2014-15 OSULA Scholarship Recipient: Ventura’s Lara Tolks Enjoys Ohio’s Four Seasons and Volleyball Club in Freshman Year

By LARA TOLKS 

Ventura, Calif. (Buena High School) —

My name is Lara Tolks and I am a freshman at THE Ohio State University studying Middle Childhood Education.

Laura Tolks prepares for her first Buckeye Football Saturday at the Shoe!

GAME ON — SoCal native Lara Tolks prepares for her first Buckeye Football Saturday at the Shoe!

I was born and raised in a small town near Los Angeles; therefore, these past few months in Columbus have been quite a change from what I have experienced from my 18 years living in California.

I loved being able to experience seasons.  Seeing the leaves changing colors from green to beautiful reds and oranges, made walking to class enjoyable.

However, fall came and went too quickly and the cold winter days made me much more appreciative of the beautiful California weather.

Although the first question I received from anyone I met after I told them I was from California was, “why did you come here?” with an astonished look on their faces, I have thoroughly enjoyed the change in weather from southern California.

NEW DORM MATES -- In this photo I am in the middle of two friends of mine that I met on my floor in Smith-Steeb.

NEW DORM MATES — In this photo I am in the middle of two friends of mine that I met on my floor in Smith-Steeb.

Fortunately, I live in Smith-Steeb Hall, the newest remodeled dorm on campus and have loved getting to know my roommate from Texas and my other floor mates.

I have been very busy these past two semesters; I am on the Women’s Club Volleyball team and I currently have a job on campus working in the Union Market dining center, preparing food in the back of the kitchen.

Joining the club volleyball team was the best decision I have ever made. I have met so many amazing girls that have become more than just teammates. I plan to play volleyball on the club team for the next three years.

I also plan to hopefully participate in some sort of theatre club next year if I can fit it into my schedule.

Winning the National Championship made me so proud to be apart of a student body with such great school spirit.  The welcoming people of Ohio made my big transition from California to Ohio so easy.

My freshman year has been incredible, and I am so honored to get to spend the next 3 years of my life here.

Lara Tolks