Just call me, GRADUATE.

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I DID IT!

Yes, you read that right. I am officially alum of THE Ohio State University. On May 5, 2013 I joined the largest living alumni network in the world.

I have kind of let it sink in over the last week and a half. I wanted to do so before I wrote this post.

Proud alumna of THE Ohio State University. May 2013.

Proud alumna of THE Ohio State University. May 2013.

People ask me what I will miss most about college, or this university. It’s easy- I will miss the people. People can make or break an experience. During my sophomore year someone told me “You are who you surround yourself with.” I really took this to heart and began to evaluate my inner circle. I’m leaving this university with not only a degree, but with a few friendships that I absolutely know will last a lifetime.

From left to right: Tessa, myself, Jamie and Ashleigh. These are some of the people I will miss the most at Ohio State. April 2013.

From left to right: Tessa, myself, Jamie and Ashleigh. These are some of the people I will miss the most at Ohio State. April 2013.

There really is no other thing like college. Nowhere else are you surrounded by a group of people that love the same exact thing you do, your university, and someone is seemingly available 24/7.

Another thing I will miss is the experiences. Ohio State has put me in a drivers seat for some of the best experiences of my life. I’ve been to NCAA Bowl games, tournaments, Final Fours, Sweet 16s, as well as large (free) concerts. Ohio State has given me a strong foundation to build my skills.

People ask me what my next move is. That’s what I’m working on right now. My Aunt Pam discussed with me that no other time in life can I really attempt to plan out what I want (where I want to live, what I want to do, etc). I’ve used the last few days to really reflect and think of what I truly want. And I think I know… I want to work in a digital sphere. I want to serve as a Social Media Director or Community Manager. Basically, I want to help a company or brand activate their local or global audience and engage consumers with the product.

I learned that I loved digital media more than anything over the past year. I had the opportunity to lead @BuckeyeNutHouse to new heights- becoming the most followed student section in the Big Ten under my regime and surpassing over 10,000 followers on Twitter and becoming the first Big Ten student section to do so. I was able to gather over 6,000 followers to Twitter. The NutHouse also became the first student section on Instagram- where I generated over 2600 followers and 20,000+ likes.

Over the past year I was also able to work at the Final Four with Nike, Nike Basketball and Nike Fuel. This would lead to working with Nike Fuel again at the Ohio State dance marathon, BuckeyeThon. And I would help with another activation with #RunFree and @NikeRunning in the spring.

Basically, I learned that I love to connect users in a digital space- whether it was with Ohio State basketball or with Nike; I am passionate about the digital sphere as well as social and digital marketing.

So let me work for you.

Four years of hard work translated into a document. May 2013. Proud alum.

Four years of hard work translated into a document. May 2013. Proud alum.

One day left: Candle Light Ceremony

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With only one day left until graduation I’m going to reflect on a very recent memory; one that actually happened today, the candle light ceremony.

At Ohio State they tell you that the only time you will ever be with your entire class is at convocation as a freshman and at graduation as a senior. Tomorrow I will rejoin my class of 2013 and become alumni of the largest living alumni network.

Tonight was the candle light ceremony. All graduating students, their parents and friends are invited and encouraged to attend. It happens outside Thompson Library and is the only event each year where the university president addresses the students via the perch of Thompson Library.

At Ohio State, a flame is placed on the university seal as well as many figures and items around campus. It represents eternal learning. Ohio State was founded as a land grant institute, a bill passed by President Abraham Lincoln, and we credit ourselves to him.

One of the last pictures Jamie and I took as undergraduates at THE Ohio State University. May 2013.

One of the last pictures Jamie and I took as undergraduates at THE Ohio State University. May 2013.

At the Candle Light ceremony University President Gordon Gee and Alumni Chair Archie Griffin each have a candle lit and then share the flame from student to student, then students share to each other and to their parents until everyone has their candle lit. Jamie and I were able to get our candles lit from Gordon Gee himself.

