As Baruch Honors Scholars, we received many privileges including free tuition, free Macbooks, early registration, scholarships for study abroad, and the list goes on. After receiving these benefits, I think serving our community is one of the best ways to show our gratitude.
My role as a Baruch Scholar in the Honors Program and the broader community is to give back whenever possible. I intend to join honors societies that have a focus on community service such as the Golden Key and Sigma Alpha Delta in my upcoming years at Baruch. Outside of Baruch, I am currently volunteering for the New York Road Runners (NYRR) at various races and marathons when I have free time on weekends. It is great to see the vibe of energy and determination from the runners. Among those runners, their ages range from 12 or 13 year olds to elderlys in their 80s or even 90s. One of their most exciting fundraising events with NYRR is the Race to Deliver every year in November. This race is sponsored by God’s Love We Deliver, an organization that fundraises to provide meals and comfort to people with AIDS, cancer and other serious illnesses. It is a very rewarding feeling when I know there is something I can do to make a difference (even if it’s small) in society.
I think a Honors Scholar’s should actively engage in clubs and community service events, both within and outside of Baruch, in addition to maintain high academic standards. Other than just fulfilling the Honor’s requirement for volunteer hours, Scholars would gain valuable experience and insights in different parts of society or different careers through community service. This parallels with the Baruch Honors Program promotion that “Through service, students develop leadership skills and an awareness of the essential relationship between privilege and responsibility.” (from the Baruch College Honors Program webpage) Community service would definitely help a Scholar to become a well-rounded person and a leader among his or her peers.
