Jenna Henry grew up in California and found a new home at The Ohio State University. Now, this Dunn Sport and Wellness Scholars (DSWS) student looks toward life after Ohio State and becoming a nurse practitioner.
Why did you choose The Ohio State University?
I chose Ohio State because I couldn't find a school with more pride. Students looked happy to be on campus and I knew it was an environment I wanted for my college experience. When I toured, students would come up to ask if I needed help finding a building or if I was considering becoming a Buckeye. The kindness I experienced made it an easy choice and persuaded me to move thousands of miles away from home.
Why did you choose your major?
I am a sociology major with a global public health minor and plan to be a nurse practitioner. When children have to stay in the hospital, I want to be there to support them and help them find a reason to smile. Kids may not understand what is happening inside their bodies, so I want to help explain what is happening to them.
How has The Ohio State Scholars Program contributed to your college experience?
Honors and Scholars dramatically changed my college experience. It introduced me to my best friends and my biggest support system. The staff involved with the Dunn Sport and Wellness Scholars (DSWS) has helped me through difficult times and I learned how to better navigate college.
What is your why for wearing a mask?
I wear a mask to protect others. While I may have a strong immune system, other people do not, and it isn't fair for me to make the decision to not wear one and risk hurting others.
What does #TogetherAsBuckeyes mean to you?
#TogetherAsBuckeyes means working as an entire campus to fight the disease in any way we are capable. We each take responsibility for our own actions to ensure this campus is safe. We are all working together to not only fight the pandemic but get through this stressful time.
Are there any professors or staff who have helped you?
My supervisors at work and my scholar leaders have made such a large impact on my time at Ohio State! They have been a constant support system and have always given me great advice. Dr. Steven Kroner in the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department was also very helpful when I had two surgeries my first semester of college. He worked with me on the material and regularly checked in on me. Dr. Kroner made me feel supported even though he had hundreds of other students.
What are some of your most memorable moments at Ohio State?
My most memorable moment was spending the night in the emergency room during my first month at college. I broke my nose in an intramural softball game with some of my friends from scholars. They walked into my emergency room with a basket of food, flowers, and a teddy bear. They also got me two get-well cards, one funny and one serious, because they weren't sure which I would like better. This was when I knew I had friends for life.
What are your goals and plans for the future?
After senior year, I plan on attending graduate school to become a pediatric nurse practitioner. I would love to work with a nonprofit and help children in low-income areas. As a sociology major, I have learned about how so many factors outside of exercise, nutrition, and genetics impact health and I would really like to focus on addressing health disparities, specifically those associated with socioeconomic status, as a nurse practitioner.