by Maurice
OPEEP! Thank you so very much for allowing myself and the other associates to be a part of something so great! I speak for us all when I say we are all EXCITED to be able to learn, build, and continue to evolve and elevate our education. Everyone in this learning community brings a special and different element to offer. This can be seen when we have our group discussions. Everyone is engaged, fully attentive, and respectful to each other.
We discuss the current book we chose to read — Octavia Butler's Parable of the Sower — as a group. That opens the floor for a lot of deep thinking about the different opinions each of us have on the topics. I feel this group is one-of-a-kind and important because, although we are not getting class credit for this learning community, we all use this time to keep our minds “in the gym” — growing and being able to study among people that really want to be here. I am an original OPEEP student from 2023, when Dr. Hinton, OPEEP and the ODRC shook hands and allowed this learning journey to be born. Here we are, going into 2026. I’ve taken a few OPEEP classes since then, and I am eager to continue my studies with what OPEEP has to offer. In 2023, Dr. Hinton opened my eyes and showed me how to expand and retain knowledge and challenged me to always study hard and reach for the stars.
I am forever thankful for this opportunity, because I grew up about 7 minutes from THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY. I never thought I would be able to afford to attend OSU. This is a DREAM come true. Not only am I enrolled, but I’ve also had the opportunity to teach class and have professors taking notes. I’ve also had the chance to write in my own words what I think of this learning community. Collectively we named ourselves the Department of Deep Discussions. It felt like it fits well. We normally do a group exercise at the beginning of class called an “ice breaker” that helps us to ease our mind’s transition into our learning environment, and I believe it is very effective.
In closing, I write of the learning community with a smile, because I am an OSU student finally, and I am very grateful to be able to contribute to the growth of OPEEP. Again, thank you for making an unmeasurable dream come true. I look forward to doing more work with OPEEP and being a voice for the Department of Deep Discussions and OSU. Get some shades because the future is BRIGHT!
O-H I-O!