MARION, OHIO (MARION COUNTY NOW)—A group of ten students from Ohio State Marion recently embarked on a life-changing journey to Washington D.C. as part of the university’s Second-Year Transformational Experience Program (STEP). The trip, which took place over spring break, offered more than just a deep dive into history and culture; it fostered enduring friendships that will extend beyond their college years.
The STEP program is unique to Ohio State, designed to cultivate real-life connections between students, staff, and faculty that often surpass the traditional classroom experience. The March 7-11 trip included 37 Buckeyes from Ohio State’s Marion, Lima, and Wooster campuses.
The group, led by Student Success Counselor Michelle McKinniss, traveled via Amtrak train and DC Metro Subway to their hotel on Capitol Hill. The goal was to provide a transformational experience, exposing students to new experiences ranging from different modes of travel to diverse cultural cuisines.
The students visited some of the nation’s most iconic and historically significant sites, including the White House, various national museums, and area monuments. They also savored authentic Mexican, Brazilian, and Chinese cuisine during their stay.
“The highlight of the trip for me was watching the excitement that students had when they experienced new things in the world around them,” McKinniss said.
The trip had a profound impact on the students. Sophomore biomedical engineering major, Kaitlyn Tenzos, expressed her newfound appreciation for the history, architecture, and human experiences she encountered.
Max Morrison, a social work major, echoed Tenzos’ sentiments, highlighting the emotional impact of the trip. “Visiting the nation’s capital brought out many different emotions within myself and my fellow students,” Morrison said.
Despite the range of emotions evoked by the trip, Morrison emphasized the lasting friendships he formed. “Visiting D.C. with fellow students allowed me to create deep friendships that I am excited to pursue,” he shared.
The STEP program continues to transform the lives of Ohio State Marion students, providing them with experiences and connections that extend far beyond the classroom.