Benjamin Tan's Blog

I was once told that the dividing line between a successful person and a mediocre one was “initiative”. Those who sought support, those who asked questions, those who took steps to improve themselves were the ones that ultimately maximized their chances at being successful.

Towards the beginning of the year, I decided to join a club or two: The Ascend Organization and Wall Street Club. The initial feeling that I got from Ascend, was a warming one. I felt at home, and welcomed. I learned the importance of networking and presenting myself. Unfortunately though, I didn’t commit because the idea of accountancy hadn’t intrigued me enough. I sought the other way, and went for finance and investment banking. The Wall Street Club wasn’t much different than the Ascend Organization. They had their share of professional guests to speak about their experiences; they had the same pizza, and the same curious students. An interesting component of this club, however, was the presentations that the students gave. I remember one that involved books on Wall Street history. I was at disbelief when the presenter claimed that the books drove his passion for the field. I took his advice, and purchased my share of books, and maybe spark some passion in myself.

During the Community Service Project, I sought resources to help me through the process of planning it. I used Baruch’s enormous database to search for available sites that needed service from college students, and eventually found one. The faculty and staff’s favorite line: “We’re here for you guys”. Maria was a great help in terms of keeping us up to date about deadlines, and it was these time management skills that other courses don’t teach. Being involved in this project also allowed me to recognize the connection from one individual to another. When people realize that a difference in one person’s life can ultimately improve the community as a whole, sacrificing time and effort wouldn’t be too much of a hassle.

“The program is committed to developing well-rounded individuals, engaged citizens, effective leaders, and graduates who are prepared for successful careers in all fields.”

­– Baruch Honors Blog

Well-Rounded: A well-rounded individual possesses qualities that make him aim at excellence in whatever he does. It is the goal of the honors program to promote this inner ambition, and to push individuals to excel in academics, in communications and soft skills, in sports, in music and the arts, in community services, in leadership, and essentially, in life. As a member of this program, it is crucial that I follow this path as well. Following this does not mean to be dormant about the skills I develop, but to utilize these skills for the betterment of society.

Engaged Citizens: How much of I, can I put out there? An engaged citizen is one who takes part in “active citizenship” – working towards improving the community for the better. By dedicating at least eight hours to community service, honors students are required to be engaged in either Baruch or the broader community. I should not only play a part in this act, but to emphasize the attitude behind serving the community. It is one thing to do eight hours of work. It is another to raise awareness and influence others to do the same (even more maybe). My role is to be the influence.

Effective Leaders: The honors program will develop students into leaders that will lead Baruch, and the community. These students will hold strong positions in their fields, be effective communicators, and basically, lead. To lead is to do it first. As a developing leader, my role is to promote Baruch’s culture of service by putting more effort and time into my service. Only then, can I influence others to do the same. Only then, will my words hold water. Only then, can I lead.

My role is simple: to use my skills to serve the community, and to be one of those graduates prepared for success.

Carefully maneuvering my way to the front of the crowd, I sat down in front of the Hudson, right on the FDR drive, and stared out into the open. The city lights, which seemed to have given the water’s indigo shade hints of white and yellow, blended well with the two bridges to my left and right. The boats, which lined itself in a straight line across the river, only contributed to the scenery. But that was not the best part of the night. The best part rather, was the fireworks. They shot straight from the boats, up into atmosphere in a loud, yet harmonious manner. Amused, I covered my ears, watched and beamed at the various colorful patterns in the air. I was six.

Hi. I’m Benjamin Tan. Most people call me Ben. Some have called me Benji or Benny. Even before I was born, my dad considered naming me Ben Min Tan, and if one said this name repeatedly, it’d sound like ‘Badminton’. I was born a Chinese American, and raised under the roof of two immigrants, who honors the Chinese culture. When I was four, they sent me to Chinese School. I dictated pieces of writing. I memorized poems. I recited famous Chinese philosophers. I read proverbs. I learned my culture.

About four years ago, I was a freshman in high school. I was naïve, shy and lost. Clubs? I didn’t know any. Networking? Highly doubt it. I stuck with the people I knew. Luckily however, chorus saved me. Being placed in the school choir was one of the best things Brooklyn Tech has done for me. At least at that moment, it was. In a room with about a hundred kids lumped together to sing, it’d be impossible for me to sit around and not talk to them. I made friends.

Just today, at the Baruch fair, I met a lot of new faces, shook numerous hands, collected countless fliers, and got myself on a good start. Four years ago, I was lucky. Today, I have to be proactive. I always knew how to pick up a book, but it’s time to pick up my hand and let people hear what I have to say. It’s time to shoot myself up to the sky and blossom into that colorful pattern I saw not too long ago.

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