As my first year of college slowly comes to an end, I can’t help but reminisce on the good times; and even the bad. College is nothing like I expected. I honestly thought I had it all figured out before getting here. I have lost a lot in this first year, but I also gained even more.

Being involved in campus organizations is not something I planned on doing. However, I am very glad that I did. With the encouragement of my mentors, I joined Ohio Dominican’s Black Student Union. We have put on many events and programs like our annual coffee houses (open mic night), Debunking Stereotypes, and my prized possession of this year “Land of Fantasy” fashion show.

We put on this fashion show to raise child abuse awareness. Half of the proceeds we made were donated to Franklin County Children Services. We spent months planning this event and I was happy to have it be a success!

I started off as a body member, then I was moved to Freshmen Representative, and now you are looking at next year’s President! While I am much honored to be the new BSU president, I am also very nervous. But I have no doubt that I will be backed by a strong team.

Joining ODU’s PRSSA helped me figure out what I am passionate about. PR is a field that I did not and still don’t know much about. But with the encouragement of my chapter members I will be minoring in PR next semester.

One of the biggest things I have gotten to be a part of with this chapter is winning the 2010-11 Organization of the Year award! But you can learn more about that from our chapter President Allizon Munoz – http://www.allizonmunoz.wordpress.com

ODU PRSSA was able to bring TOMS Shoes One Day Without Shoes campaign to Ohio Dominican this year. On April 5^th we had over 100 students go One Day Without Shoes. And because of that, we were able to give them FREE Chipotle for lunch!

Our crisis management skills were tested when we arrived to Chipotle and they had no idea that we needed over 100 burritos in 30 minutes. But in the end, we got the job done!

My “baby” that was so happy to give birth to this semester was the first official Susan G. Komen Columbus #PINKitup event. Myself, along with a few other chapter members worked with Hana Bieliauskus (p.s. I am happy to say that I can finally spell Bieliauskus without looking it up) and Ashley Shipley on helping PINK up Columbus!

We stumbled upon the name “PINK & Wings” for this event and it turned out to be pretty catchy. The event was held at the Buffalo Wild Wings on OSU campus. Despite guests having difficulty finding parking, the event turned out great. I was extremely nervous about this event as well because it was the first event that I sort of “headlined” if you will. I can definitely say I would NOT have been able to do this without the help of some really awesome people!

I am so happy to be surrounded by a great group of people. I’m so ready for next semester – BRING IT ON!