Boyd Scholars 2014-2015

Hello! I'm Anna, a very happy music therapy major here at Ohio University. I'm from Pittsburgh, PA, a city where the arts are incredibly alive, accessible, and inspiring. I am so fortunate to have grown up seeing performance after performance at the countless venues in the city, and the joy I felt each time I was immersed in the magic of a stage production was a feeling that I knew could never be topped by anything else.

I was in my first musical, Annie, in which I played "Annie," at seven years old, and I continued to take part in every show that I had the chance to throughout middle school, high school, and today. In high school, along with drama club, I was a member of the dance team, National Honor Society, and Red Cross Club. I taught religion to children from my church and took every chance I could to give back to my elementary school and parish, St. Elizabeth.

I am beyond passionate about my studies in music therapy being that I can use the joy that music brings me to enhance the lives of others! I would love to work with the elderly, since I believe they deserve so much for paving the way for new generations and since

my favorite music most likely comes from the 50s, 60s, or 70s. I am often told that I am an "old soul" since my hobbies include baking, collecting and listening to records, and shopping at vintage clothing and antique stores.

I didn't think there was anything left that could make my freshman year at OU even more spectacular than it already was, but then I was accepted to the Margaret Boyd Scholars Program! I can't wait to share this experience with 19 other phenomenal women.

Thanks for reading. Email me, ab141112@ohio.edu - I LOVE to talk!

As a Linguistics major, I tend to focus more about the formatting, science, and history of words. Rarely do I focus on using those words to create texts, for example, a bio about myself. But that does not mean that I will not try this time around.

To begin, my name is Hannah Borowski, daughter of Richard and Jane. I was born in Illinois, moved to Delaware, Ohio, and now have decided to further my education at Ohio University. My childhood, as everyone’s should be, was happy, simple, and full of education. Music played a huge role in my early life. It started with being forced to learn the cello. But then came the trumpet, and the piano, the ukulele, and the guitar and choir after choir. I learned quickly that music would always be one of my favorite aspects of life. If you see me walking on campus, I can almost guarantee that my headphones will be in with The Shins, Beach House, or “some other band you have just got to check out” blasting in my ears. Another life long friend of mine is reading. When I was little, I always loved reading anything I could get my hands on. I remember as a young girl, The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien being the book that hooked me on classic literature, mainly because of the spirit of adventure, which played a huge role in my life later on. It started the summer before my freshman year of high school. The adventurous spirit in me finally got to spread its wings. I went to Belmopan, Belize for a week with my youth group to volunteer with local children. A week after that, I flew to Quebec City, Canada for a week with my French class to finally practice the language in real life. My freshman year passed, slower that life had ever passed. I knew something had to change. I had my first experience of real adventure and there was no looking back. So I devoted my sophomore year to finding a way to travel yet again. Successful, I left for Belgium in late August of 2012, not to return until early July of 2013. My junior year was spent expanding my understanding of many other cultures, my comprehension of French, and most important to me, traveling to as many countries as possible. I hit nine countries in ten months. From Normandy with my host family, Amsterdam with my friends, and England on my own, I will cherish every trip I took that year.

As much as I loved my adolescence, I am determined for my future to be more exciting than my past. I am currently double majoring in Linguistics and Global Studies: War and Peace, studying Arabic, and getting a certificate in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. My intention with my secondary education is to devote my life to the global fight for gender equal education, especially in Northern Africa and the Middle East. I want to work over seas for as long as I can, and one day, build my own school with a safe and happy environment for girls to learn. The Margaret Boyd Program is all about focusing on the positive development of women in their education and career, and I hope to carry that mantra to every country I travel to.

Hello! My name is Lily Bradley and I am a News and Information Journalism major in the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism here at Ohio University. My home is Johnstown, Pennsylvania – a charming and quaint little town full of cultural heritage and history.

All that I am I owe to God and my wonderful parents, J.B. and Amy. My Dad – a teacher and former professional NHL goaltender – taught me the importance of practicing compassion, commitment, and determination in everyday life. I can credit my love of performing and journalism to my Mom, who was the lead anchor of the 6 o’clock news while I was growing up and is currently the PR Director for a large hospital system and a college professor. More importantly, I will be forever grateful to my mom for giving me a personal example that women can have it all – a solid education, a happy family, and a thriving career. Also, I guess I could thank my parents for my two “built-in” best friends – my younger brothers, Boston and Cole.

