Graduating Seniors Michelle Lee, from the Asian & Pacific Cultural Center, and Leah Houtman, from the Women’s Center, share their experiences as OSU students, and staff members in ISS units. They also share some advice to incoming OSU students and ISS staff members.
Michelle Lee, Human Development and Family Sciences
Internal Coordinator, Asian & Pacific Cultural Center
Michelle Lee, Senior in HDFS
Hello! My name is Michelle and I am a graduating fourth year Human Development and Family Sciences major with a minor in Japanese. I’ve also worked with ISS under Diversity Development at the Asian and Pacific Cultural Center for about three years now. When it comes to my experiences with ISS, all I can say is that it’s been a crazy combination of hectic and fun, but never have I ever regretted a single moment. As I reflect on my time here at OSU, I’ve realized how important it is to go out there and be involved. If it weren’t for the that first general student group meeting I attended freshman year, I would have never become an officer, met so many wonderful people, bundle up the courage to work for DD, grow as a person, gain a greater sense of professionalism and leadership skills, understand the importance of diversity and empowerment, and ultimately find what it is that I love to do, and what I want to do with my life. My advice to upcoming and prospective students is to boldly go out there and become involved. Don’t be afraid to try new things because you never know where it can lead you 
Leah Houtman, Liberal Studies (emphasis on women’s health and social justice)
Volunteer Coordinator, OSU Women’s Center.
Leah Houtman, Senior in Liberal Studies
I came to work at the Women’s Center during my senior year, and it significantly changed how I interact with fellow students, my friends, and even the world at large. The Women’s Center, its staff and visitors have taught me about the value of diversity, the value of community, and most importantly the value of standing up for what I believe. Working in the Women’s Center and collaborating with other centers has helped open my eyes and my mind to the different ways people experience our campus, and has inspired me to greater political involvement. Advice I would give to incoming students is to explore the centers early and often! I didn’t find them until late in my education, and I wish I had experienced them sooner. Also, get involved! It’s a great way to meet people, make friends, and maybe find something you didn’t know you were missing.