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Expectations and Experiences at Ohio State:
The voices of Hispanic/Latin@ students |
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Since 2003, new Hispanic/Latin@ students have shared their views, hopes, concerns and expectations as they start their first year at Ohio State. As the first class we profiled prepares to graduate in the spring, we have had the opportunity to follow up with students profiled over the last four years and learned how their experiences at Ohio State relate to their expectations when starting their college education. Please see the following thoughts of seniors, juniors, sophomores, and freshmen about their lives at Ohio State. |
| Seniors |
 Fabian Jarrin
My experiences have far exceeded any sort of expectation. I did not expect much personal support from faculty but the attention resulted to be above expectations. Luckily, I had strong support provided by the administration and cannot complain, but I do know a few who may have been better served with more personal attention. To the credit of the university any resource imaginable is readily available; it simply takes initiative and independence to find the tools you need to succeed.
 Jacqueline Abreo
I chose to come to OSU because I knew that it was a large school with many opportunities. I knew that I would be challenged to be more open-minded and learn how to think critically. My expectations have been met at OSU. I benefited from many of the opportunities offered at OSU including scholarships and the Study Abroad Program. OSU provides a diverse environment in which students can learn how to prepare themselves for the real world.
 Lia Letellier Luna
I was lucky to have a full scholarship to attend Ohio State. My professors have always been there for me. I was able to design and make the outfits for two fashion shows. The biggest challenges were definitely my chemistry courses and staying up all night several times to finish projects or studying for midterms and finals. Sometimes, I would procastinate and by the time the projects or exams due dates were near, I would be cramming all the material.
 Elizabeth Pages
When I first came to The Ohio State University, I had a short, simple list of expectations: challenging classes, more vigorous studying habits, meeting many new individuals, and participation in social organizations. All of these expectations were met, above and beyond my imagination.
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| Juniors |
 Brittany Gerena
My expectations continue to be met every day. I have a ton of opportunities just by being a student here, things like volunteering and giving to the community, internships, and it’s amazing all the resources we have at our disposal as Ohio State students. I would say by far the most positive experiences I have had have been the relationships I have developed here. I have made life long friendships with some of the most amazing people.
I sure wish I would have known that online classes are not always easier!!! I thought it would be easier because I could work at my own pace, however when you have to read the material and decipher what to take notes on and decide what material is more important for exams, it becomes very overwhelming. That interaction in the classroom is invaluable for me.
 Allison Gonzalez
When I chose to attend OSU, I was hoping that I would meet new people, make new friends, experience things I have never experienced, and get a great education. Since I have been at OSU, all of these expectations have been met 100 percent. I have made several new friends from different backgrounds, and I have also been able to do things I have never done before. Not only have all my expectations been met, but I’ve been able to get a great education at the same time! I have really enjoyed meeting a diverse group of people, and it is nice to see and meet so many different people with different backgrounds. In addition, I have become more aware of the duties and responsibilities that are necessary to take care of myself, and these will be important when I am put out into the “real world.” Finally, I love the school spirit. I especially love football season and seeing everyone dressed up in their Ohio State gear on game days. Everyone is pumped up, and the cheers are so loud that the stadium rumbles. It just makes me proud to be a Buckeye!
During my first year I was so concerned about writing everything down that the professor was saying that I did not really listen in class. Now I know that it is better to pay attention, and write down the things that I am still fuzzy or unsure of so I can ask questions about it later.
 Luis Alberto Sanchez
When I started at Ohio State, I was a bit worried about how personal OSU would be with such a large student enrollment, but I have never felt like a number and the support has always been there for me. The three most positive things I have experienced have been being with my familia of Alpha Psi Lambda, OSU’s coed Latino-interest fraternity; being an orientation leader and campus tour guide, through which I have been able to recruit students and welcome them to share in the same great experiences I have had at OSU; and soaking in what it truly means to be a part of a community like Ohio State, where everyone brings their own unique qualities, but yet the student body is still united with Buckeye Pride.