Here is the Vine of us with Gordon Gee lighting our candles: https://vine.co/v/bQE0dZvxTvg

The thing that makes the candle light ceremony so special is that it is a new tradition; it’s only three years old. It also is a time for graduating students to spend their last moments on campus with some of their best friends as well as their support system (their parents, family members, close family friends). Since graduation is alphabetical and by college, most students do not get to sit by those that they spent the majority of their time with on campus- making the candle light ceremony that much more special.

Another vine with family and candles: https://vine.co/v/bQ9bptWzaIi

We sang our alma mater, Carmen Ohio, for the last time together as Undergrads. May 2013

We sang our alma mater, Carmen Ohio, for the last time together as Undergrads. May 2013

I used this time to share with one of my best friends from Ohio State, Jamie, as well as my close family. We watched a slideshow of pictures that unknowingly included us as well. We laughed and cried about our adventures on campus and we ended a chapter.

Day two: My Experience as the Buckeye NutHouse Director

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At orientation they encourage you to get involved at Ohio State; to make the best of your time on campus and really activate yourself with an organization. I did just that.

As I have previously talked about, I spent time on campus with a few different organizations including hall council, Makio Yearbook, Ohio Union Activities Board and of course, Block “O.”

Block “O” is the largest student organization on campus at THE Ohio State University. Block “O” is the official student section of The Ohio State Department of Athletics. Therefore, the Buckeye NutHouse falls underneath the Block “O” large umbrella.

When I was elected Director of Men’s Basketball and Buckeye NutHouse operations in February 2012 I knew I wanted to focus a large amount of time as director on two things: growing the social media outlets and working with my NutHouse committee.

I was successful on both fronts.

Before I was the director for @BuckeyeNutHouse- the account had barely over 4,000 followers. When I left, it was the largest followed in the Big Ten, and the first Big Ten student section to hit 10k followers on Twitter as well as the first student section in the country to join Instagram.

The NutHouse was the first Big Ten student section to hit 10,000 followers. I was serving as the director during this time. April 2013.

The NutHouse was the first Big Ten student section to hit 10,000 followers. I was serving as the director during this time. April 2013.

I generated over 20,000 likes on Instagram with an iPhone. That’s right. With the exception of a few graphics the athletic department had me push (as an affiliated organization we are often expected to do so), every photo/caption from March 2012 to April 2013 on there was taken and written by me.

One of the Buckeye NutHouse Instagrams I posted during the 2013 Big Ten Tournament in Chicago. March 2013

One of the Buckeye NutHouse Instagrams I posted during the 2013 Big Ten Tournament in Chicago. March 2013

As for my team, I supervised a group of 17 of my peers to lead all pre-game setup duties for Ohio State Men’s Basketball Home Games. I selected these 17 individuals through a highly selective application an interview process. Unfortunately, I couldn’t keep everyone who applied and only got about 50% of those individuals. This was an amazing group of people, and I was so honored that I was able to spend every game with them.

Buckeye NutHouse team 2012-13. November 2012.

Buckeye NutHouse team 2012-13. November 2012.

Overall, I’ll take away digital and social media experience from the Buckeye NutHouse as well as leadership. In the end, the NutHouse will always remain extremely close to my heart and is personally my favorite entity of Block “O.” But, I’m a little biased.

Day three: 2012 Final Four

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Final Four: The Road Ends Here.

My Buckeyes made it all the way to the Final Four my junior year of college. I felt extremely connected to this team because I had been to almost every single home game (even over winter break) and several road games- including the Big Ten tournament.

The Final Four was hands down the coolest sporting event I have ever been to because it is bigger than every school and person involved. The prestige it carries speaks for itself.

Cayla, Deshaun and I in the House of Hoops in New Orleans. March 2012.

Cayla, Deshaun and I in the House of Hoops in New Orleans. March 2012.

Plus, I’ve never seen that many people come together for one sporting event. Literally the entire basketball world was there. Coaches and players that weren’t even playing in the game were there, companies, agencies, organizations; anyone who was anyone was there.

Draymond Green, former MSU Spartan, and I on Bourbon Street. Green is my favorite Big Ten player that is not a Buckeye. March 2012.

