Public Affairs Research Seminar 2012

Hi everyone.

My name is Rene D. Cruz. I am an upper senior and by the end of this semester I will be a Baruch graduate (God willing). I was originally in the Business school but switched over to the SPA. I can honestly say that I do not regret it for one second. I do several things in my free time. I’m a musician. I play several instruments and record for different people in the studio and in a live setting as well. I also enjoy working out, playing sports and eating healthy. After graduation, I plan on joining the education field or the public sector. But I’m open to other areas of Public Affairs as well, such as policy and government.

Hey everyone, it’s me. Like I said in class, I’ve been to five colleges, but I am happy that I am about to be atleast done with one degree. One of my friends said that being in school is like having some kind of security or structure to life. I somewhat I agree with that but I just go with the flow of life and I get bored easily. Before I came to Baruch, I had my culinary career going. I was a chef in the city and a private chef in Connecticut.  I worked hard for four years, but when the day it stopped being fun, I stopped it altogether. And besides, I missed the mental challenge and social aspects of school. My mother says that I am a jack of all trades, but master of none solely for the fact that I have changed my career track four times. I do also plan on getting my license as a personal trainer right after I graduate. I don’t really think that I am jack of all trades but more of a renaissance man.

Hello everyone my name is Rahad Choudhury. I am currently a senior and hoping this is my last semester at Baruch. I transferred in from John Jay College of criminal justice and let me tell you it was not an easy ride. Baruch took my stress level beyond maximum point. This school really kicked my butt. I knew it was tuff school, but never knew it was this hard. I have to admit Baruch is good school and you do come out learning something. It is also recognized by many top ranking companies and government agencies. We are a big threat to NYU and Columbia. Anyways about Me I’m a big car fanatic love everything about them. I watch soccer and basketball occasionally. My favorite soccer teams is Manchester United and hope the New York Knicks to take the championship one day.

I have been at Baruch since 2007 and am glad to have finally filed for February Graduation earlier today. I was born and raised in Brooklyn, which has catered my love for the Mets and Giants. In the midst of finishing up my last semester and starting a new position at my current internship site, I am also studying for the LSAT so I can, “hopefully”, get into Law School next fall. I love just about any type of music, my iPod has everything from Coldplay to Immortal Technique and Aventura to Kelly Clarkson. Lastly, my favorite animal would have to be red-tailed hawks because of the strength, development, and fidelity.

This is my 9th year teaching at Baruch College School of Public Affairs and my third year teaching the research seminar. My research background and interests are in educational policy and most of my writing and scholarship focuses on the history of education. Before pursuing my PhD I was a middle school teacher in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where I taught for 3 years. I live in Brooklyn with my husband, who is a middle school principal, and my children, who will be four in December (they’re twins). In my free time I like to read fiction, go on hikes with my family, and root for the Mets. I look forward to meeting you all next week.

We will use this blog to help each other navigate the research and writing process, think through our ideas, and get feedback from peers. Feel free to leave a post introducing yourselves. If you have any trouble we’ll go over it in class on Tuesday.