Completing my Freshman Year of college was a huge milestone for me. I'm so happy that I got to experience living on campus, and really seeing the University of Cincinnati in all of its astounding glory. Simple things like preparing my own food to surprising residence hall neighbors, really have contributed to my college experience and who I am today.
One of the most formative events of my entire life actually occurred outside of school during my Freshman Year. Over Winter break I participated in a leadership retreat called LeaderShape. It was, to say the least, incredible. I have always had a passion for leadership, and I have always enjoyed taking leadership roles. LeaderShape really allowed me to start breaking up my leadership style into easily improvable segments through fun activities and engaging discussion. I didn't realize it at the time, but LeaderShape really set me on a path to wanting to hone my leadership skills, as well as start focusing on my future goals and plans. I learned that I do want to be a manager or owner within my respective field, and that if I work at it, that goal is extremely attainable. Aside from all of those things, LeaderShape also introduced me to some great people, and gave me a great deal of confidence to take with me everywhere I go.
Personally, I have loved my time at UC and I am very thankful for all of the experiences that I've had as a result of attending such an amazing institution. However, I believe that the most influential part of attending the University of Cincinnati is all of the people I have met and the relationships that have been forged. First and foremost, my roommates (who I will continue to live with next year) were all great guys who helped me through my freshman year as friends and as brothers. We all became fairly close and it was a sad day to move out. Aside from them, just meeting people within my major was fascinating. Never in my life have I had the opportunity to be around so many people who share the same passions for science and life that I do personally.
Speaking of relationships, UC has a breathtaking network of advisers and faculty. From my Honors Adviser, Co-op Adviser, Academic Adviser, to all of the faculty involved in clubs and student organizations, the University really does make a student feel welcome. Not only is it a good feeling, but it is immensely useful. If I ever had a question and wasn't sure who to ask, one of my advisers was always available to help. I am so thankful to have so many incredible, successful adult influences in my life to help guide and shape these formative years.
All serious stuff aside, my freshman year was truly a blast. Experiencing college is truly something that can't be described. From the stress of doing homework at 4 am (not the best idea) to the lazy Saturday afternoons on campus, I wouldn't change a thing. Sure, I made some mistakes and learned some ropes but those failures and embarrassing moments have shaped me into someone that I am proud to be. I feel that I am on a path to be exactly who and what I want to be in life, and I am inexplicably thankful to everyone who has helped to contribute to my current and future endeavors. There is truly no way to express my gratitude that is worthy of the gifts that I've been given. All I can do is promise each and every one of you that I will work my very hardest to be the best that I can be in everything that I do now and in the future. I cannot wait to spend another year learning and growing. See you on the other side!
-Andy
One of the most formative events of my entire life actually occurred outside of school during my Freshman Year. Over Winter break I participated in a leadership retreat called LeaderShape. It was, to say the least, incredible. I have always had a passion for leadership, and I have always enjoyed taking leadership roles. LeaderShape really allowed me to start breaking up my leadership style into easily improvable segments through fun activities and engaging discussion. I didn't realize it at the time, but LeaderShape really set me on a path to wanting to hone my leadership skills, as well as start focusing on my future goals and plans. I learned that I do want to be a manager or owner within my respective field, and that if I work at it, that goal is extremely attainable. Aside from all of those things, LeaderShape also introduced me to some great people, and gave me a great deal of confidence to take with me everywhere I go.
Personally, I have loved my time at UC and I am very thankful for all of the experiences that I've had as a result of attending such an amazing institution. However, I believe that the most influential part of attending the University of Cincinnati is all of the people I have met and the relationships that have been forged. First and foremost, my roommates (who I will continue to live with next year) were all great guys who helped me through my freshman year as friends and as brothers. We all became fairly close and it was a sad day to move out. Aside from them, just meeting people within my major was fascinating. Never in my life have I had the opportunity to be around so many people who share the same passions for science and life that I do personally.
Speaking of relationships, UC has a breathtaking network of advisers and faculty. From my Honors Adviser, Co-op Adviser, Academic Adviser, to all of the faculty involved in clubs and student organizations, the University really does make a student feel welcome. Not only is it a good feeling, but it is immensely useful. If I ever had a question and wasn't sure who to ask, one of my advisers was always available to help. I am so thankful to have so many incredible, successful adult influences in my life to help guide and shape these formative years.
All serious stuff aside, my freshman year was truly a blast. Experiencing college is truly something that can't be described. From the stress of doing homework at 4 am (not the best idea) to the lazy Saturday afternoons on campus, I wouldn't change a thing. Sure, I made some mistakes and learned some ropes but those failures and embarrassing moments have shaped me into someone that I am proud to be. I feel that I am on a path to be exactly who and what I want to be in life, and I am inexplicably thankful to everyone who has helped to contribute to my current and future endeavors. There is truly no way to express my gratitude that is worthy of the gifts that I've been given. All I can do is promise each and every one of you that I will work my very hardest to be the best that I can be in everything that I do now and in the future. I cannot wait to spend another year learning and growing. See you on the other side!
-Andy