Into the Woods! A Fall Break MBA Adventure
If you had a free day in Columbus, how would you spend it? It’s a tougher question than it might seem.
Columbus offers an impressive range of experiences. Some well-known options - Ohio State football games or the lively Short North Arts District - come to mind. But the city offers many more under-the-radar experiences than first meet the eye: a thriving live music scene, an eclectic food landscape, world-class museums and botanical gardens, beautiful city parks, or the cozy brick-lined streets of the historic German Village neighborhood, to name a few.
This fall break, I joined eight classmates to explore one of these hidden gems of Columbus – Hocking Hills, a striking state park one hour south of the city. After a whirlwind of midterms and projects, it was the perfect chance to recharge among the trees.
The park itself offers over 25 miles of hiking trails filled with sheer cliffs, waterfalls, and deep gorges. Picturesque bridges and hand-carved stone stairs add to this serene atmosphere. A picture is worth a thousand words – the photos below capture a glimpse of the natural beauty and peace that can be found in the park.
Beyond the scenery, our trip also reminded me of two encouraging facts that define the Full Time MBA experience at Ohio State.
The first is that Columbus’ wide range of activities offers something for everyone whether you are looking for a quiet escape, an active night on the town, or something in between. The city’s variety makes it easier to find balance and stay grounded amid the demands of a full-time program.
Second, our classmates form an essential network of support and community. Some members of our cohort have traveled halfway across the globe; others have traveled halfway across the state of Ohio. In either case, having friends to lean on as we go through this journey together builds a sense of community that extends far beyond the classroom.
I look forward to the many adventures, on campus and beyond, that the next two years hold and can’t wait to discover more of Columbus’ many hidden gems!
