Amanda Anderson
Amanda Anderson’s pathway to a bachelor’s degree ran through the Zanesville campus, around many obstacles, and with some guidance from a few special Ohio University professors.
Now she graduates in December with a bachelor’s degree in history, minors in English and psychology, and an associate’s degree in arts and humanities—with plans for graduate school.
Q: What stands out in your mind as you think about graduating despite COVID?
I miss in-person classes and spending time with fellow students and professors. Though I understand the importance of online learning currently, it makes it harder to stay on task. I also really wanted my family to be able to see me graduate college since I did not go to my high school graduation.
Q: What are your next steps/future?
I plan to go on and get my master’s degree in English literature or creative writing.
Q: Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life? Was it coursework or a life lesson that they passed on? And how did you apply that knowledge?
I had many great professors, but I’d have to say my two favorite professors were Dr. Lisa Stein Haven (professor of English at Zanesville) and Dr. Korcaighe Patricia Hale (associate professor of history at Zanesville). These two women were always available if I needed help. They were encouraging and helped me get through my four years. They were always willing to help or give guidance.
Q: What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO—that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this!”?
Just now, I spent my whole time in college second-guessing myself, but I made it.
Q: What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO? And how did you overcome challenges or obstacles in your path?
In my second year in college, my grandmother got sick and died, and I did not know if I was going to be able to finish my terms. The second would be the last year I had to put my dog down, and he was my best friend, and again I questioned if I even wanted to finish. In the end, I pulled through, and now I am finishing.
Q: What are your favorite OHIO memories?
My favorite memories would be the new friends I made and the new cultures and people I was able to experience.
Q: What is the one thing you would tell a new OHIO student not to miss?
That is an easy one—class.
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