What’s your advice on paying for a college education?
College is a tremendous investment. My advice to potential students would be to formulate a payment plan before investing in college. Although my parents help me pay for college, I also apply for federal aid every year so that I can take out loans. Additionally, I hold a position for a federal work study job and I work really hard to keep my grades up so I can receive a Dean's Scholarship.
What are your goals for the future?
I have many goals for the future. I am planning to attend law school after I graduate. (Pre-law fraternity) Phi Alpha Delta holds LSAT practice after chapter meetings, which helps me study for the exam. Eventually I would like to work for the United Nations. Ohio University is helping prepare me by offering the many different study abroad programs.
You transferred to OHIO. How was that process?
I was unfamiliar with the transfer process. However, the staff at Ohio University made it run as smoothly as possible. I had to start over socially. I joined many different organizations and clubs and I met people with the same interests as me. The organizations and fraternities offered by Ohio University made the transfer process a lot easier.
Who is your favorite professor and why?
John Gilliom is my favorite professor and advisor. Dr. Gilliom taught my junior composition (for political science majors) class. It was a challenging course. Dr. Gilliom taught me how to write in a clear and concise manner. The focus of the class was the 4th Amendment and surveillance. Dr. Gilliom structured the course in an unconventional way; it was refreshing to participate and debate in class. He took the classroom and transformed it into a flexible environment allowing for out-of-the-box thinking.
You studied abroad. What was that like?
There are many different types of learning and I believe that hands-on experience is one of the most effective. I spent spring 2011 in Cuenca, Ecuador studying the Spanish language, Latin American culture, and politics and economics of the country. I also spent winter intercession 2011 on Andros Island, in the Bahamas studying the marine and terrestrial biology. The trip was an amazing opportunity to snorkel in the third largest barrier reef in the world. The experiences, knowledge, and culture that I gained are priceless. I have made some of my best friends through these programs and we have shared moments that no one else will understand. I have seen a great increase in my maturity level and cultural sensitivity after studying abroad.
Is OHIO a diverse campus, and is that a factor in choosing a college?
Ohio University is a campus with a lot of diversity. Although OHIO's population consists of many in-state students there are a prevalent number of students that are out-of-state. There are also many exchange students. One of the sweetest girls that I have met at Ohio University is an exchange student from England. I think that a diverse campus is a significant factor to consider when choosing a college because diversity makes or breaks a campus.
