2024 Graduates

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
I plan on going into geriatric nursing

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Eastern - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this!”?
When I passed the entry exam to begin the nursing program.

Why did you choose OHIO Eastern?
I was unsure about Eastern or Muskingum until after the first semester. I like the small campus and being able to know the whole class.

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
That is an impossible question to answer they are all great and made a huge impact

What was the hardest obstacle or challenge you had to overcome during your time as a student at OHIO Eastern? And how did you overcome challenges or obstacles in your path?
My hardest challenge was being the oldest in the classroom, and also have being out of school for 20 years. I had to learn technology in a new way and learn how to learn in a different time and with a different generation. I asked a lot of question and they all helped me through until I got it!

What are your favorite OHIO Eastern memories?
The times and memories from clinicals.

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Eastern student not to miss?Don't miss the opportunity to have an extended family.

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
Upon graduation I hope to get a job teaching in a school district local to the Ohio Valley.

Why did you choose to complete your bachelor's degree at OHIO Eastern?
I chose OHIO Eastern because I wanted to stay close to home and be involved in organizations throughout my community while completing my degree. I am thankful that I have been able to complete my field placements and student teaching in a local school.

Who were your favorite professors or field placement colleagues and how did they make an impact on your your life?
Dr. Yahn has easily been the most impactful professor that I had at Ohio University Eastern. She is a wealth of knowledge fully committed to teaching her students to be the best educators that they can be. She gives extra attention to teaching her students how to enhance education in rural schools and build connections to careers for students in our future classrooms. I have also worked with many educators at Barnesville Middle School. Each of them were extremely impactful to my preparation to become an educator. I cannot thank each of them and the district enough for all that they have done for me.

What is your favorite OHIO Eastern memory?
Beginning college during COVID made me have to complete many of my classes virtually through zoom or teams. Possibly my most memorable experience is not my favorite memory, but definitely the most embarrassing. It was during a zoom class with Dr. Cordi, and he randomly chose me out of all the students to make up and "rap" a song about a math topic randomly chose by another student.

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Eastern student not to miss?
I would tell any new OHIO Eastern students to not to hesitate to take any opportunity that comes your way. The opportunities and experiences will be extremely beneficial to you as you prepare to enter the workforce in your chosen field, build a resume, or interview for jobs.

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
I plan to go to graduate school to obtain a masters degree in Social Work, become a licensed social worker, and work within the school system

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Eastern - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this!”?
My ah-ha moment was when I entered social work field practicum.

Why did you choose OHIO Eastern?
I chose OHIO Eastern so that I could stay close to family and continue taking livestock projects in 4-H my last couple years.

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
My favorite professor was Dr. Greenlee because he always made a positive difference in my life and provided encouragement in feedback on papers. I also appreciate Dr. Munhall for making an online Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences class easy to comprehend and ensured me that I was a profession that is a good pick for me.

What was the hardest obstacle or challenge you had to overcome during your time as a student at OHIO Eastern? And how did you overcome challenges or obstacles in your path?
The hardest challenge in my college career was going from online classes to in person classes because it was hard to make connections with other students.

What are your favorite OHIO Eastern memories?My favorite OHIO Eastern memory was going to in person college classes for the first time after COVID my sophomore year.

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
I want to continue to work hard to see where the future takes me.

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Eastern - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this!”?
My ah-ha moment was during the last semester. My classes seemed so hard in the beginning but as time went one, I realized I can do this.

Why did you choose OHIO Eastern?
I always wanted to go to Ohio University Eastern to get my management degree. I am also one of many members of my family to graduate from Ohio University and I wanted to continue the tradition.

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
My favorite professor is Michael Schor. He always believed in me and said words of encouragement when I needed it. He is very easy to talk to and we have a good time during class meetings.

What was the hardest obstacle or challenge you had to overcome during your time as a student at OHIO Eastern? And how did you overcome challenges or obstacles in your path?
There were a few classes that challenged me. I overcame them by trying my hardest.

What are your favorite OHIO Eastern memories?
My favorite Ohio Eastern memory was registering for my first classes.

