Ginny Hall, Senior

Hometown:

Grove City, Ohio

Major:

Biomedical Engineering

Clubs and Organizations:

Pre-Pharmacy Society, Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society, CECS Dean’s Leadership Institute, Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honor Society, CECS Mentor Program, Honors Director’s Student Advisory Board

Living On Campus

Living on campus for three years of my undergraduate experience has had a big, positive impact on my college experience.  Many of my close friends are those that were on my floor during my freshman year.  Also, I had the chance to participate in afternoon homework parties and midnight study sessions with my fellow on-campus crammers.  Being a 5 minute walk from campus reduced my stress-level immensely and came in handy when I pressed snooze one too many times.

Making a Difference

I began to tutor in the College of Computer Engineering and Computer Science Help Room my sophomore year.  In conjunction with the volunteer work, tutors were required to attend meetings and with the Associate Dean who was in charge of the program.  While they were meant for simple updates on the tutoring action, the assembly usually diverged to college news and innovation.  In a few meetings, I and my fellow peers got to give input on what improvements could be made to the study lounge and classrooms (as engineers, these improvements typically involve lots of whiteboards and EXPO markers).  I got to be part of the decision making process.  This experience is likely a common occurrence at Wright State.  The opinions of students are valued and acted on (just look for the rolling white boards in the Russ Engineering Center!)

Real World Experience

In June, I took advantage of a service learning opportunity in which I traveled to Uganda and Rwanda with other members of the College of Engineering and Computer Science.  We fixed medical equipment, computers, and installed a solar electrification system for a mission in Uganda.  I was excited to meet new people and to help those in need.

Building Traditions

Diversity abounds at Wright State.  I visited about 7 colleges before making my decision and heard the term “diversity” mentioned at most informational sessions.  At all schools, I thought it less a reality and more a marketing tool.  Once I began classes, I realized that, for WSU, diversity is everywhere; students and faculty have a wide range of ages, ethnicities, races, disabilities, sexual orientations, and life-situations.  We come from different financial states and some of us come from overseas nations.  At Wright State, we have diversity, we don’t just advertise it.  Its presence combine with its reigning acceptance make it the coolest hallmark of WSU, one that makes me proud to say “I go to Wright State.”

A Few of My Favorite Things

My favorite hang-outs are the top floor of the Joshi Research Center, an awesome view, and the third floor of the library, my standard rest and relaxation spot.

One of my favorites was a course entitled “Politics and the Novel.”  It was taught by a team of professors: one from the English department and one from Political Science.  We read three out of nine books, completed a paper and presentation on the chosen novels, and discussed all books with the class.  The content of novels was unconventional and thought-provoking; I read about the rational of radical terrorism, a lesbian commune, and Kurt Vonnegut’s version of the end of the world. A discussion based format of presentations created a relaxed environment.  Receiving course credit for attending a fun and interesting book club:  good deal!

Fallfest is a great on-campus experience.  As an incoming student, I was in awe over the volume of organizations at Wright State.  Also, I was amazed by the diverse, worthy, and unique quality of principles among organizations.

12 Random Questions

What is in your burrito?
Lots of lettuce.  Lots of cheese.

How many hours a day to you spend on facebook? (come on, be honest!)
About a minute.  I just check for the big news (concert postings and newborns)

Pick your addiction:
Xbox
PS3
Wii
Computer/online gaming
iPad
None of the above

What was your most embarrassing high school moment…that you can share?
During my senior year of high school, I and a few other officers of my marching band were interviewed by a local paper.  When the reporter asked me how to spell my name, I said “It’s Ginny, like in Harry Potter.”  The reported proceeded to stare at me for a few seconds and I followed up with, “…like Harry Potter!” in an English accent.  More staring ensued before I realized he didn’t know Harry, was red-faced, and spelled out my name letter-by-letter.  Luckily, he left my snafu out of the article.

What is your workout routine?
My routine is “Insanity” with Sean T.  We have a volatile relationship.

Where did you hang out last night?
At my apartment with friends, food, and movies

What is the last concert you went to?
Ben Folds and the Columbus Symphony Orchestra

What music are you listening to right now?
Arcade Fire, Michael Giacchino, Mumford & Sons, and The Smiths

Dream job…where would it be and what would you be doing?
My dream is to work as a pharmacist for Doctors without Borders.  I would love to work with the Asian HIV/AIDS population.

If you are going to blow 10 bucks at the movies, what are you going to see?
The Hunger Games (for the third time)

What team are you on?
Team iPhone
Team BlackBerry
Team Droid
Team 2009 called and they want their old cell phone back
None of the above

What is your favorite place to go off-campus? What is your favorite spot around the Dayton area?
When I can, I love to make it to The Greene and the Danberry Dollar Saver Movie Theater.  In reality, I most often frequent Sonic and Meijer (I am a big proponent of 24-hour service).