¿Qué Pasa, OSU? asked students who started as new freshmen in the fall about their experience during their first year. For several years, the magazine has been interviewing students to learn how their prior expectations compared to what they experienced during this transition period. Below are some of the responses of students..

Amanda Henderson
Wooburn, Mass. -
Hospitality Management

For Amanda, the idea of coming to Ohio State scared her a great deal. During the long drive to Columbus, she could not help but wonder what her college experience was going to be like, whether she and her assigned roommate would get along or not, or even if she would make friends easily.

The truth is that when Amanda arrived at Ohio State, her fears were almost instantly erased. “I cannot say enough good things about the people I have met here, specifically in my dorm and on my floor. My hesitation about dorm life was gone after the first week. I developed amazing friendships with people, some of whom I will be living with next year,” she said. “The great thing about being at such a big school is that there are so many different people to meet and help you shape your college experience. My expectations about college life in general were surpassed greatly and I could not be happier.”

José Luis Zavala
Canal Winchester, Ohio -
Exploration

José Luis came to Ohio State expecting to perform well academically and get the most out of his college experience. José Luis participated in various activities during his first year which have left him with very fond memories.

For José Luis, Ohio State has met his expectations by offering many extracurricular opportunities. “I had the chance to participate and be in the top three in an essay contest in the political science department,” he said, “I also took part in an indoor soccer tournament and the experience of meeting people from different backgrounds that share with me the love for soccer has been great.”

José Luis’ most memorable experience this first year has been the opportunity to do research with his Economics professor – an experience which stands out beyond all others.

 

Enrique Benitez Jr.
Austin, Texas
Landscape Architecture

Enrique came to Ohio State with conflicting expectations. While he looked forward to having a great and fun experience, he was concerned about being on his own when hard times hit.

One year later, Enrique’s concerns seem to have been alleviated. “Ohio State has been by far the best decision I could have made for a school. It pushed me to stay on top of all the things that I had to do school-wise”, he said, “it has been challenging, but time with friends and working out at the RPAC have allowed me some needed time off of schoolwork”.

Enrique would have liked to know more about the university’s traditions before his arrival, but he learned them quickly. “I will always remember both jumping into Mirror Lake before the game against Michigan and the diversity of people to be seen on walks through the oval. They are on the top of my list when it comes down to unforgettable experiences,”

Elizabeth Alvarez
Gahanna, Ohio
Art Technology (Newark Campus)

Elizabeth arrived at Ohio State’s Newark campus excited to have finally graduated from high school and ready to start college. “I wasn’t expecting anything, but it felt a lot like high school. The only difference is that there is more work to be done,” she said.
Elizabeth’s favorite thing about Ohio State is all the people you meet. For those worried about meeting new people, Elizabeth advises “you need to realize that everyone is at the same social level and is worried about meeting people as well. Once you start to work in classes that go more towards your major, the easier it becomes to make friends.”
For Elizabeth, the experience has not been perfect, however. “Newark does not offer a variety of majors and I think the GEC requirements are excessive and sometimes a waste of money,” she said. “I do not mind going to Newark at all; it is a very prestigious place. I feel it is unnecessary for me and many of my classmates to go to Newark since they do not offer our majors or some of the classes that we need.”