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Eastern student not to miss?I would tell a new student not to miss orientation. They also shouldn't miss all the wonderful activities that Ohio Eastern has to offer.

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
I hope to teach in a school and spread the power of knowledge to the next generation

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Eastern - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this!”?
My ah-ha moment was when I passed all my state licensing tests.

Why did you choose OHIO Eastern?
I chose Ohio University Eastern because it gave me academic experience close to home in the communities I love.

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
My favorite professor was Dr. Neuenschwander because she modeled being a good teacher everyday. She was passionate, kind, excited and very involved with us.

What was the hardest obstacle or challenge you had to overcome during your time as a student at OHIO Eastern? And how did you overcome challenges or obstacles in your path?
The most difficult obstacle was virtual classes. Especially in the early pandemic time where everyone was forced to go online. It was difficult but we all learned together.

What are your favorite OHIO Eastern memories?
One of my favorite memories is playing dominoes with my classmates in Dr. N's class.

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Eastern student not to miss?Create bonds and make friends because those people are going to understand and support you for the next four years in a way no one else can.

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
Find a career in the field of exercise physiology

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Eastern - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this!”?
Getting through my higher level classes

Why did you choose OHIO Eastern?
Close to home

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
Dr. Waters really helped me understand anatomy and physiology, and also prepared me for more difficult courses/experiences in the field of physiology. Dr. Ebbert really helped me stay engaged in exercise physiology courses by sharing his real experiences within the field. Dr. Flynn really helped me gain a new perspective/understanding of researching topics related to my field, he taught me things that have truly helped me get though some higher level courses.

What are your favorite OHIO Eastern memories?
Dr. Ebberts class discussions

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
I plan to stay in the Ohio Valley after graduation. My hopes for the future is to start my teaching career in an elementary school within the area.

Why did you choose OHIO Eastern?
I choose OHIO Eastern because of the location as well as the reputation of providing me with a high quality education and promising future.

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
I don't have a favorite professor although Professor Ciroli, Dr. Yahn, and Dr. Neuenschwander made a critical impact on my life. Each of these professors provided me with meaningful learning experiences that I will carry with me throughout my teaching career. Each of these professors are very passionate in their teaching and provided me with knowledge that I will take with me to use in my teaching profession.

What was the hardest obstacle or challenge you had to overcome during your time as a student at OHIO Eastern? And how did you overcome challenges or obstacles in your path?
I would say that one of the hardest obstacles for me as a student was balancing a part-time job, student teaching, coursework, and studying for licensure requirements. I managed to work through it by staying up late or waking up early to complete my assignments on time. I know that the hard work I put in will provide me with a promising future in education.

What are your favorite OHIO Eastern memories?My favorite OHIO Eastern memories include meeting new classmates that became close friends. We always supported one another and I would not be where I am without their help and support throughout the years.

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
Work as a School Nurse

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Eastern - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this!”?
When I passed pharmacology.

Why did you choose OHIO Eastern?
Affordable tuition. 

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
Matt Fox, he puts a lot of time into the Nursing program and works hard to help students be successful in a difficult program.

What was the hardest obstacle or challenge you had to overcome during your time as a student at OHIO Eastern? And how did you overcome challenges or obstacles in your path?
Balancing being a mom, a full time student, and working. I overcame them by relying on support from my professors and my family.

What are your favorite OHIO Eastern memories?
Clinical days with all of my favorite soon to be nurses.

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Eastern student not to miss?Making new friends

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
I hope to have my own classroom in one of the local school districts here in the valley.

Why did you choose to complete your bachelor's degree at OHIO Eastern?
My mother was diagnosed with stage three cancer my junior year of high school. When it came time to make the decision about college, I was not ready to leave my family.

Who were your favorite professors or field placement colleagues and how did they make an impact on your life?
Kim Ciroli, Jane Nuenschwander, Jacqueline Yahn. These women showed me what it looks like to be a powerful woman in education. They made learning enjoyable and engaging which is what I hope to do for my future students.

What is your favorite OHIO Eastern memory?
Getting to come on campus for the first time my sophomore year and meeting the girls I had gotten close with over zoom during COVID.

