Madison Cheyunski

My top five strengths on StrengthsQuest are: focus, consistency, discipline, learner, and realtor. Though all of these strengths describe me well, my top strength was "focus." Throughout my life, I have been known to set my mind to something and to not stop until I reach my goal. I'm always sure to keep my goals in mind in everything that I do because more often than not, my goals drive me. They often drive me when I have no motivation left and I need a light at the end of the tunnel. Being focused has really benefitted me in my life. Running cross country and track for so many years has really taken a lot of dedication and focus in order to succeed. To be the best you can be, you always need to have your mind focused on your goals and what you need to do in order to achieve them. Focus has also helped me in my academic career. I was always able to stay focused on my future plans and my future career as an educator.

My favorite Ohio State tradition is singingCarmen Ohioat big events like home football games, other sporting events, convocation, and commencement. Carmen Ohio is the oldest school song that is still used today. It was created by Fred Cornell, a member of the Ohio State Men's Glee Club. He supposedly wrote the song on the train ride home after a devastating loss against University of Michigan's football team in 1902. The song didn't really gain popularity till 1906 though. Today, after every home football game, win or lose, the football team, fans, and the marching band join together to sing the first verse of Carmen Ohio. I love this tradition because it creates a sense of pride and belonging. You suddenly feel like you're apart of a huge family and that is something really beautiful.

As a first-year student going into second semester, I have learned a few things that I think would be helpful tidbits to share and also for me to remember during the rest of my time at Ohio State.

1) Take advantage of office hours! Your professors are there to help you in anyway they can. You just have to be willing ask for help if you need it.

2) Go to class! It's so easy to skip when there's no one there to make sure that you go to class. You really have to keep yourself accountable in order to succeed in your classes.

3) Learn how to use the bus system. It's really easy to use if you take the time to learn it. It'll save you time and a lot of walking!