Where Have You Been and Where Are You Going?

I am Sasha Hakimian, a Persian Jew from Great Neck, New York. The public school I went to mostly consists of white Jews, so I am not used to the diversity that exists at Baruch. I do in fact like this refreshing change in environment. I am used to living in a sheltered community, so the “city life” has definitely opened my eyes. I spend my time with my family and friends, and know almost everyone in my town. One experience that has shaped my life happened earlier in my senior year- after my high school principal announced that a hate group would be protesting by our school. On September 25^th, 2009, the Westboro Baptist Church from Topeka, Kansas stood in front of my high school’s front lawn. They are a horrible group of people who live their lives protesting around the nation and holding up signs that say “God Hates Israel” and other hateful things. Having experienced hate firsthand, I now realize that it is a reality and should not be tolerated. My values and beliefs in life consist of being a good person and really helping others around me. My senior year was the best year of my life, with many great memories. I had visited Baruch because my sister attends, and she always raves about it. Starting the semester, I was very “iffy” about the situation- I always wanted to go away and have the ultimate “college experience.” However, being a young Persian girl, my family believes otherwise. But I do make the best of my time here, luckily having friends from my hometown and striving to meet new, interesting people. I did not expect to have so much work, though- I feel like it’s junior year all over again! I hope to get through this tough semester, maintaining a high average, and having a good time.