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Eastern student not to miss?Don’t be afraid to reach out for guidance and support from your professors. Being such a small campus, I felt I was able to make meaningful connections with all of my professors. The relationships I built allowed me to receive the best education.

What are your next steps or plans for the future?

I have been blessed with wonderful support. Support from my family, my fiancé, and the Bobcat family at Ohio University Eastern. I do not know what my exact steps look like, but I have dreams. For the short time being, I plan to work locally and learn even more about “adulting 101” if you will. Someday, my fiancé and I wish to live in North Carolina and start our own family there. As long as we have our family, both of us are happy!

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Eastern - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this!”?

With undertaking two majors and a certificate throughout my college career, there were plenty of challenges and moments where I doubted my abilities. However, I felt the sheer rush of excitement and joy when I received good grades on the assignments where I put my soul into it, Especially those assignments in which the professors gave detailed comments about how high quality my work was! It made all the effort I put into it worth the struggle.

Why did you choose OHIO Eastern?

Choosing Ohio Eastern was one of the best choices I made. For my needs, the affordability of the Eastern campus could not be beaten. Through the amazing financial aid opportunities, I was able to go to school with minimal loans. I do not have to worry about debt, and I can start looking at investing in my future!

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?

Honestly, this is an unfair question to ask in my opinion. All the professors are very unique! They challenge you and encourage you to be your very best academically. While many professors made an incredible impact on my life (which I could write another essay on), some of the special ones to me are Professor Micheal Schor from the College of Business and Dr. Pamela Kaylor from the Scripps College of Communication. Mr. Schor’s optimism and passion for teaching future generations the world of business was something I felt from every one of his classes. In my opinion, he found the appropriate balance between learning and assignments that allowed me to take my time and absorb the knowledge of each class. It is clear to me that Mr. Schor cares about all of his students and desires success for everyone. I hope to carry myself with the same demeanor that Mr. Schor has shown me! I attribute Dr. Kaylor to being the professor who challenged me to improve my writing and research analysis. Dr. Kaylor’s classes taught me the importance of different worldviews and opinions. Everyone has so much value from the knowledge they can share! To me, that was the most important impact Dr. Kaylor had on me. Improving my writing skills and teaching me that there is more than one way to look at things.

What was the hardest obstacle or challenge you had to overcome during your time as a student at OHIO Eastern?And how did you overcome challenges or obstacles in your path? 

Early in my college career, I wanted to make more connections. I wanted to feel more attached to Ohio Eastern. I decided that I wanted to apply for a student worker position at Student Services, which was one of the best decisions I made for my college career! I met so many wonderful fellow Bobcats and got to know the Ohio Eastern staff even more. If you ever feel that you do not have a reason to go on campus, get a campus job! It made my university experience a thousand times better - trust me.

What are your favorite OHIO Eastern memories?

To pick a favorite memory is tough to decide on when I have so many fond memories to think of! Student events were incredible for our tightknit community. I believe that Fall and Spring Fest are both my favorite Ohio Eastern memories. It was nice to unwind, eat some good food, and socialize with your friends!

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Eastern student not to miss?

If you ever feel alone, feel that there is no need to be on campus, or do not feel like going to the campus events, please find a reason to go! What worked for me was to get a job on campus. Ohio Eastern was willing to work with my needs, and I am sure they will do the same for you. While my solution may not help everyone, I encourage you to get involved. Start or join a club! I tried it, and I learned a lot from the experience. If you have social anxiety and it is stopping you from trying something new, I encourage you to fight through it - talk to a friend, a trusted professor, or whoever - You would be surprised how many interesting people share the same campus as you!

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
CV ICU nurse at Ruby and eventually CRNA school to purse my anesthesia degree

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Eastern - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this!”?
Last semester with the encouragement of the nursing facility

Why did you choose OHIO Eastern?
Hometown feel. Make everyone feel wanted and appreciated.

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
Sarah Davis and Loretta Marchetta. They both were both very eager to help in all aspects of my life.

What was the hardest obstacle or challenge you had to overcome during your time as a student at OHIO Eastern?And how did you overcome challenges or obstacles in your path?
Managing my stressful life along with school. Nursing facility and my classmates.

