Fresh Outta Freshman Year

  

 Summer kicks off in less than two weeks! While I'm going to miss all my friends here at ONU, I can't wait for everything summer has to offer. I don’t have the entire season planned, but here are just a few things I’m looking forward to over the next few months.

 

   On May 16, right after Freshman Showcase, I’m headed to Indiana for my oldest brother’s graduation. For those who don’t know, I have two older brothers. Thomas is the oldest, and Daniel is in the middle (we’re each two years apart). While Daniel is at the Air Force Academy studying engineering, Thomas has been pursuing mechanical engineering at Purdue University. He chose to participate in a co-op program that allowed him to work during some semesters in different states. He finally graduates this May, and I couldn’t be more excited to celebrate him.

    

    After Thomas’ graduation, I already have some time planned with my hometown best friends, Nate and Linnea. The three of us were inseparable throughout high school, and even though we attend different colleges, that hasn’t changed. I saw Linnea over Christmas break and Nate during spring break, but the three of us haven’t been together since Thanksgiving. Our reunion will be short-lived with Nate headed to Indiana for the summer, but I can’t wait to be back together in person, even if just for a little while. Talking on the phone isn’t the same, but when you have an unbreakable bond, distance doesn’t matter.

    I’m not sure yet which nights I’ll make it to Miss Ohio Week for the Miss America Opportunity, which begins in June. Back in 2022, I was blessed with the chance to serve as Miss Ohio’s Outstanding Teen. I built an incredible family within the program and have stayed connected through volunteering over the years. I’m excited to watch a new girl join the Miss Ohio’s Teen sisterhood and to reunite with my Miss Ohio family. Who knows? Maybe in a couple of years, I’ll return as a contestant.

    One thing about me is that I’m an avid supporter of the arts in nearly every form. While I love performing, I’ve shared here my passion for volunteering, choreographing and costuming for theater productions. In June, the Renaissance will host its annual Broadway Camp, where local youth are introduced to theater. For the past several years, I’ve volunteered and taught at this camp, and I can’t wait to do it again. Watching these kids build friendships and grow throughout the week is one of the most rewarding experiences I could ask for.

    Finally, there’s a bittersweet ending to my summer before I return to campus for classes. On Aug. 17, I will officially crown my successor and give up my title as Miss Ohio Teen Volunteer. This year has been a true blessing, filled with meaningful friendships, personal growth and unexpected opportunities. I never anticipated my last teen pageant would lead to a Top 10 national placement. While there were certainly ups and downs—as there are with everything in life—I wouldn’t have wanted to spend this year any other way. I’m sad to close this chapter but excited to see who will get the opportunity to serve, create change and grow as Miss Ohio Teen Volunteer.

    While summer can’t come soon enough, I’m staying busy with studying in the meantime. Once finals are over, I’ll take a moment to reflect on my freshman year at Ohio Northern. Even though I faced some challenges, I wouldn’t change this experience for anything. I’ve always believed everything happens how and when it’s meant to. This year reminded me why I became a Polar Bear, and I know this is the place I was meant to be.

Thank you, Ohio Northern, for the best freshman year. 

Here’s to the next few years of being a Polar Bear!