Embracing Opportunity: Tabitha Romer's UToledo Journey
For Tabitha Romer, the familiar grounds of The University of Toledo (UToledo) have always felt like a second home. Growing up with parents employed by the university, she spent her formative years exploring its vibrant campus, fostering a deep connection that would profoundly influence her academic path. Now, as a sophomore and an ambassador for the Jesup Scott Honors College, Romer has transformed this early familiarity into a remarkable trajectory of achievement. Her success, spanning just over three semesters, is a testament to a guiding philosophy: “put yourself out there.” This proactive approach has led her to delve into constitutional texts at the prestigious University of Oxford, engage in paid research concerning Ohio's 1912 constitutional convention, and cultivate a strong academic community, all while charting a course toward a future in law and public service.
Romer's transformative experience at UToledo is characterized by a willingness to embrace new challenges and opportunities. As a political science major and an Honors ambassador, she has discovered a profound sense of belonging and achieved significant academic milestones. Her journey, unfolding in a little over three semesters, includes immersive study of foundational constitutional documents at Oxford University, undertaking compensated research on the historic 1912 Ohio constitutional convention, and forging lasting friendships within a dynamic academic environment. These experiences are integral to her aspirations in law and public service.
The Impact of Saying "Yes"
Reflecting on her dynamic first year and a half at UToledo, Romer attributes a substantial portion of her accomplishments to a straightforward ethos: “put yourself out there.” Her initial step involved active engagement within the Honors College, a decision that proved pivotal. Romer encourages fellow students to overcome apprehension, stating, “Even if you’re nervous, and you’re afraid you won’t know anybody at an event, just try it.” She believes that making an effort, regardless of initial anxieties, can lead to unexpected connections and the discovery of new passions.
A key turning point in Romer's academic journey occurred when a faculty member invited her to participate in UToledo's Institute of American Constitutional Thought and Leadership. This independent academic entity, established by the Ohio Legislature in 2023, is dedicated to examining the foundational texts and significant debates that have shaped the American constitutional framework. Through its teaching, research, and public programming, the Institute actively prepares students for informed citizenship and responsible leadership, offering pathways to study abroad, scholarships, and valuable research experiences.
From Local Roots to Global Insights
Following her active involvement in the Institute's Model Senate and other initiatives, Romer was presented with an extraordinary opportunity to study abroad during the summer after her freshman year. For Romer, who had previously traveled no further than Canada, the prospect of an international academic experience was initially daunting. Despite her apprehension, she chose to seize the chance, which led her to the University of Oxford's Pembroke College. There, she immersed herself in analyzing critical constitutional texts and exploring the profound ideas of influential figures such as James Madison and Thomas Jefferson.
The academic immersion at Oxford proved to be an unparalleled experience for Romer. She described the opportunity as "amazing," noting the profound impact of dissecting texts that addressed fundamental concepts of freedom, democracy, and the essence of "we the people." This experience at Pembroke College significantly enriched her understanding of constitutional principles and solidified her academic direction.
A Cascade of Opportunities
Upon her return to UToledo in the fall, the momentum of opportunity continued to build for Romer. In December, she began a research assistant position with the Institute of American Constitutional Thought and Leadership. Her work focuses on supporting research into Ohio’s 1912 constitutional convention, contributing to the Quill Project. This collaborative initiative, partnered with Oxford, aims to digitize constitutional texts, thereby enhancing their accessibility for scholars and the public alike.
Currently, Romer is diligently compiling biographical data on the delegates who participated in the 1912 convention. She views her accumulating experiences as a remarkable "chain reaction," where each opportunity naturally led to the next. Throughout this period of growth, the Honors Learning Community has served as a vital source of support and belonging for Romer. As an ambassador for the program, she emphasizes the invaluable sense of community it provides, stating, "Honors has brought me so many great opportunities — the biggest one being a sense of community."
