Danny O'Connor

Hello! Welcome and thank you for checking out my UHP learning portfolio. My name is Danny O’Connor and I am a fourth year Political Science student at the University of Cincinnati with a likely graduation date of Fall 2016. While the vast majority of my family hails from the state of Arizona, (I myself was born in Yuma) I grew up in Anderson Township, a southeastern suburb of the greater Cincinnati area. I attended Anderson High School.

 

My first year of college, as it is for many, was a time of transition. As I navigated my way through the then foreign terrain that is college, I established worthwhile relationships, and had a multitude of memorable experiences. I started the year off by participating in the University Honors Program Annual Welcome Retreat, where I met many of the people who are my closest peers at UC to this day. I also made efforts to establish myself in extracurricular activities. Most notably, I competed on the UC Mock Trial team, and joined the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity.

 

I started my second year in very similar fashion to my first-going on the Honors Retreat! My second go-around, however, I went as a student leader rather than an incoming freshman (obviously). In my second year, I significantly enhanced my presence in on-campus organizations, and built on existing relationships, while also establishing new ones. As I go into my third year, I am proud to call myself an active member of Student Government and McMicken Ambassadors. I will also be serving as an executive officer of my fraternity, the president of the Political Science Student Association, and will be working as a research and special projects assistant for the department head of the Political Science program.

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My third year also began as an honors retreat leader. It was incredibly gratifying to be able to start each of my first three years at UC surrounded by some of the most intelligent and highly motivated people I have ever met. As I mentioned in the preceding paragraph, I had quite a few activities in year three and hardly ever had a dull moment. Most importantly, I met some of the most impactful mentors I have ever had, who have since helped propel me into exciting career opportunities. 

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I believe in the principles taught by the University of Cincinnati and the University Honors Program. I believe in equal opportunity for all. I believe that nothing can overcome the unconquerable power of will, and that with the right amount of dedication, there is no challenge that cannot be mastered. I believe in a just and cohesive community of individuals who pursue their personal ambitions while maintaining a genuine understanding and appreciation of the pursuits of their peers. These are values and lessons I have learned over the past three years, and concepts that I look to apply not only to the rest of my academic career, but to the rest of my life.