.

About Me

Hi, my name is Camila Zelaya, I’m starting my first year of college this year and I’m very excited for what this year is going to bring. I’m planning on majoring in zoology and headed towards a pre-vet track I look forward to all the opportunities Ohio State has to offer including internships and study abroad that I could possible take advantage of to prepare me for my future career. I plan on one day working abroad as a vet or in animal rehabilitation, I’ve always been passionate about animals and hope to one day fulfill my dreams of working with them.