Fro 1000

        One of the most stressed things during the college application process is diversity. Every campus tour, every college fair, every scholarship program, the first thing a representative would say is “We have a diverse campus community. “. After spending a semester taking a course at Columbia university I looked around the room to realize what “diverse” meant. Being the only student in a classroom of skin tone other than causation the feeling was different. I didn’t feel like an outcast but during conversations they would ridicule things about my culture. The common perception that all South Asians are associated as being Indian . The amazing fact that a Muslim man can be married Four times, and everything from the way my beard was lined to why do I have a beard. “Is it religious?” ( No I just look like a kid without facial hair)  “ What happens when you decide to shave?” ( Nothing what type of question is that). None of that ever bothered me but the feeling of being under someone’s finger being questioned didn’t feel appropriate.

      I had some bad perception that college life at Baruch would be the same until last spring. Before entering Baruch my best friend from high school Auchal invited me to come to a BSA ( Bengali Student Association) event. With all the dancing loud music and friendly smiles the environment felt hospitable and I enjoyed being apart of the bigger Bearcat community.   Going to the event In an awkward way I felt at home. Some of the people around me had similar backgrounds while others weren’t and it was completely fine. It showed me that Baruch offered diversity. With this exposure and ability to be comfortable around everyone in the club I sought this as a place for me.  My Freshmen seminar mentor told us that we were supposed to join a club this year. With the warm and open invitations from my friend and her colleagues I felt comfortable joining this past Tuesday. Not only to be around older baruch students who have advice and offer support to us younger students but because they also offer many ways to help not only my community but the international community. BSA does fundraising events to support different causes. From care packages to Syrian refugees who have recently moved to New York to  students in Bangladesh who can’t afford books for school because they are orphans. I joined among various other freshmen to become a bigger part of the Baruch community and hopefully find my place in this institution.