Draymond Green, former MSU Spartan, and I on Bourbon Street. Green is my favorite Big Ten player that is not a Buckeye. March 2012.

I stayed in a hostel with Cayla. Yes, a hostel. It was there I met my friend Helen from Germany who I have stayed in contact with. The hostel we stayed in was like a dorm, but not as nice. However, it was really cheap and had free parking. To stay there for four nights was less than $80.00.

The Maruqette International Hostel where Cayla and I stayed. We thought we would get murdered, we didn't. April 2012.

The Maruqette International Hostel where Cayla and I stayed. We thought we would get murdered, we didn’t. April 2012.

The game itself was larger than life. We camped out in a parking garage from 8:00 in the morning to 2:30pm before we were permitted in the Super Dome. Yes, we literally laid in filth. Yes, we were covered in dirt. Yes, I ruined my white shorts sitting on the cement floor. Yes, I would do it again.

Jamie, Ashleigh and I waited with thousands of other students for over six hours in a dirty garage before we could enter the Super Dome. March 2012.

Jamie, Ashleigh and I waited with thousands of other students for over six hours in a dirty garage before we could enter the Super Dome. March 2012.

I still get goose bumps when I re-watch the player intros and they announce “We Are: THE Ohio State University.” Even though the game didn’t turn out in our favor- this game was one of the coolest experiences of my college career, if not my life.

My friends and I pre-game. March 2012.

My friends and I pre-game. March 2012.

Seeing your team, some of your best friends, compete in an event that is so large in stature and known in swagger is unforgettable.

The infamous post-game crying picture with Ashleigh and Jamie. March 2012.

The infamous post-game crying picture with Ashleigh and Jamie. March 2012.

From staying in Hostels, to driving overnight, to exploring Bourbon Street, to the voodoo shop and finally that ghost tour I took with Jamie and Ashleigh- this trip was amazing.

Ghost touring with our guide, Ashleigh and Jamie.

Ghost touring with our guide, Ashleigh and Jamie.

Day four: Nike Fuel Fan

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My mentor, Diana Sabau, shot me a text in March of 2012 that would end up changing my life. Ohio State had just made it to the Final Four a few days prior and I was planning my trip to leave later in the week.

I called Diana and she said that she had an awesome opportunity for me to work with Nike and Nike Fuel at the Final Four in New Orleans, Louisiana. She said it would involve Twitter, social media and talking about Ohio State.

She said only one student could be selected and she instantly thought of me. She wanted to sign me up but had to get my consent before she could do so. I said absolutely, I was extremely interested. From there I had a contact in Oregon that I chatted with on the phone and he instructed me about the events that would be going on down in New Orleans. He then said I would have a different on-grounds contact in New Orleans, and it wouldn’t be him.

So we drove all night to New Orleans, extremely giddy. I didn’t sleep much- I don’t do well sleeping in moving vehicles, I prefer driving. So after about five energy drinks and a few cups of coffee, we completed our 16-hour venture.

Then, I remember getting into contact with my on-ground contact that I would have from Nike for this experience. Her name is Brittany. She was super-cool and really eager to help us out (I was with my friend Cayla at the time).

Cayla and I with Brittany from Nike (middle) before the Waka Flocka concert. Brittany (like myself) is actually a diehard Waka fan. March 2012.

Cayla and I with Brittany from Nike (middle) before the Waka Flocka concert. Brittany (like myself) is actually a diehard Waka fan. March 2012.

Cayla and I weren’t able to check into our Hostel yet, so we went and changed in a Wal-Mart bathroom. Yes. Then headed out to meet Brittany. She gave me brief instructions on what they expected, gave me some gear and said meet you gals back here in two hours for the Waka Flocka concert.

My bestie Waka Flocka Flame and I. March 2012.

My bestie Waka Flocka Flame and I. March 2012.

We went on to meet Waka, who ended up being really nice and probably my favorite celebrity I’ve ever met. He was really down to Earth.

From there, I was instructed to #makeitcount. Nike wanted me to show that not only are the players activated and fueled on the court, the fans are doing the same in the stands. They hooked me up with a Nike+ Fuel Band, set me with a goal of 1960 (because that was Ohio State’s first and only championship year), and off I went.

