By 1812Blockhouse
Drue Amin, a 3rd-year biology major at Ohio State Mansfield, recently took the stage as the 2023 Convocation speaker to share his unique journey and offer advice to incoming students.
Born in Ahmedabad, India, Drue moved to Cleveland, Ohio, at the age of 8. His path to Ohio State was not a straightforward one; he initially applied to the Columbus campus but found his true calling at the Mansfield campus after graduating from North Royalton High School in Northeast Ohio.
Drue’s transition to Ohio State Mansfield was made smoother by the University Exploration Survey course (EXP), taught by Tara Hines. The course not only introduced him to the campus but also equipped him with essential decision-making skills, helping him explore majors and future careers. “EXP broke down what it means to be a Buckeye, how to navigate all of Ohio State’s resources, provided a roadmap to being involved on campus, and gave me new study skills to be successful in the classroom,” Drue shared.
The Power of Small Class Sizes and Close-Knit Community
One of the most significant advantages Drue found at Ohio State Mansfield was the close-knit community and smaller class sizes. These factors allowed him to build one-on-one relationships with faculty and staff, leading to exclusive opportunities in student organizations and internships. Drue spent a semester as an intern at Warren Rupp Inc., where he gained valuable industry experience in engineering, project management, and manufacturing processes.
A Milestone in Citizenship and Career Goals
Drue’s journey took another significant turn when he joined the US Army Reserves in December 2022, fulfilling one of his personal goals—becoming a United States citizen in the summer of 2023. This milestone has been a highlight of his college career, along with his recent role as the Convocation speaker. “Standing on stage in front of so many new students made me realize that my journey can inspire others and allow me to act as a guide similar to those that have motivated me,” he said.
Drue is set to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and plans to become a Clinical Lab Technician, focusing on the development of innovative medical products and technologies.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Buckeyes
Drue Amin’s story is not just his own; it serves as an inspiration for new students at Ohio State Mansfield. His journey, filled with challenges and milestones, showcases the opportunities that await students willing to engage deeply with their campus community. As Drue himself said, speaking at the convocation has been the highlight of his college career, a moment that made him realize the power of his journey to inspire others.
For those interested in following a similar path, Ohio State Mansfield offers a range of opportunities to do amazing things while pursuing your dreams. Learn more and schedule your campus visit here.
