¿Qué Pasa, OSU? - Summer 2009

Special Memories and Involvement: “Ohio State has so much to offer inside and outside of the classroom for students to embrace. I lived in Paterson Hall, which is the pharmacy dormitory, and I found that to be such a supportive foundation to start off. I established friendships with fellow pharmacy students that I still hold to this day. There was always someone from class to study and schedule classes with because we were all taking the same courses for the most part. We encouraged one another and helped each other. At Ohio State, involvement is easy and I recommend it. There is a plethora of clubs and organizations to join, events and activities to participate in, and if someone cannot find what they are looking for they can start [something] on their own.”

Opportunities OSU Provided: “Ohio State is recognized worldwide, in fact, I heard about OSU in Monterrey and that is the reason why I came here to pursue my college education. OSU provided me with excellent coaching from my advisors and mentors and the opportunity to obtain more than one major in very diverse areas. Additionally, I have accepted an offer for a graduate teaching associate position at OSU, which will help me finance the cost of obtaining a master's and doctoral degrees. I took up to 43 credits at one point during undergraduate and the GTA offer adds to the number of positive memories I have collected in my years at OSU. ”

How OSU Prepared You: “With the size of Ohio State it is not surprising that there are various opportunities around every corner. One way that Ohio State has prepared me to have a successful career is by its numerous research, volunteering and internship opportunities made readily available by various university departments. Another way Ohio State has prepared me is through its Greek life. My Greek life experiences at Ohio State have taught me invaluable skills such as leadership, communication, team building and personal development. Lastly, Ohio State has prepared me to work in a real world environment by Ohio State’s increasingly diverse student population. Although numerous higher education institutions still do not reflect current population statistics, Ohio State strives to promote diversity and make it a priority.”

What Makes OSU Unique: “As president of the University-Wide Council of Hispanic Organizations, I had a unique opportunity to see how OSU provides students with a vast network of resources. By stepping out of your comfort zone and interacting with other students from other cultures you will get a better understanding of what the real world is like and learn soft-skills required for a successful collegiate career. OSU has a prestige not only around Ohio, but also around the United States and around the world. If you were to wear an OSU shirt, there would most likely be someone that will recognize the logo not only because of sports, but also because of academics. My feeling towards OSU can be summarized in our college song, Carmen Ohio, 'how FIRM thy friendship, O-HI-O'.”

Ways OSU Prepared You: “The thing that drew me to Ohio State was the business classes it incorporated into its optometry curriculum. In this day it’s every bit as important to know how to run a successful business as it is to have an excellent clinical education. The two work hand-in-hand to produce exceptional doctors with thriving practices. Ohio State has also given me the opportunity to work in a wide range of clinical areas including pediatrics, low vision, ocular disease, contact lenses, and working at a VA hospital. This diversity in education has made me a well-rounded doctor. Another aspect that has helped prepare me for my successful career is all of the networking I have been able to do through Ohio State. I have been able to meet people from all around the country so no matter where I end up I will always have my Buckeye ties.”

How OSU Has Prepared You and Next Steps: "The Fisher College of Business has prepared me to study hard and face any questions posed by potential employers. My leadership skills have been tested here due to my involvement with Phi Iota Alpha Latino Fraternity. Additionally, Ohio State's large and diverse campus has allowed me to socially expand my horizons, and I owe Ohio State big time! As a long–term goal I want to get involved with sales and promotions with any company that needs it!"

Special Memories and Next Steps: After five years at OSU in undergrad and graduate school I have seen and done a lot: memorable football games, thousands of students jumping into Mirror Lake, met Nobel Prize recipients, got involved in Greek life and student organizations, participated in research, took part of various projects with companies around the United States and, most importantly, made friends from all over the world. This is what OSU is about — a vast number of opportunities in one place! Although it is sad to graduate and leave OSU, I feel well prepared to continue my career and be successful in what I want to do. I am excited to start my job as a technology consultant and hopefully travel the world with some of those expenses paid for!

Why OSU Is a Great Investment:
Making the move from California to Ohio State has given me the challenge I was looking for. When considering law schools, I wanted to study in a place that was away from my comfort zone and that would give me the opportunity to develop academically and as an individual. Ohio State has given me that opportunity and has far surpassed my expectations. I have been able to get both a law degree and master's degree at the same time and become the first one in my family to reach such academic level. Moreover, OSU prepared me to face the real world giving me the opportunity to represent clients through its Justice for Children clinical program. I am leaving Ohio State with the knowledge, the academic qualities, the confidence, and the potential needed to accomplish my intended career goals.

Special Memories: “I will always remember the process of developing Strength, Unity, & Respect — a Latino male group focused on supporting the academic and personal development for Latino male students and when José, Alberto, and I were watching the 2008 elections in the John Glenn School of Public Policy — the moment was incredible, witnessing the election of the first black president! We all felt a surge of energy, excitement, and a motivation to work harder in our respective field of study (medicine, political science and education). We will slowly change the world once we enter our field. We are in this to change the game!”

Important Achievement: “Just studying at OSU is already an achievement. To come from Guatemala, get accepted in the university, adapt to a new culture and lifestyle and graduate with a Master’s degree in Engineering is a great achievement. I also had the chance to work with the office of Energy Services and Sustainability during summer 2008 in a project that focused on improving the sustainability of dining services on campus. I was very satisfied because they called me this past winter to work with them again during spring and summer 2009. Currently I am working in a project: Minimization/Elimination of the Overflow Situation in the Trash and Recycling Collection on Campus. This project is a challenge for me because the collection system is very complex and has not been studied for years.”

Special Memories: "One memory that is a part of me for life is becoming a member of Alpha Psi Lambda. When I became a member I became a part of something that was much bigger than me. I was a part of a Latino interest fraternity based on the support of a Familia. My involvement helped me grow academically and as a leader. Although I have only been a member for a year, Alpha Psi Lambda has been in my life since I was a freshman. They were very welcoming and offered to help me out in my adjustment to college classes by inviting me to study tables. They also helped me meet some very special people in my life by just inviting me to hang out with them. They will continue to be a big part of my life and memory at The Ohio State University.”