Making it count in the Superdome at the Final Four. March 2012.

Making it count in the Superdome at the Final Four. March 2012.

I was in a challenge with the Kentucky fan. Let the record show- even though Ohio State didn’t win their game, the Ohio State fan (yours truly) earned more Nike+ Fuel that weekend than the Kentucky fan. And always: The Buckeye Bounce #Counts.

Gear I received from Nike for being the Nike Fuel Fan. The red shoes were my favorite because that was the team shoe for March Madness. March 2012.

Gear I received from Nike for being the Nike Fuel Fan. The red shoes were my favorite because that was the team shoe for March Madness. March 2012.

So how did this change my life? I realized I want to work in digital. I want to work in a social media sphere where I can serve as the brand activating customers and engaging consumers on a global scale.

One day I hope to work as a Community Manager for an agency or brand to engage customers- like how Nike did with me during the Final Four. April 2012.

One day I hope to work as a Community Manager for an agency or brand to engage customers- like how Nike did with me during the Final Four. April 2012.

A lot of what I learned this weekend- from Brittany and Nike- I would carry onto the Buckeye NutHouse (where I served a Community Manager role from the beginning of March 2012 to the end of April 2013). I would create the “6th Man” NutHouse campaign with the mindset that I gathered during the Final Four weekend.

So here I will thank Diana Sabau, for not only serving as a mentor to me while working on basketball plans, but for setting me up for a life changing experience.

Day five: Breaking Metatarsals

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Columbus went on a massive Jaywalking witch hunt in September 2012. I fell victim. I was crossing 15th and High Street at 9:00pm with Allison and Drea and then we were called to the side of the street. We were each written a citation for jaywalking, ticketed and ordered to pay $100.00

You would think the night couldn’t get any worse. Well it did.

We were headed to 11th avenue; we went to the wrong side of the street and had to cross to the other side. We were in fear of getting another jaywalking ticket so we headed all the way down to the cross walk (which in all honesty, was a severe waste of time because there is only one crosswalk on this street and it is at least 1/4 a mile from where we needed to be). On the way to the far, far away crosswalk I was texting while I was walking on extremely uneven, chipped away sidewalk, where my right ankle twisted.

An urge of pain went through my body and I fell to the ground. I’ve only been in this type of pain one other time and that required surgery. Somehow I would go on to walk the two+ blocks to my friend Zach’s house. From there, Tessa would come pick me up and take me to the Emergency Room.

I had a broken fifth metatarsal.

The walking boot that I wore for nine weeks. I took this picture while I was waiting for the handivan. September 2012.

The walking boot that I wore for nine weeks. I took this picture while I was waiting for the handivan. September 2012.

You have five metatarsals in each foot. The fifth is the bone that connects to the pinky toe. One small bone like this kept me on crutches for five weeks and in a walking boot for nine weeks. It also required physical therapy and regular doctor appointments. I had to ride a handy-van to class because campus at Ohio State is simply too large to conquer with crutches.

My life for eight weeks of my senior year of college. October 2012.

My life for eight weeks of my senior year of college. October 2012.

As I write this, eight months later, I am happy that his happened. This injury opened up my eyes to the people who really were there for me- my true friends. I had people offering to help me out, many of which were expected, some of which were not. Yet I had a huge gaping whole from people I would have considered my true friends.

Posted in Ohio Stadium for the Buckeyes versus the Cornhuskers. October 2012.

Posted in Ohio Stadium for the Buckeyes versus the Cornhuskers. October 2012.

Breaking my foot taught me a lot. It taught me loyalty. It taught me what it really meant to work on a team. I’m an only child who prefers to work alone, but this injury forced me to rely on other people. I couldn’t go to the grocery store, drive a car, go out to dinner, or pick something up without the help of my friends.

Couldn't of gotten through my injury without the help of my friends. September 2012.

Couldn’t of gotten through my injury without the help of my friends. September 2012.