According to Felician Sister Mary Lauretta, “To be successful, the first thing to do is to fall in love with your work.” I have been performing for as long as I can remember, training and dancing the classical Cecchetti form of ballet for fifteen years and singing through countless musical productions over a span of six years. Although my pointe shoes may be behind me, I look at broadcast journalism as a new way in which I can perform.

Some of my favorite things include pugs and bulldogs, diet coke with lemon, exercising, history, ghost stories, the New England Patriots, the color red, the fashion icon Jackie Kennedy, and my cat, Jinxie. 

I am thrilled to be a Margaret Boyd Scholar and look forward to my time at Ohio University!

I am Hannah Britton, a student of the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. A few things about my background would be: I am from Painesville, Ohio; I have a twin sister, a younger sister and a younger brother and I am very passionate about my diverse background. It is hard for me to sit down and write about all of the things that define me or have made me the person that I am. I believe that I am a combination of all of the people I have ever met and all of the places I have ever been. I believe that I am the person that I am today because of my experiences and the little things that seem so mediocre to me but could be amazing to someone else, vice versa. I take pride in all of the mistakes and failures that I have made thus far in my life, even the embarrassing moments that make me cringe to remember, because they each count as a vital learning lesson and character shaping event. These experiences have truly molded me into such a strong person so much to the point that I feel as though I cannot fear anything. Everything that happens in life is good, it’s all about how you look at it, and even what we feel are the worst moments in our lives have some good hidden in them. Some days I feel as though I am accomplishing a lot and other days I just want more, more for myself and the world around me. Since I have been a student at Ohio University I have earned some great honors and I want to keep striving for more, I don’t ever want to become complacent. Currently, I am the freshman representative for the NAACP here at Ohio University, a proud member of the Jfresh Newsroom and a Margaret Boyd Scholar. I hold a job in the African American Studies Office Suite and a member of various clubs on campus such as: Ohio University Recruiting Society, Black Student Cultural Programming Board and a new member of Public Relations Society of America. I am not sure where I want my studies to take me job wise, all I know is that I want to travel the world and soak up as many cultures as I can. I believe that diversity is the key to a successful world and we must become more accepting of differences and the unfamiliar to truly be a progressive society. Meeting new people, hearing new stories, and emerging in new cultures are the things that excite me most through this journey of life.

I would love to meet up with anyone who would like to get to know more- hb842513@ohio.edu.

My name is Sierra Dawn Cardiff. I currently attend Ohio University and I am majoring in Early Childhood Education. With that degree I hope to become a teacher as I love being around kids and having a chance to be someone they can look up to and learn from. With my love for children I also love animals. I'm pretty sure I will one day be that women who brings every stray animal into her home.  Here at OU I am involved in the LINKS program and now MBSP and I couldn't be more happy or excited about both! I was born in Clarksburg, WV but I have lived in Marietta, OH since I was in first grade. Some important people in my life are my mother, Patricia Cardiff, my father, Warren Cardiff, my brother and sister, Logan and Seneca Cardiff and my niece Layla Cardiff. Growing up I was the baby of the family and I'm so thankful for that because I had amazing people to look up too. I believe that my family has made a huge impact on who I am today. I am extremely social and love being around and meeting new people. I've always been a people pleaser, which has its positive and negative effects. I am currently in a relationship with amazing man that I am so thankful for. I look to God in times of need and happiness and I hope I always keep my faith as it is very important to me.

As for education, I attended Warren high school  where I was involved in student council, cheerleading, and track for four years and national honor society for one. I was also involved in a 4-H club. It is through these activities that I was able to create friendships, learn how to work in a team setting, and most importantly volunteer. In high school, volunteering my time for others was so important to me and it is something I hope to continue to do. Through volunteering, I was able to help community members and groups with projects or in times of need. During my senior of high school on April 26th one of my good friends passed away. That is one of the hardest things I had and still am overcoming. It showed me that my community can come together and support each other in a time of need. It was through this that I finally learned one of the biggest lessons of my life. Never take a single day for granted because we aren't guaranteed tomorrow. I'm so thankful to be where I am today, to be alive and to have the opportunity to meet and know people who have an impact on who I am.

