What’s it like to help organize one of The Ohio State University’s biggest annual events? Just ask Shadiyah Feliciano, Taste of OSU 2024 student chair.

An Ohio State signature event, Taste of OSU attracts nearly 2,000 attendees every year. Guests sample foods from around the world prepared by 20 student organizations, learn about the many different countries represented and watch over 20 cultural performances throughout the night.

The Taste of OSU student chair plays an integral role in the event’s success. Feliciano’s time as the student chair started a year in advance as the chair-elect, where she learned everything it takes to put on a large-scale event.

Feliciano frequently communicated with the 20 student organizations that prepared food, participated in committee meetings, answered questions from students and the public and served as co-master of ceremonies the night of the event.

“Being the Taste of OSU chair helped me learn how to better communicate and handle a large team effort. My leadership skills have improved greatly throughout my time as chair,” Feliciano said.

Those skills have helped secure her post-grad step: acceptance into Ohio State’s College of Veterinary Medicine to pursue her dream of becoming a veterinarian.

“I talked about being the Taste of OSU chair in each of my interviews, and my interviewers always wanted to hear more about it and how it helped me develop as a leader,” Feliciano said.

Feliciano wasn’t sure what to expect after submitting her application to chair Taste of OSU but knew that she wanted to be more involved at Ohio State and gain leadership experience. Her advice for students feeling the same way: “Just go for it.”

“As an animal sciences major, I didn’t think I would be the right fit for the program because I am not very involved with the Office of International Affairs, but everyone on the team was so welcoming and helped me find my place,” Feliciano said. “If you’re passionate about diversity and learning about other cultures, you should give it a try! You’ll learn everything you need to know to succeed along the way!”

Applications for six student leadership positions with the Office of International Affairs, including the Taste of OSU student chair, are now open.