Michelle Zebrowski is a self-professed wanderer. Her college career started at OHIO 11 years ago and took her around the globe. After dedicating herself to non-profit and volunteer efforts, she returned to OHIO to complete her B.S.S. in Global Awareness and Accountability. "I realized that I wanted to finish my degree, but I didn't know what I wanted to finish it in; I didn't know what I wanted to do. I knew that if I entered school again, I didn't want to go to get a piece of paper, I wanted to go to get an education."

Zebrowski picked up an OHIO course catalog and highlighted classes she knew she wanted to take. With the assistance of her University College advisor, Lora Clapp, Zebrowski built her B.S.S. degree around anthropology, communication, and political science courses.  "I wasn't so concerned with what my diploma said, but I really wanted to enjoy myself," she explained. Zebrowski feels OHIO is very fortunate to have the B.S.S program. "It helped me get exactly what I wanted," she said.

Zebrowski spent four weeks in South Africa as part of her internship and independent study work. She traveled with Dr. C. Michael Gray (African American Studies), and Dr. Benjamin M. Ogles, Dean of College of Arts and Sciences. This OHIO team met with social activists, visited the Apartheid Museum and historical sites, and met with faculty of South African universities to strengthen the ties between these institutions and OHIO.

Prior to her work in South Africa, Zebrowski spent ten weeks volunteering for wildlife conservation and community development efforts in Tanzania. "I went there to help people, to make a difference," she explained. "As I reflect, I found that it wasn't so much that I helped people (though I'm sure I did), but those people really helped me. The personal growth that occurred was just unbelievable. It really grounded me and instilled a lot of confidence in me." After her time in rural Tanzania, urban South Africa was a surreal experience for Zebrowski. She wrote a paper on the discrepancies in access to resources between rural and urban communities.

Along with Dr. Gray, Zebrowski  credited Dr. Haley Duschinski (Anthropology) and Dr. Vincent Jungkunz (Political Science) for her extraordinary experience at OHIO. "I made connections to so many great people and established relationships that hopefully I will continue throughout life ... They'll give you their time, they'll do whatever they can to be a positive resource in your experience." Zebrowski was initially nervous about returning to college as a non-traditional student, but quickly connected with her peers. "I'm fortunate to have classes with other students who were so vested in their education, and it made my time so much more interesting, enjoyable, and beneficial."

With her classes completed and graduation around the corner, Zebrowski found that she missed the educational experience at OHIO. "There's a certain feeling that I get when I'm going through the educational process: reading, writing, discussion and debate. I miss the way those activities make my brain feel.  [Education] makes you think in ways that we sometimes don't do on our own."

Zebrowski has no solid plans for post-graduate work yet, but is considering continuing her education with a law degree or doctorate work in political science. She's interested in writing, research and working with college students. She sees herself returning to a university setting, possibly as a professor or in an admissions role.

For current students, Zebrowski offers some strong advice: "Own it!  So many people get their degree, but leave their education on the table. If you feel like your professors aren't engaging or your studies are boring, find a way to get what you want out of the experience." Zebrowski followed her own advice, and found her work very rewarding: "The process may have taken 11 years, but it was definitely worth the wait."