When asked to describe The Ohio State University in one word, senior Honors student Abigail Worstell does not hesitate: opportunity.
“OSU was the opportunity I needed to go out into the world and make something of myself.”
Originally from Marietta, Ohio, Worstell is a first-generation college student, who pursued college to change her, and her family’s lives. When applying to different universities, there were a lot of different considerations she was taking in while trying to make a choice. Then, after being awarded the Land Grant Scholarship from Ohio State, her path was set.
“Financial burden was something at the top of my mind, and I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to go to OSU once I got the Land Grant Scholarship.”
Worstell could also not pass up the opportunity to be a part of the University Honors Program. Having done Honors all through her time in high school, it seemed the natural path to continue in her education at Ohio State.
Taking Honors courses, Worstell was sometimes the only first year student in a room full of seniors and graduate students. And yet, she felt she could keep right up with the materials and in-depth discussions with the upperclassmen.
Worstell is majoring in nursing with a minor in psychology. Through the nursing honors program, Worstell is working with a faculty mentor on her undergraduate research thesis, which is looking at the effect of implicit bias in nurses on the quality of the care they give. The healthcare industry has always been of interest to Worstell, who aims to find a fulfilling career helping people as a result of her Ohio State education.
As for free time, Worstell prefers to stay busy.
“I book myself to the walls,” she said. “I am interested in everything.”
Once again, the opportunities of Ohio State are unmatched, especially when it comes to student clubs. Worstell is Vice-President of the Jump Rope Club, a worship team leader in H2O Church, and involved in Buckeye Student Nurses Association, NSPIRE, Buckeyes First, Musician’s Collective, and Piano Club. She also enjoys Sky Campus Happiness for some much-needed time dedicated to meditation and self-care.
“I was involved in just as many clubs in high school because I like to do things. I like to be busy.”
Clubs aren’t the only thing that keeps Worstell busy. She also plays 11 instruments, including piano, flute, clarinet, trombone, auto-harp, recorder, euphonium, French horn, trumpet, tuba, and bassoon.
She also speaks highly of all the resources she has access to at Ohio State, including the Dennis Learning Center, Counseling and Consultation Services, the Student Wellness Center, and the many programs of Undergraduate Student Government.
“One of my favorite things about OSU are all of the opportunities it gives students” said Worstell. “Just going to OSU gives you an ‘in’ in so many places.”
One of those “ins” has already helped Worstell land a job for after graduation with the Wexner Medical Center Brain and Spine Hospital on a trauma unit. She will also be pursuing graduate school in the near future.
Amid all the busyness and campus opportunities, it was the small moments with friends that Worstell reflects most fondly on. From online game nights with friends during the pandemic to a massive game of kickball on the Oval during a snowstorm, time with friends have been some of her most memorable times at Ohio State.
The opportunities of Ohio State have made all the difference for Worstell. For new students, she encourages them to seek out these opportunities to find their own joy:
“Try to find joy in everything you can. Try to find joy in something you’re doing because then college will be a breeze.”