How is it being an out-of-state student?
Being from Indiana and going to a school with a high population of in-state students, I was worried about feeling left out. However, that anxiety was resolved very quickly when I got to school and was fortunate enough to have an amazing roommate, amazing RAs (resident assistants) in my residence hall, a welcoming learning community, and an overall pleasant environment.
How was your learning community?
I was in the fine arts learning community. It was very beneficial because that was how I met most of my friends freshman year. It is very easy to get set with a certain group of friends in college within your respective area of study. The learning community was the perfect way to meet people with similar interests that I may never have met otherwise.
Who is your favorite professor and why?
My favorite professor has been David Haugen in the School of Theater. He is a professor who really works well with growing students, artists, and adults in the classroom. He has a great ability to teach in a way that will speak to each individual student in a way that they will understand and grow from while still demanding their best every day. On top of that, like many professors at the university, he practices what he preaches. It is truly an honor and a joy to watch him perform and act and put to work all of the techniques and skills that he has been teaching.
How has the OHIO experience changed you?
Every day I'm grateful for the challenges I have faced academically at this university because it has made me a better and stronger person today. In saying that, I mean that every day I know that no matter what class I am going to that day, I know I will be challenged. Every professor has worked to push me to my academic and creative limits and, while difficult at times, I always end up appreciating the push. I have come further because of those pushes than I ever imagined I could.
How did you pay for college?
I was lucky enough to pay for college mostly through scholarships and the rest my family and I paid out of pocket without having to take out loans. Recently I was honored to receive the Distinguished Professors scholarship by Professor Charles Smith which covered the remaining amount of my tuition for my senior year. My advice for students is to work hard in high school and not take SATs/ACTs and scholarship essays lightly. There is money to be had, but you have to work to find where it is and prove that you are worthy of receiving it. No one is going to just hand you money.
How did you choose OHIO?
I chose Ohio University based on my experience during my visit to the school as well as the reputation that the School of Theater had associated with it. One aspect that swayed me heavily to choosing OHIO was my campus visit; I immediately fell in love with the campus and atmosphere. I also had the opportunity through the School of Theater to sit in on a junior level acting class and I greatly enjoyed watching how the professor and students worked together.
