Kevin He

I still remember during one of our Freshmen Seminar classes, we met in the library and a Mr. Stephen Francoeur introduced us to the many functions of the Newman Library homepage. He taught us how to use the databases and gave us several reliable sources to find our organizations. Throughout the process of this project, our group has been using these sources, first to try to find information on one group, which we failed to do, then we found information on the organization we currently want to volunteer for. We were also introduced to the web application, sync.in, which became one of our LC’s favorite websites especially before tests. We would all gather up in a sync.in document to share notes and information. Other than using sync.in, we also started to use the study rooms. Whether it is preparation for an upcoming project or studying for a test, we would hit the study room right after classes end. On some weeks, we would use the rooms so much I feel like I live there. With sync.in and the study room sessions, I have learned how to study with others. It may actually be more efficient than studying alone, I tend to get distracted, but when others are counting on you, you want to focus and be helpful.

I have yet to officially join a student organization. However, after our session with the panel of experienced Baruch students, I have decided to try and join a few. I have been to the VITA open house and have already filled out the application to be a member. Also, I want to check out the intern/work abroad organization that we were told about.

Baruch Scholars are given many perks like free school, a team of faculty advisors, a free computer, money for study abroad and school related expenses, and even the chance to apply for classes earlier than everyone else. The Baruch community invests so much money and effort into us, it is only right we give back.

As Baruch Scholars, we are the representatives for Baruch. Macaulay Scholars have their dual identities as both Baruch students and Macaulay students, but we are the students of Baruch alone. This way, we are the products of Baruch’s efforts and are the best representation for Baruch’s ideals. We must serve as role models to others, we must be good students, but since we get so much from the community, we must also contribute to the community.

Baruch pushes us to do this by encouraging community service. We must all perform 8 hours of community service in our Freshman year and 15 hours each year from our sophomore years on. We are allowed to pick things we feel connected to and are interested in to volunteer for. My group decided to work with the American Cancer Society because one of our members knows what its like to have a family member with cancer. I too know what its like. My aunt died of cancer when I was younger, and her family hasn’t been the same since.

By giving us all this chance for free school and all these perks, we are almost all promised a better life in the future. We also must help others in order to improve their lives, much like being a scholar improved ours.

Other than a student, I am also the son of a pair of immigrants. Due to this, I feel obligated to adhere to my Chinese heritage while trying to fit into the American world here. There has been some racism in my past due to the area I live in, this has led me to become a bit more reserved when it comes to meeting new people or trying new things, but I feel like I am starting to try and be more outgoing. Being Chinese, family is very important. Family is one of the more important aspects in the Chinese culture. I try to go home everyday to eat dinner with my family. The nights that I’m not home for dinner are usually reserved for special occasions like birthdays or parties.

I expect that in college, everything will be at least a little harder. I expect more work, but also more time to do the work. So far, this has been true. Also, I expect to learn more and to change certain behaviors and bad habits in the past. I hope to become more organized and focused. I hope that I will do well in the first semester. Back in high school, I was off to a bad start, I regretted it for the other three years I was there. However, I feel like my lack of organization and my bad habits will get into my way. Also, I have been concerned about the tests since I haven’t taken any yet. That will change by Monday though. Hopefully not all the stressful events will be crammed into 1 week again.

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