What I did this summer
Summer means time off from classes--and at Ohio State, time for service, study abroad, and internships.
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Several student had life-changing summer experiences, from working on housing issues in New Orleans to teaching developmentally disabled children dance in Mansfield.
Here's what they did this summer:
Student:Meaghan Ebetino
Majors: Molecular genetics and Spanish
Summer focus: Studying abroad in Guanajuato, Mexico
"I learned all about Mexican art, including the architecture of the buildings I visited on a daily basis in Guanajuato. Visiting Teotihuacan was my favorite part of the trip: It was unbelievable to climb pyramids that were built over 2,000 ago. Day-to-day living in a Mexican city made the greatest impression on me. Passing the tortilla shops or waking up to a man walking by your house yelling "gas" are experiences that you don't get on a normal tourist trip. Also, I was really lucky to be in Mexico for some big national events: the World Cup and the Mexican presidential elections."
Student: Bethany Frew Corcoran
Major: Bio-Environmental Engineering
Summer focus: Looking for engineering solutions to South Africa's problems
"South Africa is a country inundated with complex problems and marked by extreme contrasts--socially, economically, politically, racially, and environmentally. I discovered how difficult and discouraging it can be to pinpoint problems that can be solved simply through engineering methods, but I was amazed that the South African people hold on to a strong sense of community and relationships. This trip was disheartening, enlightening, and inspiring. I am excited to be able to contribute--if even in just a small way--to helping the people of South Africa through engineering more efficient energy processes."
Student:Jeremiah Glascock
Major: Geomatics engineering
Summer focus: Working on the Exploration Communication and Navigation Systems (ECANS) program, which is working toward the future missions to the moon, at NASA's Glenn Research Center in Cleveland
"My summer was exciting, rewarding, and intimidating. I was part of a working group of over 20 engineers and managers. I helped the team at an intern level and applied what I learned to my own undergraduate research. I plan to begin graduate school in the winter and concentrate on my research. I'm also going to spend three to four days of every month at the Glenn Research Center for the next year, to meet with engineers who can help with my research, use NASA's private technical library, and participate in scientific studies that would benefit both Glenn Research Center and my research."
Student: Meagan Grund
Major: Dance
Summer focus: Teaching a free dance camp for developmentally disabled children in Mansfield
"I wanted to give the children something to be proud about and share with others and to challenge their creativity. On a Saturday afternoon, close to 100 audience members--friends and family of the students and mine--gathered for the performance. Behind the curtain, the dancers were smiling and hugging each other saying 'good luck' until the second they went on stage. The best part of the whole night was seeing their eyes light up as their bodies tensed with excitement. There was laughter, smiles galore, and waves to those they recognized as the curtain opened."
Student:Nicole Lammeier
Major: Civil Engineering
Summer focus: An internship in Anchorage with the Alaska Railroad Corporation, one of last full-service railroads in the United States.
"This summer I have had eye-opening experiences: operating an excavator, dump truck, and bulldozer; setting up and detonating high amounts of explosives; traveling on the most western U.S. highway; climbing a mountain or two; detouring due to moose; and witnessing a 30-pound dog tree a middle-aged black bear. The Ohio State University gave me the eagerness to explore the world around me and not be frightened of new places or new things. Without my education, I would not have been able to instruct my coworkers on how to assemble a bridge or tell them that the buckeye is poisonous. I plan to visit Anchorage in December and check out a couple of weeks of extreme winter. My goal: relocate to Alaska after I graduate in June."
Student: Michael Jaung
Major: Biochemistry
Summer focus: Studying the environment, health and nutrition in the Dominican Republic
"Along with 24 other students from across the country, I lived with a host family in Jarabacoa, a small city situated in the central, mountainous region named the Cibao. We also spent time visiting and living in rural communities and metropolitan areas in order to gather data for our research papers. For me personally, I was able to experience firsthand the living conditions of the developing world and its complex challenges. My time in the Dominican Republic has solidified my interest in public health and whets my appetite to further explore other corners of our world."
Student:Deb Van Camp
Major: Food Science and Technology
Summer focus: Study abroad at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences in Beijing
"I learned a great deal about China's developing economy and agricultural industry through classes at the academy and several field trips. Equally as amazing as the historical sights--such as the Great Wall and Terra-cotta soldiers--were the friendships that quickly formed between the Ohio State and Chinese students and faculty during the program. I developed a deeper appreciation for American agriculture and society as well as a greater desire to experience other customs and cultures. This fall I have a new respect for international students, because I now have a better understanding of the challenges they face. My study abroad experience has enhanced my education at Ohio State by challenging me to view issues from a completely new perspective."
Student: Alton Willis
Major: Masters in City and Regional Planning
Summer focus: Housing and economic development issues in New Orleans
"With an emphasis on employment for returning residents, I have been in the trenches of economic development, ranging from forming key relationships with prospective employers to recruiting residents in two of the city’s public housing projects. I helped coordinate workshops to inform residents of the future status of public housing in the city while encouraging them to take advantage of employment and training opportunities. I worked with construction companies in hiring some of the residents to help rebuild the city. I also worked with the NFL’s New Orleans Saints in hosting flag football camps for public housing youth, packaged more than 1,200 bags with school supplies, and gathered youth for a Back-to-School Unity Fest."
Related links:
Ohio State Office of International Education
Study Abroad at Ohio State
Ohio State Office of International Affairs
Ohio State Office of Outreach and Engagement
Ohio State Office of Undergraduate Research
