Taking the leap and making a college choice is one of the most challenging decisions you will make. The variables seem endless, as do the possibilities.
It wasn't that long ago that many Ohio State students were in your exact shoes. Balancing options and trying to make a call that is going to help propel them to a great life ahead. But one year after making that decision, these five students are certain the made the right call.
Read along to learn how these students picked Ohio State and have excelled ever since.
Paul Truong
A Health and Rehabilitation Science major from Parma, Ohio, Paul hopes to attend Ohio State’s College of Medicine and get a graduate degree in sports medicine. He’s in the Ultimate Frisbee and Spikeball clubs and wants to get involved in BuckeyeThon.
“I can confidently say I made the correct decision. I can pursue my dreams of being a doctor while meeting new people every day. The atmosphere at Ohio State is great, and every day there's always something new to do.
“What’s surprised me is the people here. I thought it would be difficult to make new friends, but I was completely wrong. Since coming, I've made a lot of new friends and memories, which made my decision to come to Ohio State a lot better.
“The advice I have for new and future students is relax and take your time adjusting to this new environment. Many people are overwhelmed by college due to the change in academics and environment, but you have to take a deep breath. If you try your best and push yourself, you're going to succeed at Ohio State.”
Joey Hoppenjans
A Sylvania, Ohio, native, Joey is a finance major in the Fisher College of Business. He’s in the Personal Finance Club and is looking at joining the business fraternity, Delta Sigma Pi to help him on his path to becoming a financial advisor.
“I picked Ohio State because it was very welcoming and had that Big Ten feel with a ton of students and connections while also considered a prestigious school and very competitive to get into. Plus, the Fisher School of Business is fantastic.”
“After being at Ohio State and the Fisher School of Business for a semester, I’ve seen that there’s so many ways for me to grow in my personal life and career. Every time I go to any class I feel comfortable and open with everyone.
“For a new student, once you get here take 10 deep breaths, relax and be yourself. Be open to the many opportunities Ohio State has to offer. While it can be overwhelming, I guarantee you’ll find what fits your style. After that, you’ll fall in love with the campus and everything this school has to offer.”
Walter Jimenez
Walter came to Ohio State from Caguas, Puerto Rico, to major in air transportation with his eyes set on becoming an airline pilot. A Morrill and Chema Memorial scholar, he is involved in the Flight Team, the Puerto Rican Student Association and the DJ Club.
“One of the biggest factors that has helped me have such a great time here is the friendships I’ve made. There’s a great community of Puerto Rican people here, and the Ohio State flight team has been a very engaging community. And just being on campus and in Columbus, you can always have new experiences.”
“Joining the flight team has been great. In May at the Ohio State Airport, universities from all over the country are coming to compete, so we’re looking forward to that. We have seniors, juniors, sophomores, freshmen and some are basically commercially rated pilots and instructors. We’re backed by alumni who are pilots and work in the airline industry and they really support us in so many ways. It’s a great network of people.
“The advice I give is to get involved in as much as you can without overdoing it, just get yourself out there. Stay involved in your hobbies and set yourself up with a good routine.”
Allie Weprin
A Boca Raton, Florida, native, Allie is a business marketing major in the Fisher College of Business. She’s also involved in the American Marketing Association and the Pathways for Women’s Excellence in Supply Chain Program as she pursues her goal of working in marketing or business for a fashion company.
“I chose Ohio State because I love the location. Columbus is an amazing city where there’s always so much to do, and campus is beautiful. I love going to a big school where anywhere I go, to any club or any class, I’ll always meet someone new.
“I’ve found the most amazing friends here. My professors care and they want you to succeed. And there are so many resources, like the Math Center and the Economics Center, all here to help you succeed.”
“I would tell a new student to reach out to other new students before you come to campus. Get to know people so when you get here you have a couple of familiar faces. Definitely find some hobbies because it’s important to stay active. And have good study methods that work for you and stay organized so classes aren’t so stressful.”
Anthony Shuman
Anthony, also from Parma, earned the Maximus Scholarship, is in the Honors Program and is double-majoring in biochemistry and Spanish. Next year, he’s going to participate in the STEP Program and hopes to be a resident advisor. He’ll use those funds for a study abroad trip to Valencia, Spain, to help him gain fluency in Spanish.
“As soon as I stepped on the campus, I knew this was home. It’s a beautiful place. You’re really supported by all the resources and people, such as advisors and professors who want to see you succeed.”
“I’ve loved being on a big campus because you can really expand your interests, meet like-minded people and people with different perspectives. I was surprised by how much there is to do. In the first week, I’d wake up, walk around with roommates and friends and find something to do. I had like 35,000 steps the first week I was here. I’m discovering new things every day, it’s been a transformative experience.”
“The advice I give is have fun while you’re here. There’s 60,000 people who go to school here so branch out, meet people, expand your social network. And make the most of everything you’re afforded as a student. Go work out at the RPAC, go to some club meetings, go to football games. There’s so much going on. I love Ohio State, and I love being a Buckeye.”
