Whether we like it or not, we live in a world where social media and technology consumes us. Doesn't sound very beautiful, does it? "Humans of New York" has adapted to this new world by using these social media platforms to share the stories of strangers alongside taking stunning pictures. Sometimes there are powerful messages attached the the pictures, sometimes they're just quirky one-liners. That's what's so incredible about humans: we're all different.
To say I was inspired after scrolling through hundreds of pictures and stories does not even capture how I truly felt. That is when it hit me: why not take HONY's brilliant idea to Ohio University? I didn't want to just hi-jack HONY's movement, though. Trying to get in the Homecoming spirit, I decided to ask questions solely about OU and see the variety of different answers that came up.
What is the hardest part about your major?
"I actually just switched majors. I'm pre-physical therapy. So, um, everything. The classes just got a lot harder. It's a lot of biology and a lot of chemistry and math."
What is the most rewarding part about being a professor?
"Getting to be a footnote in students' lives."
What has been your happiest moment at OU?
"I mean, I don't know if I have a single happy moment. You know, when it's Fall and the leaves are all really nice and I'm just with my friends.”
Why are you so passionate about this organization?
(From left to right)
"I guess I'm passionate about it because I don't think we put enough emphasis on rescuing animals. When there are disasters we focus on humans, which is great, obviously we need to. But, I think that sometimes people forget that in wild fires and house fires there are animals that need help too. This group focuses on saving the animals, which we need to do."
"It's doing a lot of work to help animals. We're raising money to buy oxygen masks for animals that have been in house fires and need to be helped out. We also work with a group that does disaster relief for animals. I love animals, so that's something I'm really behind."
"I'm a pre-vet major, so obviously I love animals. It's nice to give back to them and give them a voice. They don't really get a lot of attention a lot of times and kind of just get kicked to the curb."
"I've grown up with a pet-friendly family forever and I just can't not go for something that isn't helping animals. Did I word that right?”
What was the best advice you got from an upperclassman when you were an underclassman?
"Don't rush. Take your time. Actually focus on classes. Getting through college is not something you need to rush at all.”
What are you most excited about Homecoming?
"I'm part of the Los Flamingo Company, the acting company here, and we created a banner and everything for the parade just to promote the company. So, I'm really excited just to see the people that I've come to know so far and celebrate and have a good time."
What are you doing?
"I'm on my way to do yoga for the first time at Inhale Yoga Studio.
"I'm waiting for my lab to start in 45 minutes.”
What is your favorite part about OU?
"The people that I met here."
Why did you choose OU?
" High school teacher chose for me."
Amazing, isn't it? Our university is filled with strangers. With the start of this project, I wanted to keep it light. My hope is that this will grow from simple questions about Ohio University to sharing stories that can touch people everywhere, or at the least, find them entertaining. Stay tuned, bobcats, this isn't the last of Humans of Ohio University.
All images were taken by Jenna Wallace.