So this post is a thank you to Allison, Jamie, Tessa, Ryan, Drea, Stephanie, Ashleigh, Lauren, Kelsey, and all of the underclassmen (simply too many of you to name). Also thank you to my family, Mariah Booth for always cheering me up, and my cronie, Sexy Kim, who kept my spirits up.

Day six: Prahalis’ Senior Night

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Very few people get the opportunity to see their favorite player on their team play out their entire career in person. I had that opportunity.

Brief timeline for this:

September 2011 I meet Jamie Kanehl who ultimately changes my life and gets me involved with Ohio State Basketball.

November 2011: I go to my first Women’s Baskteball game with Jamie and Sammy Prahalis becomes my favorite player to ever wear an Ohio State Uniform.

November 2012: I start a Women’s Basketball student section with the same drive that Prahalis showed on the court and end up breaking the student attendance record in November and again in February.

February 2012: Prahalis plays her last home game in an Ohio State uniform.

Prahalis’ senior night will forever be one of those moments just suspended in memory and time for me. While I only got to watch her career for two years at Ohio State, it was a very memorable two years.

The reason Prahalis is my favorite Ohio State basketball player is simple for two reasons: her loyalty and drive. Her drive is obvious to the average fan- she works hard and it shows clearly on the court. Her loyalty is something that you have to know her more personally.

Through Jamie I actually became good friends with Sammy and that’s when I was exposed to her family (also known as the cronies)- the most loyal group of people that I have ever met. They bring a new definition to the word and are definitely “ride or die.”

Students paid homage to senior Guard Sammy Prahalis. February 2012.

Students paid homage to senior Guard Sammy Prahalis. February 2012.

But back to her senior night- you could tell from the beginning of the game this would be a special night. Sammy would go on to shatter the previously held record of most points in a single game by a Buckeye with 42 points. This was the best energy I have ever seen for an Ohio State Women’s Basketball game. The entire crowd was emotional, especially at the end of the game with her farewell ceremony.

The last time this big head would be broken out for a game. February 2012.

The last time this big head would be broken out for a game. February 2012.

Prahalis brought drive, passion, and loyalty to the court but she also brought inspiration. Inspiration that she carried from those who have inspired her and inspiration that she gave to the Ohio State fans- sometimes unknowingly. I thank Sammy, and have done so in the past, for truly being an inspiration for me. She showed me that it doesn’t matter what the haters say (how she would say it) or how they feel and to just do you and to give everything that you have- and then some.

Sammy and I after her record breaking senior night. February 2012.

Sammy and I after her record breaking senior night. February 2012.

This game also is very dear to my heart because it signifies how everything in life can come full circle. When I first met Jamie we wanted to set up an extension of Block “O” to cover Women’s Basketball, and we did. Two years later there were multiple people running for a position that didn’t even exist until I proposed and ran for it. It’s a surreal feeling but if you commit yourself, really care about something, and surround yourself with at least one supporter- you can do it.

Jamie and I during one of the Men's NutHouse games. January 2012.

Jamie and I during one of the Men’s NutHouse games. January 2012.

Had I never met Jamie I’m not exactly sure where I would be right now. I don’t know if I would’ve ever managed @BuckeyeNutHouse on twitter/facebook/instagram either. So in addition to the thank you’s to Sammy, I thank you Jamie, for severely altering my life path for the better. Go Bucks!!

Day seven: Beating scUM(ichigan)/ “Jumped all these Mirror Lakes.”

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If you grow up a fan of the Buckeyes then you grow up knowing your rival. If you’re raised an Ohio State fan, it is bred into you to hate Michigan. Also known as That School Up North (TSUN), That Team Up North (TTUN), and scUM.

There is one week a year solely devoted to Beating Michigan.

Rivalry is real. I'm not kidding.

Rivalry is real. I’m not kidding.

I know I’m biased, but this is the best rivalry in all of college sports (and I believe) in all of sports.

Another one.

Another one.

A border separates us, thankfully.

At Ohio State we take this seriously. Setting aside the entire week for pep rallies, pump up talks from former players (Senior year including former Offensive Tackle, Orlando Pace), remembrance of former teams and the celebration of our current roster.

