Scholarship Recipient, Alec Koppes

"I just completed my first year at The Ohio State University. I am dual majoring in finance and political science. After graduation, I hope to live in a big city in America or abroad and to work in a public financial sector or in political risk. One day I hope to run for public office as well.

"I am from a small town about 30 miles northwest of the Columbus campus called Plain City. I graduated from Jonathan Alder High School. As the majority of my family attended Ohio State, I grew up with Buckeye love and passion all around me. It was never a question of where I would go to college. I can honestly say that the eight months I spent on campus were the best times of my life thus far. I met so many amazing people and experienced so many amazing opportunities, in and out of the classroom, on and off campus. From trips to New York to Washington to being a member of my business scholars program or assisting a student government campaign to so much more, I learned a great deal about myself and about the world around me through this amazing institution.

"Going forward, I seek to take advantage of as many things as possible again. I strive to say yes to whatever I can and whatever will benefit me. I currently work as a page at the Ohio House of Representatives. I will also do campaign work this summer and into the fall for the November election races. I also plan to attend my first Ohio State road game (as well as all the home games, of course). Further, I will gain new and challenging leadership experience through membership in the Business Scholars Leadership Council, the Global Leadership Initiative and the Honors & Scholars Ambassadors program.

"Moreover, inside the classroom, I will expand my knowledge of the business world through accounting classes and of the political climate through regional studies courses. A goal of mine is to study abroad through a May semester program to Europe next year. There is no better way to learn about the world around me than to travel.

"Once again, I wish to express my sincere appreciation to you for the Lynda J. Heyl and Lester Barnhart Fund for Excellence. It motivates me to challenge myself through bold experiences in the year to come and beyond."

If you would like to make an impact and support scholarships for students, contact Tiffany Worthington at worthington.72@osu.edu or at 614-292-8158