It was a warm August afternoon, and as I walked to class on my first day of the autumn semester, I realized this semester would be full of "firsts" and new experiences. What I did not know was that I would soon realize what a privilege this was to have. As I entered my lecture, my professor spoke to us and said: "I believe you are all here to get an education. And usually, getting an education means you care about this world and you hope you can make it a better place."

As a new student at The Ohio State University- I have been embracing every moment, each new experience, and the loads of new people who come my way. I truly wonder what my life would be like, had I not decided to come here and study for the next four years.

I have only been here for just over two weeks, but I have already fallen in love with the campus, the activities, the classes, the people, and this new college-esque lifestyle. There are moments where I have pause and reflect on how incredibly grateful and lucky I am. I am overwhelmed with happiness that I get to spend several years on a journey of self-acceptance, explore my curiosity of the world around me, and expand my mindset and knowledge. As I walked through the grandiose Oval, I realized that not everyone in the world or even everyone in the United States will ever get to experience the privilege of receiving an education.

Here are just a few examples of countries around the world where people struggle to find access to an education:

1. Niger

- The mean number of years of schooling in Niger is at an astonishing 1.5 years. Most people in Niger do not have the financial means to send their children to school, or even afford the appropriate supplies.

Pakistan

- At times, the trouble with receiving an education goes beyond financial means. In Pakistan, the militant Taliban has influenced much of society and has made it difficult for civilians to receive an education- especially women. Pakistani woman, Malala Yousafzai, has served as a spearhead for the campaign for women all around the world to gain access to educational opportunities.

Guinea

- Guinea has one of the worst literacy rates in the world with only 41% of adult citizens being classified as literate. This places Guinea as the 10th worst country for literacy.

The truth is, receiving an education is a gateway towards many more opportunities for the future. In essence, education is like a gift that keeps on giving. Once you learn new things, you view the world in ways you had not done before; You open your mind (and sometimes your heart) to things you never thought you would.

I can wholeheartedly say that I am grateful and humbled by this opportunity, and my goal is to use my education and knowledge to change the world for the better.