At scUM with Stephanie, Jamie, and Katy. November 2011.

At scUM with Stephanie, Jamie, and Katy. November 2011.

Then there is Mirror Lake.

We jump in Mirror Lake the Tuesday before the Michigan game to awaken the spirit of former Ohio State Head Coach (and legend), Woody Hayes. I’ve had the opportunity to jump all four years while at Ohio State and made the plunge three times. Freshman year the weather was warm and the water was as well. Sophomore year not as much but junior year was the coldest in my memory. Unfortunately, due to my broken fifth metatarsal, I was unable to jump senior year but still partook in the festivities and accompanied my friends to the lake.

Mirror Lake 2012 with Tessa and Allison. November 2012.

Mirror Lake 2012 with Tessa and Allison. November 2012.

If I could only pick one tradition at Ohio State to be my favorite, it would be the Mirror Lake jump. No day, besides the actual game day where the Buckeyes take on the Wolverines even comes close to the connection that all Ohio State students and alumni have.

Another reminder.

Another reminder.

 

This isn’t my video, because I wouldn’t dare take a video camera near that lake during the jump. But for those of

Day eight: 12-0 Football

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What do you work for? To be the best.

What do you train for? To beat your rival.

What do you get when you outwork and out-train everyone? An undefeated season.

During my senior year of college The Ohio State University’s Football program did just that. They became the ONLY team to go undefeated in D1 NCAA College Football.

On the cover of the Columbus Dispatch, again. Left hand corner. November 2012.

On the cover of the Columbus Dispatch, again. Left hand corner. November 2012.

This season was hard for me because I had broken my foot and wasn’t able to fulfill all of my Block “O” officer duties for football because I was physically incapable of doing so. However, it was a new experience to be able to sit at a game. “Haters can’t see me, disability seats.”

View in Ohio Stadium at night from the disability section. Victory over Nebraska. October 2012.

View in Ohio Stadium at night from the disability section. Victory over Nebraska. October 2012.

Seeing a group of men work so incredibly hard is inspiring and awakening. THE Ohio State University is proud of you. The student body is proud of all of you.

The cherry on the top of the cake was defeating Michigan in my final home football game as a student and storming the field to cap off a 12-0 season.

My Swahili partner, Corey, and I on the field after the victory over Michigan. November 2012.

My Swahili partner, Corey, and I on the field after the victory over Michigan. November 2012.

The Buckeyes were not bowl eligible this year because of the NCAA ban from the tattoo scandal two years ago, but that is another story. By this season, nearly all of the players from the tattoo team were gone. This is a group of distinguished young men that will go down in history at Ohio State.

My favorite college football cathedral: Ohio Stadium. October 2012.

My favorite college football cathedral: Ohio Stadium. October 2012.

I’m just proud to say that this happened my senior year at THE Ohio State University, the greatest university in the world! Watching this game with my best friends who were there with me through the thick and thin, who supported me and helped me when I broke my foot, to me, is just as great as going 12-0.

Day Nine: My Favorite Class

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A few days ago someone asked me what my favorite course I ever took at Ohio State was. One class clearly came to my mind: Communication 4337.

COMM 4337, also known as Communication Public Campaigns, is the senior capstone class for Strategic Communication majors at The Ohio State University. It’s the course that you want to take when you sign on the dotted line to be a Communications major as an underclassman.

I was fortunate enough to have Alyson Moses (@AlyMoses) as my instructor. Alyson has extensive knowledge of the Public Relations industry and previously worked at Edelman in Chicago before coming to Ohio State last winter.  In addition to her in depth experience in the industry, Alyson brought excitement and positivity to every class.

This class was four times a week and I actually enjoyed and looked forward to it every day. It started by going over the beginning stages of creating and implementing a PR plan to us being placed into groups to create our own. We had a real life client, See More Interactive, and we would later pitch our plans to their CEO.

Overall, I loved the content of this class and I really enjoyed how the instructor always made it interesting and fun. She was and still is extremely helpful. I highly recommend underclassmen to take a class with Alyson Moses if you are a Strategic Communications major.