Sometimes, the right path finds you when you least expect it.  

Starting his freshman year completely undecided, the possibilities were endless for Kethan Mokadam. But he knew that Ohio State was the place that would give him the freedom to explore what would be the right fit for him.  

It was in a required exploratory learning class where he discovered a passion for social work. With this growing interest, Kethan decided to take an introductory social work class with Prof. Samantha Bates. Not only did this class help fuel his newfound interest, but it also let him connect topics he was learning about to his work as a track and field coach.  

At the end of the semester, Bates reached out to Kethan about a project he might be interested in being a part of. This is what ultimately led him to LiFESports, an organization that uses sports as a tool for positive youth development. Kethan is about to start his fourth summer with the organization.  

“Speaking to a lot of the connections between sport and mental health, and the issues that I saw in the system, I was very open about the things I saw in that class," he says.

As a mentor to young athletes, he focuses on their mental health and stress management, using his knowledge to support them in whatever they do. One way he does this is through the “Life and Leadership Series,” a play-based professional development program he helped design. Describing it as a “gamified component” to build developmental strategies, Kethan sees it as a fun and engaging way to connect with his students. 

His dedication to leadership and service has earned him recognition from the ESPY Awards: Kethan was given the Billie Jean King Youth Leadership Award, which celebrates individuals who use sports as a platform to uplift their communities and address societal challenges. 

The mentorship and opportunities Kethan has received from the College of Social Work have been a significant factor in his college journey, but campus experiences have shaped it, too.   

Ohio State sporting events, especially football games, have given him a deep sense of belonging — surrounded by fellow Buckeyes in the excitement of the games makes Ohio State truly feel like home. For Kethan, what makes the Buckeye community special is how he has been able to find people he can connect with and who will be there for him no matter what.  

Now a graduate student, Kethan believes the key to the Buckeye experience is simple: “You get out what you put in. You have to put in the effort, or at least put yourself out there, and it will come and find you.” 

Kethan on his Ohio State Experience: “The LiFESports program and the College of Social Work have been really cool to be a part of. Seeing the behind the scenes of what goes into this massive research program and non-profit has been really eye-opening in terms of a career of what I want to do moving forward.” 

His advice to students: “You make your own Buckeye experience, no matter who you are or what you’re looking for. Everyone’s experience is going to be unique but to make the most of it, just trying new things is part of that. It’s simple, but the fact that I have been able to do so many new things is something I’ve really enjoyed and has really shaped my college experience.”