So with that I leave this, appreciate every day. Appreciate every person you meet. Help someone when they need it, or even when they don't. Hold the door for someone. Pray to God. Forgive. And lastly, smile, be happy, and work hard.

John 13:7 "Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter."

Hello, my name is Amelia Chapman, but I often go by Mia for short. I am a Biological Sciences Pre-Medicine major in the Honors Tutorial College here at Ohio University. With that, I am pursuing German and Chemistry minors in the College of Arts and Sciences. After college, I plan to attend medical school with a concentration in cardiovascular surgery. I am a proud member of the medical fraternity Phi Delta Epsilon here at Ohio University. Besides constant studying, I love to go out with friends, watch movies, and I’m a huge lover of music. I play the any and all things percussion, one of my favorites being jazz-styled drum set. I love to meet new people and I am so excited to be a Margaret Boyd Scholar!

And remember… “Well behaved women seldom make history” –Laurel Thatcher Ulrich

Hello, I’m Olivia! I grew up in a Hiram, a college town outside of Cleveland, where there is never a shortage of good conversation, cornfields, or coffee. The most important things in the world to me are my family, my education, and my relationship with my surroundings.

I’m currently majoring in English with the hope that I can break my most embarrassing addictions: ending all sentences in exclamation points and getting lost in flowery descriptions. My life passions float between running, writing, traveling, and anything that involves being outside and sweaty. I am a firm believer in over-expression and long conversations to discuss the state of the universe—beliefs which have so far served me well in the English department! I am left handed, an ex-Drama Club president, a poet, a swimmer, and most recently, a rock climber. I hope to find an endless well of life experiences here at OU that I can use to help others. I would love nothing more than to reflect fifty years from now and be able to call myself a life learner, an impactful and active member of society, and—as L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables would say—a kindred spirit. I cannot wait to take this next, and very exciting, step in my life as a Margaret Boyd Scholar.

I am going to admit that writing about myself is not something at which I am very good because I have always been more of a talker than a writer, so I think I will start with a few general facts that I am sure you are all wondering. I am a native of Columbus, Ohio and am often described as an “old soul”. I was basically born to be an Ohio State buckeye being that I was born at Ohio State medical center, both of my parents and my aunt work there, my cousin goes there, I went to summer camps there all throughout my childhood, and more than 50% of my graduating high school class went there. Yet somehow, I ended up in Athens as a Bobcat and now an excited Margaret Boyd Scholar.

I am the first born of my two favorite librarians, Karen and José Díaz. I also have a younger brother, Jacob, who is a junior in high school and plays eight instruments (he obviously received all the musical talent that was floating around in the gene pool). I went to Columbus Alternative High School and it was there that my interest in learning really came to life. I made life long friends there and had some really amazing teachers who pushed me to be the best that I could be. Also, after about 11 years of playing softball I became the captain of my high school team and was able to tap into my leadership abilities for the first time. I love just about all genres of music (except for country and screamo) but I have a special place in my heart for rhythm and blues music from the 50s and 60s. I am a big baseball fan and the Cincinnati Reds are my team. One of my favorite TV shows is Law and Order: SVU and I love the fact that I have the same birthday as Mariska Hargitay who plays one of the main characters.

I first came to OU for the photojournalism program but halfway through the first semester realized that it was not what I really wanted to do as a career. I knew I wanted to remain in the Scripps College of Communication so I switched to communication studies and added a major in Spanish. I have always had an interest in Spanish since my father is from Puerto Rico. I went to a Spanish immersion elementary school and ever since knew the language would be an important part of my life. I am not sure exactly what career I want but I like the idea of being a foreign diplomat or a foreign representative for a company.

Feminism is possibly the strongest belief I hold so with that in mind I will end this bio with a quote from one of my heroes Gloria Steinem: "The best way for us to cultivate fearlessness in our daughters and other young women is by example."

Greetings! I’m Sasha and I like long walks on the beach--just kidding. I think to know me best, you must keep in mind that I talk in song lyrics and think about Harry Potter 75% of the time. My true love in life is everything Disney and I try to go to the theme parks as often as I can. I love to write, and I love to admire other people’s art.

