Lindsey Bullinger (Class of 2011)
- junior Public Administration major
- minors in Management & Organizations, Economics
- from Fort Jennings, OH
- serves as a student trustee on Miami University Board of Trustees
- recipient of the 2011 President's Distinguished Service Award
"Find what you are really passionate about by stepping onto the path less traveled and trying new things. Miami is full of opportunities for every different interest and people who want to help you find those interests."
"Hi, I'm Lindsey Bullinger. During the notorious college search effort, I knew exactly what I wanted: challenging academics and an exotic city. After looking beyond the city skyline, I realized that exactly what I wanted was right here, in Oxford. The moment I stepped on campus, I knew it was more than academic buildings and future colleagues surrounding me … it was the community that I was searching for. I think Miami students get the best of both worlds: a large campus, with new people to meet every single day and a small town, with the 'we're-here-for-each-other' feeling.
"I began my journey at Miami as a Chemistry major, and became interested in exploring and improving the way students learn chemistry. After joining a chemistry education research group, I was told that things would not always go right the first time. I am learning just how much truth there is in this statement and am becoming a much more adaptable, patient, and persistent person as a result. The analysis process is teaching me to become an independent thinker, to examine problems critically, and to find innovative solutions to the problems I run into. I also had the opportunity to present my project at a national conference in Salt Lake City, Utah.
"After spending the summer in Oxford to work on my research, I realized that I enjoyed chemistry, but did not want to make a career of it. At the beginning of my sophomore year, I took a plethora of classes to explore and figure out what I wanted to study. I often found myself in my professors' offices discussing career options and my individual interests, and they all encouraged me to do what I was passionate about. Miami's Plan for Liberal Education allowed me to step outside my original path to find something I sincerely wanted to do.
"My advice to students stems from this experience. Find what you are really passionate about by stepping onto the path less traveled and trying new things. Miami is full of opportunities for every different interest and people who want to help you find those interests.
"It's pretty simple. I love Miami University. Whether it is the extra-curricular activities, inspiring professors, strong sense of community or beautiful campus, Miami students have it all."
[November 2009]