D.C. trip provides transformative STEP for Buckeyes at Ohio State Marion

A group of 10 Ohio State University Marion students, who were part of the Second-Year Transformational Experience Program (STEP) trip to Washington, D.C., found more than history and culture on theitrip. They created bonds that will last throughout college and beyond.

STEP is a one-of-a-kind program that fosters real-life connections between students, staff and faculty that often extend beyond the traditional programming Ohio State provides students in the classroom. The March 7-11 trip included 37 Buckeyes from Ohio State’s Marion, Lima and Wooster campuses.

The group traveled via Amtrak train and D.C. Metro subway to their hotel on Capitol Hill with the ultimate goal of providing what Ohio State Marion trip organizer and Student Success counselor Michelle McKinniss defines as transformational.

Ohio State Marion students participating in the trip were Brayden Sexton, Karmyn Blizzard, Trisha Butterfield, Kaitlyn Tenzos, Karina Jaimes, Dharrshine Murugesan, Maxwell Morrison, Deborah Kwagala, Owen Mawer and Trent Greene.

“When planning this trip, we really tried to keep the T (Transformational) in STEP at the center of everything we did. We wanted to expose our students to all types of new experiences − everything from traveling by train and subway to the cultural food we ate each night for dinner,” McKinniss said.

The group visited some of the most well-known and historically significant sites at nation’s capital, including a nighttime tour of area monuments, a tour of the White House, National Museum of African American History and Culture, National Museum of American History, National Museum of Natural History, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, National Museum of American Indians and the International Spy Museum.

In addition, the group got to partake in authentic Mexican, Brazilian and Chinese cuisine.

For McKinniss, enjoying the trip centered on exposing students to things they had never experienced before.

“The highlight of the trip for me was watching the excitement that students had when they experienced new things in the world around them,” she said.

Students say the trip made a real impact

Sophomore biomedical engineering major Kaitlyn Tenzos of Centerburg said she would recommend the trip to any second-year student, gaining a new appreciation for the history, architecture and true human experience she garnered from the trip.

“Visiting the capital was eye opening and impactful,” Tenzos said. “Seeing the amazing architecture and history associated with the White House, Capitol building, historic monuments and museums was something I may never see again.

“The Holocaust and African American museum gave me a deeper understanding and insight into some of the hardships and justice issues that many people face,” she added.

Max Morrison, a social work major from Upper Sandusky, shared a similar sentiment.

“Visiting the nation’s capital brought out many different emotions within myself and my fellow students,” Morrison said. “Some museums and monuments brought about a sense of pride, like the African American History Museum. Others brought about deep feelings of frustration and sadness, like the Holocaust Museum."

“For me personally, even though all these feelings have stuck with me, the friendships I have made will stick with me the most. I had not spoken to most of the people during the autumn semester that I am now extremely close to,” he said. “Visiting D.C. with fellow students allowed me to create deep friendships that I am excited to pursue. My appreciation for this program to make this happen cannot be expressed in words."

Junior business administration major Trisha Butterfield of Bucyrus was equally in awe of Washington, D.C., and its historical significance. Butterfield also acknowledged the bonds that were created with fellow students.

“What stuck with me the most about the trip were the moments we were all together, whether it be at dinner or playing cards, and just watching how each one of us were present with each other. We came together and accepted each other," Butterfield said. "The D.C. STEP trip was the best trip I could have ever gone on, with the most wonderful people. I'll cherish the memories forever.”

Despite the many wonderful opportunities presented to the students through STEP, Morrison shared that it took some convincing for him to embrace the program. He is now thankful that he did.

“Before going to college in general, I was very closed off and kept to myself. The college experience got me out of my shell a little bit,” he said. “But I truly believe I have STEP to thank for completely busting down the walls.”

Any students entering their second year in autumn 2024 are encouraged to reach out to learn more. Cohorts are now forming for autumn. To learn more about STEP at Ohio State Marion visit osumarion.osu.edu or contact Michelle McKinniss at mckinniss.31@osu.edu.

This article originally appeared on Marion Star: Ohio State Marion STEP students bond during trip to Washington D.C.