For the last three summers, Yalini Ramamoorthy has made it a routine to kick up her feet, turn on the television and watch each Marvel movie in order. When it comes to tradition it all started with Welcome Week at The Ohio State University for the Health Sciences Scholar just four years ago. But her efforts to get involved were challenged throughout that time. Now, she has returned to some of those plans and has reflected on her journey to evolve her role on campus.
Although the former introvert thought Ohio State would be a hard place to feel at home because of its size, she stepped onto campus to instantly feel its liveliness, found a small group of friends, and made a big place feel like a place of comfort. Ramamoorthy is the director of diversity and inclusion for the Health Sciences Scholars Program’s Leadership Council, she is the president of the American Society for Microbiology Students, works at a breast cancer research lab, and is a member of the South Asian sorority, Delta Phi Omega Sorority, Inc.
Starting her journey at Ohio State is a vivid one. She remembers playing games and meeting her fellow Health Sciences Scholars the weekend before classes began and finding joy in getting lost trying to find her classes on the first day. “From my first day here, I have been bombarded with a plethora of resources and connections and great people with great minds, and it's been an honor to be a part of it,” she says.
Ramamoorthy wanted to use her college experience as a time to become a well-rounded person by enhancing her character and personality by stepping out of her comfort zone. Since choosing the Healthy Sciences Scholars program, she says her collegiate career has been heightened.
“I have met students and faculty that have immensely helped me, encouraged me on my career path, and ultimately helped me become who I am. I met many of my close friends in my Scholars dorm in my first year. I can confidently say that I would not have a lot of the volunteering and job experiences if it wasn't for my Scholars program,” states Ramamoorthy.
While COVID-19 was at its peak, the microbiology student had the opportunity to become a contract tracer during her second year. It later led her to the COVID lab where she processed samples from the Jesse Owens North Recreation Center. During that time, Ramamoorthy contributed to a larger initiative – campus safety.
“Even in times of hardship and uncertainty and panic, the peers and faculty around me uplifted each other and made sure everyone was on the road to doing well. That's something I will always appreciate,” explains Ramamoorthy.
Although half of Yalini Ramamoorthy’s college experience happened during the COVID-19 pandemic, she still managed to learn about herself by building her confidence and trusting in herself. That trust and confidence have encouraged her to take on the world.
“I’ve learned that nothing is permanent, and there’s no need to rush,” says Ramamoorthy.
The senior is taking her time when it comes to her plans. Her bucket list includes traveling to Europe and Italy while also publishing her breast cancer research before graduating. After a gap year, she will attend medical school specializing in immunology and allergy and start a clinic. Until then, she is already back to taking on university traditions like the Welcome Back Concert with Jaden Smith, spending Homecoming with friends, or putting up lights at Mirror Lake during the winter. Overall, she looks forward to knowing herself outside of Zoom and continuing to broaden her horizons.