A Journey Just Started

INTERVIEW WITH DEREK HO OS19

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, 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

—Continues from page 17 organization, is my growth in effective communication. The skills I’ve learned through leadership roles and simply being a Triangle member allow me to have strong communication tactics, whether I am communicating with my chapter brothers or with a client in a professional space. Triangle has given me the ability to enhance a critical skill that most employers are looking for in a prospective candidate.

Q: Speaking of professional careers, you plan to graduate in December; what’s next for you?

A: I’m completing my degree in Electrical & Computer Engineering with a minor in Environmental Engineering. I am planning to move to North Carolina to pursue a career in water & wastewater industry. During my time at Ohio State, I became an environmental enthusiastic, and I was able to narrow my focus to either chemical or water. A lot of the classes I took within my minor focused on water, and I quickly realized that it was the exact type of career I wanted to pursue. I also plan to obtain my master’s degree in Engineering Management once I get settled in North Carolina!

Q: As your time as an active member comes to an end, what will you most fondly look back on?

A: Hands down, the brotherhood trips. As the active chapter gets bigger, it becomes more challenging to form close bonds with each brother. Our brotherhood trips provide us the ability to focus on Triangle and one another solely. These brotherhood experiences give us an opportunity for everyone to gather together, share in the same experiences, and identify new connections/similarities that we have with one another that we would have never known about if we were back on campus. I’ll miss the brotherhood trips the most!

Q: As you transition from an active member to an alumnus, what are you most excited about?

A: I’m looking forward to stay connected not only to the Ohio State guys but also to form new connections with brothers from all over the country. I’ve really enjoyed using my leadership roles to provide a connection between the active chapter and local alumni, and I hope to continue to foster a strong relationship between the two once I am an alumnus.

Q: How do you plan to continue to be an engaged member of Triangle after graduation?

A: Moving to a new city can be terrifying but knowing that I can easily connect with other Triangle members in North Carolina has me excited for the potential that lies ahead to continue my lifelong membership with the national organization. I plan to continue supporting our national partnership through the FIRST Robotics Committee and elevate participation with active chapters and alumni across the country.

Q: As we wrap up our conversation today, what is one piece of advice you would give to freshmen students or new members of Triangle?

A: Make the most of your time but don’t overwhelm yourself. College is an important time in everyone’s lives, but we often try to jam it so full that we don’t get the opportunity to focus entirely on what we’re passionate about. Don’t forget to give yourself time outside of the requirements of school, work, fraternity, and life in general. Remember, membership in Triangle is for a lifetime; soak up the college experience, but know that our brotherhood doesn’t end when you receive your diploma.

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