Our Crowdfunding Groups
Hello Buckeye family!
On May 3, 2023, The Ohio State University celebrated another successful Day of Giving. While I am proud to watch my Alma Mater continue to thrive, there are specific communities within Ohio State that played an integral role in my academic and professional journey.
The unwavering support of Julius Mayo, at the forefront of Multicultural Understanding through Nontraditional Discovery Opportunities (MUNDO); the College of Arts and Sciences; Dr. Osei Appiah; and my time as a staff writer for The Lantern, proved invaluable in shaping my journey as a young professional. Each, amid the challenges of a changing economy and workforce, provided a solid foundation upon which I could confidently build my path.
Service is not merely a duty; it is a privilege. Through my involvement in MUNDO, I had the opportunity to travel, learn and serve as an undergraduate student. During alternative spring and winter breaks, my colleagues and I visited cities like Chicago. In one instance, we had the incredible experience of working alongside Father Greg Boyle and Homeboy Industries, Inc., as well as volunteering with Project Angel Food to serve the Los Angeles community during a winter break alternative.
The College of Arts and Sciences, along with Dr. Appiah, played a pivotal role in my undergraduate success by bolstering my self-assurance and facilitating valuable employment experience as an undergraduate teaching assistant and an internship in Washington, D.C.
In 2012, Dr. Appiah established the Black Advertising and Strategic Communication Association (BASCA). A partnership between students, faculty and professionals, BASCA develops and prepares Black students for careers in advertising and strategic communication.
I did not have a resource like BASCA as an undergraduate student. However, I have consistently been and will remain a strong advocate for guiding, equipping and, most importantly, empowering the next generation of communications professionals. It is of utmost importance to the Black community that we cultivate well-informed and educated young leaders who will eventually assume roles as policymakers, writers, legislators, and executives. These future leaders will shape the narratives, products and technologies that have a profound impact on the lives of African Americans.
Gaining hands-on experience as a college student, particularly in journalism, is of paramount importance. Theory and classroom learning lay the foundation, but it is through practical application that we truly refine our skills and deepen our understanding of the field. Hands-on experiences in journalism offer invaluable opportunities to sharpen our writing, reporting and investigative abilities. Additionally, they allow us to navigate real-world challenges, cultivate critical thinking and develop a sense of journalistic ethics and responsibility.
The memory of writing my first story for The Lantern and seeing it on the front page will forever stay with me. It solidified the notion that writing serves as a catalyst for informing and advocating for the student voice. This experience ignited a flame within me, one that has never diminished.
The first black woman reporter at The Washington Post and the author of Trailblazer, Dorothy Butler Gilliam once declared, "Journalism is activism." I wholeheartedly embrace this sentiment. As student reporters, it is important to embody this mindset, recognizing the collective responsibility to restore trust, uphold integrity and champion accountability in journalism.
Assuming the role of a student advocate is a great responsibility–on and off campus. Serving as North Campus Senator for two terms allowed me to work collectively with other students who shared my enthusiasm for the principles of democracy and the pursuit of public service.
It is imperative that we demonstrate our support for students who deeply value the future of democracy and public good. By backing the Undergraduate Student Government Alumni Scholarship, we reaffirm our dedication to upholding the spirit of excellence and stewardship that we, as alumni, carry forward.
The Ohio State University has instilled in me a profound sense of belonging to a rich legacy of scholars and professionals. As a result, I have consistently felt prepared, supported by an exceptional network, equipped with essential life skills both inside and outside the classroom and filled with immense pride in being a Buckeye.
If you share my pride and commitment to giving back, please consider making a donation, no matter the amount. Together, let's invest in their potential and be part of the transformative journey of the next generation of Buckeyes.
Thank you in advance for your support!
GO BUCKS,
Monique
