College/Major: College of Communication-Communication Studies
Why did you pick Ohio University?
I have picked Ohio University because I have known my whole life that this is the college that I would be going to. I am a local and I have always been involved with the campus from a young age, I did Kids on Campus and had constant interactions with the university during my High School years.
Not only was Ohio University a great choice for me because of proximity, it is truly a great school. We have everything here that a small private school has. We have great technology that is easily accessible to students and wonderful professors on campus that really care about the student body. Our academics are also outstanding and we have a great reputation with employers after graduation.
What is the best part about living in Athens?
The best part about living in Athens is the atmosphere. The campus is absolutely beautiful and very picturesque. We also have a very tightly knit community here, where you see many of the same people and you know these people by name. First year students do not take long to become involved in campus life and become an active member within the college community.
Where is your favorite spot on campus?
My favorite place on campus is “The Ridges”, formally known as the “Athens Lunatic Asylum”. This was a former mental hospital, which was quite popular in the late 1800’s until the mid 1900’s. Ohio University now owns all the buildings on the property and is currently using some of them for various offices and the Kennedy Art Museum. At one time, the entire asylum was self sufficient and the grounds surrounding the hospital were actually designed by a student of Frederick Law Olmsted, who designed Central Park in NYC.
The Ridges is separate from most of the campus, it is secluded on a hill overlooking the campus. It is my favorite spot on campus because of the beauty of the view and of the grounds. While much of the grounds are in disrepair compared to their former glory, I still enjoy walking the numerous nature trails or just the paths around the buildings to admire the history of the buildings. It is also very secluded and not a place many students like to go because it is supposedly haunted, so it is also a place just to escape from the college life.
What has been your favorite class at OU and why?
My favorite class at Ohio University has been Eng 151, which is a tier requirement for all freshmen. I took this class as a part of my learning community cluster along with 20 other students. The best aspect of the class was the teacher. He was a GA and he made English enjoyable, which is something that is very hard for me to do. It was the first time I had actually enjoyed going to an English class.
What advice would you give a first year student?
Many students come to college with their whole future planned out. However, what most people don’t realize is that many more students don’t know what they want to do with the rest of their lives. I think that the best advice for incoming freshman would be to relax. You do not need to know a major coming into college, its okay to come in as undecided and test out the water before jumping in. Take classes that interest you and find something that you really love to do with your life.
These next four years can be the best four years of your life if you want them to be. College is about your future, but it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t have fun on the way to your future.
