"What I Did This Winter"

Michael Cata

Major: Political Science and Economics

"Traveling abroad through the London Honors Program had a profound impact on my education here at Ohio State. During the trip I saw the importance of learning outside the classroom and absorbing the world myself. I had the opportunity to visit Parliament and watch a session of the House of Lords, which was something I couldn’t experience in any classroom. As a political science major, it was a great opportunity for me to explore a foreign nation’s capital literally from the inside-out."

Mui Choi

Major: Human Resources

"This year, instead of heading home for Winter Break, I found myself trekking to the Yucatan Peninsula on the All-Scholars Mexico study abroad program. I expected to be awed by the beaches and to be humbled by the Mayan ruins, but I found myself more drawn to the people and how they have been affected by the shrinkage of the world, in particular the global economy (as illustrated by the presence of American stores). And while many natives have thrived from it, many others are enduring its detrimental effects. When I finally did head home, I returned with more than just an experience—I gained a better understanding of the complex and expansive nature of the global economy."

Molly Gray

Major: Journalism

"Over winter break I got to cover the Rose Bowl Game for The Lantern. We started coverage in Los Angeles on the day after Christmas and worked all that week leading up to the game. Each day there were press conferences in the morning where selected players and coaches all talked about the upcoming game. One day, we covered the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame induction ceremony, where former OSU offensive lineman John Hicks was inducted. Then was the big game, I got to be on the field prior to the game while the players were warming up and spent the first three quarters in the press box. When the Buckeyes won the whole stadium was going crazy and I was down on the field with the players. It was really incredible to watch them celebrating after working so hard all season long."

Sara M. McCarthy

Major: Environmental Science

"This winter break, I journeyed through the Yucatan Peninsula with the All-Scholars Mexico study abroad program. While we visited many beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, ecological parks, and artisan markets, I was most interested in learning about the Mexican relationship with the environment. I found that the majority of Mexican people have a profound reverence for their wild jungles, pristine beaches, and soils, but that tourism is having a heavy hand in degrading the once loved nature. As degradation is being accelerated by American consumerism, it is important to realize what impacts we are having on third world countries. This experience has ingrained an international environmental conscience into my life."

Matthew O'Neil

Major: Psychology/Premed

"Buck-i-Serv and the Sea Island Habitat for Humanity in South Carolina made my winter break amazing. Spending winter break working alongside the people who would eventually own the house we were building was a fantastic experience; you could really see the pride in their eyes from knowing they were helping provide for their family. There were ten of us who went down because of our dedication to service. It was cool to be part of such a diverse group all working towards a common goal. I can’t wait to go on another Buck-i-Serv trip!"

Marcela Santos

Major: Master of Architecture

"This winter break, I went to Rome with professor Kay Bea Jones and a group of students to look at their public space use, but in only ten days, we learned so much more about the culture, the history, the people, and even a few words in Italian, I am proud to say! I am originally from Brazil, and this unique study abroad program within my study abroad at Ohio State University is an incredible addition to my life experience. As an Architecture student, visiting Rome is almost an essential thing to do, in order to enhance my perception of space, scale and perspective. I can't wait to go back!"

Katie Schuler

Major: Art Education

"This winter break I traveled with nine others to volunteer at an organization in Kansas City called Operation Breakthrough. This organization provides programs and assistance for children and families who are living below the poverty line. We helped out in both the daycare and Christmas Warehouse where we sorted donated gifts so that low-income families could come and pick up Christmas presents. Through the adopt-a-family program and surplus store, they were able to help over 3,000 children during the holiday season. My experience and interactions there helped me to gain a better understanding of the complex situations that these families are facing and recognize the importance of programs like Operation Breakthrough."