A Journey Just Started INTERVI E W W I T H D E R E K H O OS 1 9 Here’s the truth, the time we spend as an active brother is one of the shortest periods of membership. In reality, membership in Triangle goes far beyond the college campus and the active member experience. The time we spend as an alumnus allows us to expand upon our active membership and intertwines itself into one’s personal and professional life. We sat down with one soon-to-be Triangle graduate, Derek Ho os19, to discuss his Triangle journey thus far and how he plans to continue engaging in lifelong membership with Triangle, no matter where life’s winding roads may take him.
Q: How did you decide that Ohio State was the right fit or you? A: I’m originally from the Chicagoland area, and I knew I wanted to explore someplace new. I welcome discomfort in my life if it means that I will have the opportunity to grow from the experience. Going to Ohio State indeed gave me that feeling of discomfort as well as the chance to grow. I knew I was interested in engineering before entering college, so finding a university with a great engineering program was also an essential part of my college search. Q: How were you introduced to Triangle, and why did you choose to join? A: While interning in Texas, I realized that those in STEM majors, as well as STEM professions, could be social and that by enhancing my social sphere, I could also grow the network of professionals around me. When I got back to Ohio State from my internship, FALL 2021
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I decided that I’d start looking at student organizations that focused on STEM that I could get involved with. I began to research to see what organizations fit what I was looking for and which would foster a strong network of current students and supportive alumni. When I found Triangle on the listing of organizations and saw that they had a partnership with FIRST Robotics, I instantly knew it would be a great fit! I was heavily involved with FIRST Robotics before college and knew it was a sign that I needed to find more information on Triangle. I joined as a Junior but never saw it as a negative because Triangle was an organization that I would continue to keep part of my life well beyond receiving my degree. Little did I know just how much of an impact Triangle would have on me in the past two years.
Q: You’ve been able to make a significant impact as a chapter leader. Can you tell us what roles you’ve held in the active chapter and what you’ve learned that is transferable to other areas of your life? A: With FIRST Robotics being such a large part of my life before Ohio State, I knew that a leadership role in the philanthropic area would be a great initial leadership role. Right after initiation, I served as the Philanthropy & Service Chair. I had the opportunity to plan service events throughout the community and engage with our alumni to participate. I currently serve as the Internal Vice President, where I oversee numerous areas of chapter operations such as ritual, brotherhood, academics, and scholarships. I also serve as the FIRST Robotics Committee Chair for the National Organization. Throughout the past two years I’ve learned an immense amount about leading not only my peers but also alumni and community partners. The most significant skill I’ve taken away, which goes back to my original search of finding a STEM-based —Continued on next page 18 17
