Taylor Ourada dishes on how she juggles class, work, and being Vice President of Outreach with BuckeyeThon.
HC: What year are you and what is your major?
TO: I’m a third year and I’m majoring in Chemical Engineering.
HC: So, what exactly is BuckeyeThon and what is your affiliation with it?
TO: BuckeyeThon is essentially a 24-hour dance marathon that raises money and awareness for kids fighting cancer at Nationwide Children’s Hopsital and I am Vice President of Outreach.
HC: How did you get involved with an organization like BuckeyeThon?
TO: I danced my freshman year with my residence hall and signed up not knowing what to expect. I had heard it was fun from some of my upperclassmen friends. I decieded to dance and I fell in love with the fact that so many students got together for one unified cause. The application came out for an executive position and I decided to join right away. I wanted to be part of something so great and a cause worth getting involved in. I really like that we get to help out Nationwide Children’s Hospital, as well.
HC: How do you juggle having a major like Chemical Engineering and being on the executive board?
TO: It is definitely challenging and I face a lot of the same struggles that everyone faces, like forcing yourself to do homework when there are other things you’d rather be doing. It comes down to time management and prioritizing; if something needs to get done, I do it and move on to the next thing. If I have something for BuckeyeThon that is due tonight and my homework isn’t due ’til tomorrow, I stop what I’m doing and make sure it gets done.
HC: Do you plan on being on the executive board next year?
TO: Absolutely. I want to be part of it as long as I can and, even after graduation, I want to stay connected to the students. Once this event was supported by students and the university, it just exploded and took off. It has such momentum and, with that, I want to continue to see it progress.
HC: Where do you find time to be a normal college student?
TO: Monday through Thursday, I am really focused in on school and BuckeyeThon, and also work part-time at The Limited. On the weekend, I definitely use that time to go explore Columbus with friends and do normal activities that a college student would. I think it’s important that, even though you have a long to-do list, you allocate that time and know where you’re at with what needs to be done and when you can spare time. During my free time, I like to relax, take a break, read a book and hang out with friends. Whether that be watching Scandal for a couple hours with my roommates or just sleeping, I definitely enjoy the free time.
HC: So along with working, BuckeyeThon, and classes, do you find time for a boyfriend or any time for dating?
TO: [laughs] No, there is no boyfriend and dating is not exactly a priority right now. It’s something that I, obviously, hope will happen eventually, but it’s not something that’s super relevant.
HC: What advice would you offer to girls who are looking to get involved or get into a position of leadership?
TO: I would say to really focus in on what you’re passionate about. As you progress through college, opportunities become even greater for the things you’re doing. With getting involved comes more time commitment, so make sure you’re willing to make sacrifices with your social life or sleep. Understand, if you take on a position, it might not be exactly what you were looking for and that’s ok! You can always shift your focus or hone in on something else. As long as what you’re involved in is something you’re passionate about, then you’ll be excited to do it every day.