My major is creative writing! I’ve been writing since I was in middle school, and it’s my passion. I’m not quite sure what I’m going to do with my degree, but I know that as long as I’m doing what I love (writing/reading) I’ll be happy.

I live in a small town up in Northeast Ohio, but I don’t mind that. When I graduate, though, I have plans of living all over the country. New York, New York and Portland, Oregon appeal to me on an unspeakable level. I also have this pipe dream that I’ll spend some time in California, but we’ll see.

I will also go on rants from time to time about things that I feel passionately about. I feel very passionately about most things. So if you like long winded conversations about anything that’s worth talking about, strike up a conversation with me.

My ultimate dream is to change the world for the better. I don’t know if we’ll see anything substantial happen in our lifetime, but I would really like to be a part of the move forward.

I’m Sasha Gough and I approve this message.

Ciao amici! (Hello Friends!) My name is Nicolette Lacich, commonly known by my nickname “Nic”. I do not speak fluent Italian; however, I am currently taking Italian Language courses here at Ohio University. Eventually, I hope to pursue the Italian Studies Certificate Program offered at Ohio University obtaining fluency and become certified upon graduation.    

I was born and raised in a suburb of Youngstown, Ohio, where my parents and grandparents reside. Growing up I have always had an extreme passion for my unique ethnicity, my Mother’s side of the family is Italian and my Father’s side is Greek and Croatian; leading me to become a very proud Italian-Greek-Croatian American. Ultimately, this crazy Mediterranean mix has molded my beliefs and cultural values more than I can ever explain. The love, food, passion, and all around insanity that drives my family are what have made me into the woman I am today. I am a proud older sister of a wonderful young woman named Natalie who has brought more tears and laughter into my life than I thought possible.

Throughout high school I was often referred to as an “old soul” as I have a love for anything historic and “past its time” whether that be a classic English novel or a black and white film each speak to me loud and clear. My hobbies include reading, writing, and traveling and I love to partake in each as often as possible. I am a hopeless romantic who admires all things Jane Austen as her writing encapsulates wit, romance, satire, and pure brilliance while tackling complex issues of her time.

Currently, I am enrolled in the College of Business as an undecided major exploring my options in the business world. I envision traveling the world one day through my career. Choosing to attend Ohio University was a big leap of faith for me and I cannot express how happy I am that I made this move! I have met so many amazing young women and men who have a passion for life and the careers they are pursuing. The love that Ohio University and Athens, Ohio drive has made me happier than I have ever been in my entire life. I am very proud to be a Margaret Boyd Scholar and excited to have it be a part of my journey. I believe everyone has a story; I would love to hear yours.

Throughout my entire life, I always had one goal in mind for my future: become successful by hard work and dedication. Even at elementary age, I dreamed of college. Every time I visited a city with my family and we passed a university, I would ask if it was rated well for academics, and if it was, I put it in consideration for my future college. I knew I never wanted to settle for any ordinary job; I always wanted to aim for the most difficult occupations that seemed to change the world in some magnificent way. I figured the only way I could achieve my dream was to work hard in high school so I could attend a great university and receive a degree, which is exactly why I chose to study mechanical engineering at Ohio University.

Before attending OU, I graduated from Howland High School, which is located in Warren, Ohio. My immediate family consists of my Mom, Dad, older brother (who also studies mechanical engineering at OU), and younger sister. My Mom’s side of the family is Spanish, and my Dad’s side is Italian, which ultimately leads to tons of love and craziness from my many relatives. My grandparents raised my family to open our horizons for new experiences, and to have this competitive spirit. Because of this, I have participated in many different types of sports, groups, and jobs. I love to water ski, wake board, and snow ski. I also am very passionate about running, so in high school I ran the 400 meter dash and 4x400 meter relay dash for our track and field team. Sadly, I had to quit because I injured my knees. I took up tennis as an alternative, and played freshman and sophomore year on a doubles team. After my sophomore year, I decided to quit school sports and stay active on my own time in order for me to hold a job as a barista at Jo for the Road Coffee Shop. I had a wonderful experience working there for over a year until college forced me to quit. This semester I will start my new job as a waitress at Lui Lui restaurant in Athens, Ohio.

