Name: Aaron Hatchett Where you are from: Akron, OH Major ...

Name: Aaron Hatchett
Where you are from: Akron, OH
Major: Double Major: Psychology &
Comparative Cultural Studies
Minor: Political Science
Year: Senior (5 th year)
What are some of your life goals?
My main life goal is to live a way that enables me to empower those less fortunate with
the ability to achieve their dreams and aspirations. I also want to establish a national
network that links African Americans to other African Americans during and after
undergrad with the hope that the increased communication would create a platform in
which the creative capacities, talents, and ideas within the African American community
could be used to uplift the community as well as the society in general.
What and/or Who inspired you to go into this direction? Why?
I would not be in the position that I am in today without the help and sacrifices others
have made for me. My mother instilled in me as a child that I had a responsibility to the
African American community and to society as a whole to give back the blessings and
help others have given. She always taught me that a person’s success in life is measured
by the amount of good one does in the lives of others. I have always tried to live up to
that standard, and when I do not live up to that standard I always try to find a way where
I can do a better job the next day.
What activities are you involved in on-campus?
I am a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society and the National Society
of Collegiate Scholars. I served as a research assistant to Dr. Deanna Wilkinson and the
anti-violence collaborative movement, the Youth Violence Prevention Advisory Board
(YVPAB), which she founded. I have served with the Social Justice Cohort that
organized a Hunger Awareness Banquet at the student union, and I gained a certificate in
Intercultural Awareness and Community Engagement.
What activities are you involved in outside of The Ohio State University?
I volunteered and learned about community social service delivery at Alvis House, which
is Columbus’ largest re-entry and rehabilitation program for formerly incarcerated
individuals. I am also with the Youth Violence Prevention Advisory Board. I have
worked in a supportive role for Dr. Deanna Wilkinson and her wonderful team in trying
to help reduce violence in the city of Columbus.

What are your pursuits after graduating?
After graduating, I plan to pursue a doctoral degree in Social Psychology and Education
Policy as well as work in a non-profit organization that contributes to the social welfare
of those within low socioeconomic communities.
What do you think is the role of Black males at OSU and abroad?
I think the role of Black males at OSU and abroad is to contribute to the student
community in a positive manner and uplift other students as well as the surrounding
community during adverse times.
What are your thoughts on the state of African American males at Ohio State?
I think that African American males at OSU are doing amazing things. The work of my
peers in student government and other social organizations makes me want to continue to
challenge myself to be a person that impacts the OSU student community in a great way.
I think there is more work to do, but that work starts on the individual level and carries
over to the community as a whole. The standard put forth by my fellow African
American students keeps me focused on overcoming the weaknesses in my life that
prevent me from reaching my full potential.