Campus Celebrity Status: There are thousands of freshmen parading around campus every day trying to figure out where their classes are, how to balance schoolwork with party time, and how to avoid the dreaded “freshman 15.” One freshman was able to not only solve such daunting tasks, but also gain university recognition. Matt Keaton was recently named the 2011 OSU Freshman Student of the Year for his hard work, involvement and overall determination to become a leader among his fellow buckeyes. While conversing with him, it is obvious that underneath his calm yet comical personality, he is a focused student who is striving for excellence in his future.
Year: Freshman
Major: Political Science/Psychology
Hometown: Milford, OH
HC: How does it feel to be the recipient for OSU’s 2011 Freshman of the Year?
Matt: It is just awesome; it is an incredible feeling to know that my hard work is being appreciated.
HC: What process did you have to go through, in order to receive such a prestigious title?
Matt: I was nominated by a fellow fraternity brother Zach Rubin (the previous president of both the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and the Inter-fraternity Council), who wrote me a letter of recommendation during the process. Besides the nomination and letter, I also had to write two essays.
HC: What advice would you give to students in order to stand out?
Matt: Two words: be involved. Participate in as much as you can without over-booking yourself. While involved, make sure to give it all of your energy and try as best you can to never feel underappreciated, because someone somewhere is noticing your hard work.
HC: What kind of activities are you involved in on campus?
Matt: I am treasurer for my dorm complex, a chaser on the OSU Quidditch team, a member of the Politics, Society, and Law Scholars program, a brother in the fraternity Pi Kappa Alpha, within which I am both the Campus Involvement Chair and Internal Vice President of Recruitment.
HC: What clubs do you suggest people join?
Matt: Join clubs that you are passionate about and make sure that you balance fun clubs with activities that will bring change to the campus. Also, really consider Greek life—it was the best decision I ever made.
HC: How do you manage your stress levels?
Matt: My friends in both my dorm and fraternity are excellent in helping me relax after stressful moments. Without them I would not have learned time management so quickly; I don’t know what I would have done.
HC: What are your future goals for both your career and while at college?
Matt: I would like to leave my mark on campus—be remembered—and become president of my fraternity. Career-wise, I am aiming to run for President of the United States one day. I understand that that is a difficult goal to accomplish, but I also know that the journey to get there will help me arrive at a position I want to be in.
HC: What is something you think everyone should do here at OSU?
Matt: Everyone should go to an OSU football game. Be spirited and support your sports teams. Also, get involved.
HC: What is an unknown fact about you?
Matt: I once saved twelve orphans from a burning building (I would like to request that no one fact-check that).
HC: What male celebrity do you have a man-crush on?
Matt: Wow, there are a lot of them. I think Ryan Reynolds is one because of his attractiveness. Overall, I would have to say my role model is Conan O’Brien because he exemplifies how a person can be smart yet hilarious at the same time.