Introduction/Prompt 1

Hello, my name is Nihal Kattar! I am currently a junior, but this my first year at Ohio State. Before last semester, I attended Denison University (Steve Carell's alma mater) for two years. I am currently a pre-law sport industry major and business minor.  I am from Toledo, Ohio, but I was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I am of Indian descent, and am very proud of my roots; I do, however, identify as an American.

Me with a Llama! 

I love sports, video games, sitcoms, Star Wars (I've seen the new one three times already) and food. My favorite sports teams are the Packers, Brewers, Bucks, Everton, and the U.S. men's national soccer team. Soccer is my main passion, and I am able to share my passion with the world through my soccer podcast entitled Soccer Brothers. My favorite shows of all time are How I Met Your Mother, The Office, and 30 Rock. I like to talk a lot, and I am sure you guys will come to realize that in class. Even though I have only been at OSU for a semester, I have already fallen in love with the campus and its people. On campus, I am a part of Student-Alumni Council and Buckeye Toffees. I look forward to getting to know you all more!

Me at a U.S. Soccer match in Chicago.

The most important and formative leadership experience I had was being the Student Council co-president of my high school.  We had plenty of built-in responsibilities: plan homecoming/spirit week, run assembly, sit on disciplinary committees, conduct student council meetings, and more generally by a liaison between the students and the faculty (along with several other responsibilities).  Along with these basic responsibilities,  We spearheaded and anti-bullying campaign, convinced the faculty to adopt an online test schedule, and created and sat on a nutrition committee (created to overhaul the school lunch program). The skills I obtained during my year as president are invaluable and will be of use for the rest of my life. In order to lead assembly every day, I had to learn how to speak publicly. This was not an easy task at first, but eventually, I became very comfortable in front of a large crowd. Another important skill I gained was the ability to listen and communicate. In order to pitch ideas to the faculty, I needed to learn how to listen to what my fellows students wanted and also to effectively communicate those ideas to our teachers. In my time as a leader, I also was able to hone my innovation skills. We were always asked to come up with ways to better the school. We were able to refine our skills by constantly coming up with plans and ideas. Finally, I learned how to be decisive (except when it comes to food). Unfortunately, we had a few situations of vandalism in our high school. I was able to sit with three other teachers and interview the students and involved and eventually come up with a punishment. Although this was not an easy process, we came to a decision. These skills are just some that I picked up while I was president of Student Council, and these tools will help me in my academic and professional career going forward. Furthermore, this experience allowed me to mature as a leader and more importantly as a person. I would not be the person I was today if I never had the privilege of filling this position. Before my senior year, I was disorganized, unimaginative, lazy, and terrified to speak publicly. I am truly grateful that this opportunity came my way and I will cherish it forever, for without it, I doubt I would be the half the student and individual as I am today.

The entire Student Council (my co-president and I are on the far right)!