Besides sports and work, I was also involved in many clubs in high school. I was secretary of Spanish Club, a representative in Student Senate, and a member in the following: National Honor Society, SADD, Interact, FCCLA, and Ski Club. Some of the activities run by these groups included recycling at local schools, holding school dances, running blood drives, sorting clothes at local mission, meals on wheels, nursing home assistance, tutoring, and service projects. I have participated in each activity listed, and they all truly affect the community in a wonderful way.

Overall, all my extracurricular activities in high school taught me to become more responsible, and love to try new experiences. I love being a part of groups and getting to know new people, which is why I continued to stay involved in them when I arrived at OU. I am now a member of Alpha Delta Pi Fraternity, Society of Women Engineers, Student Advisory Board of Mechanical Engineers, and Secretary of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. All of these organizations truly help me feel connected to Ohio University and meet a variety of wonderful people. I am so happy I can now say I am a Margaret Boyd Scholar as well and cannot wait to see all the wonderful experiences this program has to offer!

After college, I plan to earn a MBA in graduate school with hopes of becoming an engineering manager at some point in my career. I have always enjoyed coming up with new ideas to improve the quality of an object, so this field seems perfect for me. I hope to someday invent a way to travel more efficiently and faster. Environmental hazards that automobiles produce seems like a huge problem to me, and I would love to some day participate in fixing that.

My name is Mailé! Orr. The exclamation point at the end of my name was a joke I started when I was 11 years old, and—to my father’s dismay—has become an integral part of my name ever since. I’m Viet-born, but I was raised here in the wonderful town of Athens. My brother and I were adopted as infants, and being an international adoptee has undeniably changed the way I view the world. Growing up in Athens has also provided me with some unique perspectives, and I believe my time here has been a true privilege.

In high school, I was the poster child for excessive extracurriculars. As I found myself in a multitude of leadership positions, none compared to my experience as president of the drama club. Theatre is still a huge part of my life, and I’m thrilled to be pursuing a stage management major here at OU.

I’m not really good at small talk about the weather, but I love talking about books and music. I’m always looking for new books to read and new music to listen to! My favorite book at the moment is Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, but I also love reading memoirs and I have a soft spot for sappy YA novels. I’m also really interested in collecting CDs. My collection includes music from all types of artists like twenty one pilots, Minor Threat, and Beethoven.

Along with theatre, books, and music, another passion of mine is social justice. I have a lot of strong opinions about issues ranging from feminism and racism to body mod discrimination in the workplace and the American education system. As Kathleen Hanna once said, “I would much rather be the ‘obnoxious feminist girl’ than be complicit in my own dehumanization." I love surrounding myself with other strong-willed, educated women and I’m honored to be a part of the Margaret Boyd Scholars.

Hi! My Name is, Allison Prybelski, but most people call me Allie for short. Or, as my younger self would only allow, Alliecat was the go to. I was born and raised in Perrysburg, Ohio with my older sister, Ashley. Although, I can come off as reserved at first I am an outgoing, semi-sarcastic, (in good company), whole-hearted human being. I have a true love for fine dining and dream of traveling the world, mostly to try all of the many different cuisines each country has to offer. In the mean time, I enjoy watching documentaries and conversing with great friends and family.

I am currently studying Political Science at Ohio University and love every minute of this embracive, interactive college experience that the Athens campus has to offer! Besides being able to proudly say that I am a Margaret Boyd Scholar, I am also a member of the Ohio University Women’s Club Soccer team. I am beyond excited to see what other amazing opportunities and possibilities Ohio University has in store for me over these next four years.

Hi, I’m Stevie Frances Nicole Putnam! And it is just Stevie, not short for Stephanie. Among my family I sometimes am called Frances, which is my middle name, when I am less than charming or you could say ‘challenging’ because my family believes I am channeling my Italian great grandmother.

I love sports. I ran track and played volleyball in high school. I can play a round of golf, not by choice, but upon demand. I am an avid animal lover, primarily horses and dogs. Riding horses is a passion. Loving and caring for my dogs is my devotion. I feel a connection and understanding with horses, which enabled me to partner in a horse business with my father where we start young colts and work with other peoples horses (mostly with their owners because nine times out of ten, their the problem.)