One thing I wish I would have known earlier was to utilize the great free and discounted opportunities provided by the Ohio Union Activities Board (OUAB) and Explore Columbus. During my first year, I missed out on so many awesome concerts, lectures, and fun activities.
 Yorman Gomez
My experience at Ohio State has been challenging, to say the least. It’s been difficult adjusting to the workload that goes into a molecular genetics major. Meeting all of the incredible people that I have through dorm life, organizations, and community service, I feel that my Ohio State experience has been very fulfilling. I have been in the Stadium Scholarship Program at Mack Hall. In addition, doing community service has been very a very positive experience. I went on two alternative spring break trips through the Stadium Scholarship program, participated in community commitment and Martin Luther King Day of Service, and I also volunteered at the Boys and Girls Club at Medary Elementary. Community service helped me give back to Columbus. Joining the Student Alumni Council (SAC) has been a very rewarding experience as well. Through SAC, I’ve met amazing people and have really found the meaning of being involved.
 Vanessa Boss
I definitely did not expect classes to be so difficult at Ohio State! My biggest challenges have been keeping up with all the reading required for all my science classes and affording all of those expensive books. I sometimes wish that I would have known how to schedule better. I learned the hard way after freshman year, how it’s easier to spread your necessary classes out over a span of four years instead of trying to take them all at once.
 Sara Rose Camacho
At Ohio State, I have really enjoyed my scholars group, Mount Scholars program; the opportunities that I have had to serve Columbus and its community and Ohio State’s students and alumni; and the education that I have gotten while here. I had no idea that in my first quarter, I would get a C for the first time ever in my life. I always felt like I could just skate by, but sometimes the professor can see right through that and sometimes my half-hearted efforts weren’t enough to get me the grade that I wanted. I wish I would have been more prepared for the challenge that college has offered me so far, but I have learned and am working my butt off to get where I want to be now.
 Nicholas Brown
I am happy with my results at Ohio State because I have worked hard academically. My philosophy is, “Always strive to do better each quarter!” I recall having one bad academic quarter my freshman year, but the funny part is that I told myself that I was going to get a 4.0 the next quarter, and I did! Also, I have been involved with INROADS on campus, and this organization has helped me jumpstart my professional life through internships with corporations such as Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) and Abercrombie & Fitch. Finally, I am thankful for being part of such a close family at the Hispanic Business Student Association. I have developed responsibility through continuous involvement in the numerous events we have sponsored over the years. There is a program at the Fisher College of Business called QUIC, which helps you to set up for mock interviews and future job opportunities. I think this is another great resource that business students should take advantage of.
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| Sophomores |
 Jonathan Carmona
I chose Ohio State because I have never lived in a place where the seasons change, the engineering department has a great reputation, and the track team will prepare me for my future goal to compete in the Olympics in the 400-meter dash.
When I was younger, I always used to say how I could not wait to grow up and be on my own where I can make my own rules and do what I wanted. It seemed so perfect at the time, and when adults told me to enjoy being young, I disregarded their advice. Now, on my own, I am filled with responsibilities that need to be fulfilled everyday and although I enjoy them, there is no such thing as complete freedom if one wants to survive.
My biggest challenge has been to realize that time management and prioritizing are the key to success. Being at OSU has increased my maturity level rapidly and thus, my life has become much more productive. But I wish that at the beginning of my college career, I had understood that this would become my full time job, and that I needed to treat it as such.
 Natasha Brown
I chose Ohio State because I was generously offered scholarship money and have been involved with the university since sixth grade.
Though the campus is pretty large and easy to lose your way, I would have never expected Ohio State to have the close community that it has. I found it very easy to fit in and find my place. Never once have I regretted my decision to come to OSU.
I have enjoyed meeting new people from all around the world, meeting with advisors and staff that have helped form some of my major decisions, and all of the Buckeye traditions. My biggest challenge was learning to manage my time wisely to be able to balance school, work, and leisure time.
 Sarah Cantu
My expectations that have been met at Ohio State have included meeting new friends, learning a lot about myself, and growing up. I have not gotten into my major, but am trying again!