What are your favorite OHIO Eastern memories?all the special memories related to our clinicals. learning how to do things that are now viewed as so easy but we’re very stressful at the time such as blood sugars, emptying a foley bag, and cleaning a patient.

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
To help as many children in need as possible

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Eastern - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this!”?
This entire semester

Why did you choose OHIO Eastern?
Because it was close and for the major

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
Dr. Warren Galbreath and Tracy Prichard

What was the hardest obstacle or challenge you had to overcome during your time as a student at OHIO Eastern? And how did you overcome challenges or obstacles in your path?
My science class this semester and I overcame it by studying hard.

What are your favorite OHIO Eastern memories?
Making as many memories with my classmates I would have to say playing Fornite during breaks.

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Eastern student not to miss?Do not miss class, especially science class.

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
Continuing to serve youth in our communities.

Why did you choose OHIO Eastern?
I chose OHIO Eastern as it allowed my commute from work an easy access to education.

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
Dr. Galbreath and Mr. Pritchard encouraged and supported my journey in the social work program. Throughout my studies, I have endured many obstacles that they were willing to help me navigate while striving for success.

What was the hardest obstacle or challenge you had to overcome during your time as a student at OHIO Eastern? And how did you overcome challenges or obstacles in your path?Work, Personal Life, and School balance deemed to be a lot more of a challenge than anticipated. Without a great support system, I am not sure that I would have made it to graduation.

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
My plans for the future include finding a teaching job near my hometown and having my own classroom.

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Eastern - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this!”?
An ah-ha moment for me was when I was placed in my first placement in a preschool. That was my first experience as an educator and forming relationships with the students was rewarding. I knew I picked the right major after that experience.

Why did you choose OHIO Eastern?
I chose Ohio University Eastern to stay close to home and because of all the positive comments I heard about their programs and professors. Ohio University Eastern sets their students up for success and gives them valuable experience in the education field.

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?Mrs. Ciroli and Dr. Neuenschwander were my favorite professors. Their love for education and their students is very evident. They make learning fun and take the time to help/support students. They have taught me valuable life lessons and have helped me become confident in myself as an educator.

And how did you overcome challenges or obstacles in your path?
College can be mentally exhausting and challenging, but then I remember why I chose the career path I did and think of all the intrinsic rewards that come with it. I have been placed in multiple schools and classrooms and each placement has made me realize more and more how much I love teaching.

What are your favorite OHIO Eastern memories?
My favorite memories at Ohio University Eastern are the friendships I have made with my classmates and all the new relationships I have formed with my mentor teachers and students at my placements.

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Eastern student not to miss?I would tell a new student that they are never alone. It is important to confide in their classmates and professors through their college experience. It is also important to make the most out of every experience.

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
Gain experience as a RN.

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Eastern - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this!”?
When I realized I had the support from my nursing classmates.

Why did you choose OHIO Eastern?
It was affordable and close to home.

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
My nursing professors who were always willing to help when I needed it.

What was the hardest obstacle or challenge you had to overcome during your time as a student at OHIO Eastern?And how did you overcome challenges or obstacles in your path?
COVID-19 and having classes online. I had to learn how to learn in a different setting and how to study differently.

What are your favorite OHIO Eastern memories?
Getting to know my classmates and spending time with them.

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Eastern student not to miss?Take every opportunity to learn and join in on the social activities.

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
My plans is to earn a job in the social work field.

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Eastern - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this!”?
The support of my professors and fellow students.

Why did you choose OHIO Eastern?
Close to home

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
Dr Greenlee has been a mentor to me and is a true advocate!

What was the hardest obstacle or challenge you had to overcome during your time as a student at OHIO Eastern? And how did you overcome challenges or obstacles in your path?We had some challenges in the beginning with the handicap access buttons that help to open up the doors to help me get in and out of the building since I am a wheelchair user. Thanks to the advocacy of Dean Rohall, Dr. Greenlee and myself we overcame this challenge.

What are your favorite OHIO Eastern memories?
Getting to graduate with my friends

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Eastern student not to miss?Don’t miss out on meeting new people.