I am comfortable in any group, in any culture, and I am open to trying new experiences and adventures.  I enjoy people, but I am sometimes hard on them. I aspire to work in a field where I can legally carry a gun, be a first responder, investigate, and bring the bad guys to justice. I am not sure what that career will be. I just know that I am driven toward doing good for society, not necessarily by nurturing or caring for the sick, but by arresting evil.

I believe I am more spiritual than religious, and I never forget to be thankful for my blessings everyday. I’ve been raised in a warm and loving family. I have learned to be caring but demanding of myself, and also to be compassionate and forgiving of others. I certainly haven’t perfected all of theses traits yet, but I consider it apart of my life’s journey. And oh! By the way, I LOVE fashion and if you’re ever up for a shopping trip, I am the girl to contact! My email is sp658413@ohio.edu!

My name is Cassandra Rich, but most people call me Cassie. I was born in Newport, Rhode Island on September 11, 1996. Growing up I was a military kid, and moved around from coast to coast. I have spent the most of my time in Chesapeake, Virginia, which is the third most boring city in America (Google it!). At Ohio University I am studying Pre-Medicine, with a minor in the Communication and Science of Disorders. Afterwards I am planning on attending medical school to pursue a path of Dermatology or Optometry. When I am not in class I spend my time at Pruitt field, as a member of the Women’s Field Hockey Team. I am a lover of iced coffee and the beach, and hope one day to visit all seven wonders of the world.

Ever since finishing the first semester of college, it’s proven to be much more difficult to answer the question “tell us about yourself.”  I have grown in so many ways, in both personality and academically, that it’s hard to explain myself a couple paragraphs.

So who am I?  First and foremost, my name is Rachel Rogala.  I’m an Information Design major here at Ohio University.  My passion for school and learning about other cultures have led me to pursue other paths as well—I plan on specializing in French language, minoring in Screenwriting and Digital Storytelling, and obtaining a certificate in War and Peace studies (all while avoiding the “fifth year senior” title). 

I’ve lived in Hudson, Ohio all my life.  Although most kids are excited to move their lives from this small suburb to bigger and better things, I am extremely fortunate to have grown up in such a great community with my best friends and family.  At the beginning of the semester, it was hard to say goodbye to the people I have seen everyday since the beginning of kindergarten.  But, Ohio University has become my second home in just a couple months, and I am excited to see what Athens has in store for me in the next four years.

I am an older sister, which explains my personality: I’m basically the third parent of the family, Type A, responsible, organized, and a tad OCD.  In my free time I love to read biographies of women in comedy such as Mindy Kaling and Amy Poehler, and pretend to enjoy working out at the gym.

At Hudson High, I was fortunate to be accepted in the senior class, New Dimensions, which challenged me to reflect on who I am.  This class was created in the 1970s and had the goal to equip seniors with learning and debating the humanities before graduation.  Famous questions of “who are you?” and “why are we here?” were mere icebreakers on the first day of class.  I am so excited to continue my search of who I am by being a part of the Margaret Boyd Scholars.  I will end this bio with a quote that I follow everyday by Socrates, “The unexamined life is not worth living.”

My name is Mara (pronounced like marinara or Sara, depending on your tastes). I’m a self-proclaimed artist trying to make it in the Real World. Atlanta, Georgia born and raised. Pursing a BFA in Theatrical Production Design and Technology emphasizing in Props Design, with a hopeful Women’s, Genders, and Sexualities Studies certificate. I am an only child who thinks of my friends and dogs alike as my siblings. I often dream of teeth and own a few too many pairs of boots. I am honored to be a part of a program as wonderful as this and hope that I’m able to live up to Maggie B’s legacy. I want to be a powerful leader alongside my 19 new powerful sisters. 

Hi, everyone! My name is Niara Stitt (pronounced ny-air-uh – I promise it is not too hard). I’m a Political Science – Prelaw major here at Ohio University, and I couldn’t love it more. I was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, and finished junior and high school in the small town of Fairlawn, Ohio, just outside of Akron. Education has always been encouraged in my communities and in my family, and that began at a very young age.

