Kaija NEALON | Meet #OUHC2014 Court

Name: Kaija Nealon
Major: Strategic Communication
College: Scripps College of Communication

Favorite thing about Athens: The unbeatably delicious cuisine! Some of my personal favorites are Bagel Street Deli, Sol, Brennen's, and Lui Lui.

What is something you have learned while at Ohio University that you would like to share with fellow Bobcats?

Ohio University is part of the Athens Community. They participate in the Bobcat culture by supporting our sports teams , student organizations, and so much more. And so in turn, we need to be mindful to give back just as much, if not more, to the community.  

During my time in Athens, I have learned what it means to be a Bobcat. To me, being a Bobcat first and foremost means being proud of where we come from, appreciative of the opportunities we are given, and supportive of others. From football games to Saturdays at Strouds, we take advantage of our campus as well as our community. A great example of this is UPC’s “100 Things to do Before You Graduate” list, on which half of the tasks require leaving campus. (I’m proud to say that I’ve finished 77 tasks on the list already). There are just as many opportunities off-campus in Athens as there are on. We Bobcats don’t stay in our own bubble, we reach out and make the most of our time here, soaking up as much of the experience as we can. We know that we are getting a great experience in a one-of-a-kind place. Being in a college town where there is real need within the community, we have the opportunity to give back and make a real difference, something that I truly believe we Bobcats do. And whether we are volunteering for the Humane Society, or donating our clothes before running down Court Street [nearly] Naked, we have fun doing it. Bobcats legitimately love their school, and their fellow OU students/alumni/staff. Bobcats are grateful for the time they spend here. And Bobcats know that there’s no place like Athens.

---