Drawn to Ohio State’s strong sports culture and diverse learning opportunities, Meg Zeng embraced new experiences and discovered possibilities for her future during her four years on campus. An international student from Shanghai, China, Zeng explored new interests, built friendships and found a sense of belonging far from home.
Interested in health and helping others lead healthier lives, Zeng chose to major in health promotion, nutrition and exercise science, which combines nutrition and exercise science. Her coursework included microbiology, chemistry, physics, anatomy and kinesiology. Anatomy became a favorite subject and sparked her interest in a potential career in physical therapy.
An athlete all her life, Zeng grew up playing volleyball and basketball before discovering ultimate frisbee. After founding a high school ultimate frisbee team of about 30 students, Zeng joined the Fever, Ohio State women’s ultimate team, during her freshman year and played for all four years. “Practices and tournaments helped me build close friendships and develop leadership skills,” Zeng explained. She credits Ohio State’s strong sports culture as one reason she chose to come to Columbus.
Zeng also cheered on the Ohio State Buckeyes at many sporting events. A meaningful cultural event was Taste of OSU, where she sampled food from more than 30 countries and connected with students from diverse backgrounds. A favorite spot on campus was RPAC, where she studied, worked out and spent time with friends. “You can even take a little nap there!,” she said with a laugh.
Exploring opportunities beyond the classroom
Meg gained practical experience through work and volunteering. She spent about a year at Connected Grounds, a campus café on North Campus, where she made friends and developed her barista skills. She also volunteered at the Student Health Center and Wexner Medical Center, gaining exposure to physical therapy and health care.
Career fairs, Handshake and other university resources helped her explore work and volunteer opportunities. “There are always resources on campus to help you find the right path,” she said.
She also took a leadership course at Fisher College of Business, participating in rock climbing, team activities and outdoor experiences that strengthened her teamwork and problem-solving skills.
Growing through new experiences
Meg enjoyed exploring German Village and other Columbus neighborhoods with friends and living with roommates from different cultural backgrounds. She cooked Chinese food for her roommates and took them to Chinese restaurants, while they welcomed her into their homes for Christmas and introduced her to American holiday traditions.
Reflecting on her experience, Meg said, “A really important part of my college experience came from the people I met on campus and the communities I became part of. I really cherish everything I learned during these four years.”
Advice for future Buckeyes
Meg’s advice to future Buckeyes is simple: “Don’t limit yourself. Step outside your comfort zone.”
She encourages students to try new activities, connect with people from different backgrounds and explore opportunities on and off campus. When challenges arise, she adds, “Don’t be afraid to ask your professors or advisors. They’re always there to help you.”