The most positive things I have experienced have been, the OSU vs. Michigan game, learning how to be independent, and joining a sorority. My biggest challenges have been getting through Chemistry 121 and other classes when I didn’t really know how to study. I wish I would have known how to study when I started at Ohio State. In high school I didn’t really have to study too hard to do well, and that is definitely not the same in college!
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| Freshmen |
 Alvaro Hernandez
The first thing I learned at Ohio State and maybe the hardest one is that college is college and not partying. I learned that it is so important to go to class and not skip classes, especially midterm reviews. I never expected the price of a Michigan-OSU ticket would be so high. I never expected to see myself jumping into Mirror Lake.
 Brenda Codoner
At Ohio State, I have learned how to manage my time better, between classes, homework and hanging out with my friends. In addition, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle by going to the gym regularly and eating healthy. I did not expect to find more Latina friends. This has been a good experience on campus because we can all relate to the Hispanic culture and practice our Spanish.
 Candace Anderson
At Ohio State, I have learned to do homework for classes the night it’s assigned, don’t wait because you know it’s not due for two days. If you put it off until tomorrow you’re less likely to get it done. You can also go somewhere other than your dorm room to study. Your room may be comfortable and convenient, but there are a lot of distractions in the dorms. Finally, get enough sleep, eat real food, and relax. After a long afternoon of studying take a break and do something fun. Remember that midterms, while they are very important, are not the end of the world!
 Ciara Flores
I struggled a lot with making time to study for midterms and quizzes, and it really hurt me in some areas. Make the time to study and it will definitely benefit you. In addition, even if you are extremely tired, rolling out of bed to making it to that 8:30 a.m. class is definitely worth it. Finally, staying relaxed and focused really helps when it comes to studying and performing well in class.
The one thing I did not expect during Autumn Quarter was how supportive my friends and family would be. Don’t take your friends (old and new) and your family for granted: they can really offer you words of encouragement and comfort when you need them.
 Ketrina Skillman
During my first quarter I learned to have better time management to get all of my assignments and studying done and still have time for church, friends, and Buckeye football. I also learned that I really enjoy Indian food, thanks to my amazing roomate. Lastly, I learned the “Carmen Ohio” and I love it!
I didn’t expect to get so little sleep and still wake up happy. I also didn’t expect to be OK with such cold weather. I live in Northern California, but normally when it gets cold it gets like in the 40s, very rarely in the 30s, but we’ve been lower than that here, and the wind...yikes! It’s not so bad though, it’s rather refreshing, especially early in the morning. One last thing I learned, thanks to Dr. Fournier, is that there is a giant sloth skeleton in Orton Hall. (You should check it out!)
 Laura Leon
At Ohio State, I have learned to live with a person that I didn’t know and that has a complete different background than mine. This has been a really nice experience, because I’ve learned to share, respect, and understand many things that are new for me. I’ve also learned to be a more responsible person with all of my things, now I am the only one in charge of what I have to do. I have learned to manage my time wisely so that I can accomplish in a successful way all of the different kinds of responsibilities I have, like doing homework, going to class, getting a good night’s sleep, laundry, cleaning, and having fun. OSU offers its students a wide range of resources to take advantage of while you are here, and I’ve learned how to use them in order to have a better experience.
 Dominic Ferrey
Three of the most important things that I learned in my first quarter at Ohio State are: Firstly, good time management is a lot easier than you think. Being able to balance out studies with fun may seem impossible or overwhelming but once you make a routine, it can be fairly simple. Secondly, don’t be afraid to talk to the professor. More often than not the professor is more than willing to do what it takes to help you learn. Finally, you have to eat healthy if you expect to do well. Good eating habits will make you feel better, do better on school work, and have more fun when you are out with friends.
 Manuel Granados-Lambea
The three most important things I have learned are that office hours are very helpful. The professors are always eager to help. In addition, finding a quiet place to study can be hard but rewarding. Finally, becoming involved takes less effort than I thought, and it can be very fun and rewarding.
I didn’t expect my fellow students to be so accepting of people they didn’t know. It is very easy to talk to anyone on campus, including professors. |
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