Meeting fellow students who share her interests, and the excitement associated with a newly awarded Monda Scholarship, helped first-year student Jezreel Otchere adjust to the experience of being away from home.

You recently completed your first year. Could you share a little about yourself and your journey to Ohio State?

I’m from Cincinnati and I attended a high school that really focused on global study. So, learning about different cultures became very important to me. When I was looking at colleges, I noticed how much Ohio State promotes international study and research. That’s how I knew it was right for me. I really love the stuff they do here. I especially love the diversity of people on campus.

What is your major?

I was originally a biology major because my goal is to go to medical school. But I like the broader, human aspect of medicine, and I wasn’t really finding that in my biology classes. I have a friend who is a medical anthropology major, and she told me about some of her classes. When I read more about the program, it just seemed to call my name. I’ve also decided to minor in psychology.

What were the most challenging and interesting aspects of your first year?

I’m really family oriented, so being away from home all the time was an adjustment. The work is a lot more rigorous than high school, but over the past year I learned there are many resources available to help first-year students, and my teachers and classmates helped me find them.

Something that has also helped me settle into a routine and meet new people is my involvement in student organizations like Ohio State CRU. CRU is a nondenominational Christian organization made up of students who are interested in worship, music and community service.

I’m also in a singing group called African American Voices (AAV). It’s a group of students of color who come together and sing. We sing for pleasure, but sometimes we are invited to perform. The university’s African Youth League sponsored an “Africa Night,” and we were invited to perform at the event.

My own family and community values service to others, and I am excited to be involved with BuckeyeThon. It is an amazing program, and I feel honored to join students who have raised millions of dollars to help children who have been diagnosed with cancer and their families.

You mentioned choosing Ohio State because it has made diversity and inclusion a top priority. Have you seen evidence of that priority in the people you’ve met?

I think the people here are awesome. I’ve met so many people over the semester that are from different cultures and backgrounds. I think that alone has been amazing because it’s helped me to discover more about myself.

How did you feel about receiving the Monda Scholarship, and have you chosen a location for your trip?

I applied to every study abroad scholarship fund I could. I can’t describe how blessed I felt when I found out I received the Monda Scholarship, and that I could use it to go wherever I want. There are so many places I would love to visit. For example, my parents are from Ghana and I would love to go to Ghana to perform service and learn about the culture. I’m also taking classes in Italian and going to Italy would help strengthen my language skills.

Now that I’ve settled in at Ohio State, I think my studies will help guide my decision about where I want to travel. I never imagined I would have this opportunity and I want to make the most of it.

Support students like Jezreel by making a gift to the Keith and Linda Monda International Experience Scholarships Fund.