Amelia Bowers
Editor
Although the final semester of the school year is finally wrapping up for most students, The W certainly has no plans of stopping before the fall. Our university offers so many opportunities for students to continue their studies and hone their skills through a variety of summer programs.
In the spring of my freshman year, the Nancy Yates Community Engagement Program was advertised as a way for students to connect and engage with the local community throughout the summer. Eager for something to put on my résumé, I signed up and had one of my most valuable experiences in college thus far.
Through the Nancy Yates Program, I was assigned as an intern at the Columbus Arts Council, an organization that proudly calls downtown Columbus its home. I met some local Columbus characters, acquired countless skills and helped to give back my community. On too of that, I got to attend some impressive concerts and art exhibits and earn class credits. The program offers students a chance to apply for research opportunities and internships.
I have yet again another wonderful opportunity this summer to study abroad in Spain with the Ina E. Gordy Honors College. I cannot wait to see what is in store for me and my cohort there, and I look forward to the breath of fresh air that an experience like this will bring, even if it is nerve-wracking,
Now, I say all this to bring attention to the countless programs that our university provides for students like you and me. Other opportunities include New Leadership, Summer Scholars, study abroad scholarships, summer class and more. During both the school year and the summer, there is always something going on that students can choose to participate in if they’re looking to branch out. Snoop around on department websites and social media to see what’s happening. It doesn’t hurt to take a moment and look around.
It’s important that students stay knowledgeable about what’s happening on campus, even when classes are out of session. I encourage students to check out what our university has to offer us to enrich our academic careers and enhance our résumés. These kinds of experiences can be life-changing, and if they prove otherwise, they at least are great to look back on.
The W offers so many opportunities for students to take advantage of that are often overlooked. As students of a small university, we’re very lucky to have experiences like these so easily accessible to us, so take advantage of them!
There’s often more going on than meets the eye, so take a chance and try something new. You never know, it just might change your life.