Growing up, I’ve always loved reading. I’d hide my book light under my pillow and read every night until I could no longer keep my eyes open. Among my favorites was Matilda by Roald Dahl. We had so much in common – minus the magic, of course. Since then, I’ve remained a bookworm, and that special connection led to another. I love analyzing novels, and learning how they can affect the people that read them. I have always been concerned with that question: “How can I create change?” It may be the most cliché question in our world, or the most important of all. Almost every setting of a novel, whether it is dystopian or bildungsroman, affects the very being of the protagonist. Change that aspect, and the entire story is different. But what upholds and creates the society and world that a protagonist lives in? Or our very own, for that matter? To quote political scientist Austin Sarat, “the law is all over.” It shapes everything we do, and defines what is and is not acceptable. This fact inspired me to learn more about the law, and how it affects our everyday actions.

Since arriving at Ohio University, I have been able to act on this desire to create change. I believe that if you can even help one person in life, that is more than enough, because you never know how your impact on them will have a ripple effect in the future. The classes and clubs I have been a part of have given me so much more insight and perspective about the world around me. My interest prompted me to apply for the Law, Justice & Culture certificate, which I believe will allow me to expand my horizons even further.

I still find inspiration from books, when I can find the time to read for pleasure. When I’m not quasi-studying on the seventh floor of Alden, I can be found looking for places to hike and take photos, or giggling at random posts on Tumblr in whichever coffee shop is the least crowded. That’s a summation of me at the moment! I’m so excited to be a part of the Margaret Boyd Scholars Program, and to see where it takes me and the other amazing young women chosen for the second cohort.

Hello everyone! My name is Adrianne Talmadge, but everyone calls me Annie. I am a forensic chemistry student at Ohio University. I am a very proud member of the Marching 110. I also am a member of the varsity band, which plays during both men’s and women’s basketball games.

 I was born in the beautiful foothills of the Rocky Mountains in the small town of Arvada, Colorado. I lived there until I was about seven, and then moved to Findlay, Ohio for my dad’s job transfer.  I attended Liberty Benton High School, where I stayed very active. I was a member of the volleyball team before I decided to dedicate my time to band. I was a member of every band we offered at my school; marching, jazz, concert, pep, and musical pit. I also participated in speech and debate team, before it was disbanded. I was a member of Junior National Honor society as well.

I was involved with quite a bit outside of the classroom as well. I was a 4-H member for 10 years, with my main focus in the shooting sports. I was State Champion in Ohio 4-H Pistol Shooting Sports in 2011.   I attended 4-H shooting sports camp, where I discovered my love for the Steel Challenge. I soon decided that I wanted to give back, so I became a junior instructor for the pistol project. My passion for learning pushed me to take classes in the shooting sports arena. I took both the basic pistol course, and I became a certified Range Safety Officer.

One of my other passions is following my favorite television shows. Right now, I am working on bingeing my way through Fringe. I also am a devout fan of Hannibal, American Horror Story, and The Walking Dead.  I may have a slight obsession with Game of Thrones as well. The television series is amazing, but as always, the books are better. I absolutely love reading, as that is my escape from the stresses of student life. My newest infatuation is comic books and superheroes / villains. The Joker and Harley Quinn are by far my favorite duo. If someone was to take a peek at my Spotify playlist, they would find a menagerie of artists, from Gustav Holst to Pentatonix, with a few musical and movie soundtracks, and all of the classic rock they could handle.                             

My life goal is to make it back to Colorado and use my degree in the private sector. I love the outdoors. Spending the day hiking my family’s property line in South Park, or fly fishing in Rocky Mountain National Park sounds perfect to me. Colorado stole my heart, and will never give it back.

If you have any questions or just want to talk, please do not hesitate to email me at at734513@ohio.edu.

I think blackberries are the most aesthetically pleasing fruit. Aesthetics mean very much to me; I’m a studio art major. I grew up in the suburbs and that greatly influences the themes of my art work, as well as the consumption of processed foods and the ideas of memory and nostalgia. I am constantly fulfilling my need to create, if I am unable to draw, paint or physically create art, I like to write about art and I also attempt vegan baking. Outside of art, I educate myself about astrology. My sun sign is Aquarius. Which is a sign strongly associated with creativity and innovation, which brings us right back to fulfilling my need to create. To create and synthesize is the most amazing process, its an ability I’m grateful to have, and one I hope to use to influence the world around me in a positive direction.