Author Archives: amanda

Since coming to college, I’ve noticed that professors and other faculty don’t reach out to us as actively as they did in high school. Of course they are here to support us, but I’ve realized that I must take the initiative to utilize their help. I can honestly say I don’t think I ever emailed a teacher in high school, but now find myself emailing professors or going in during office hours to ask for help.

Before beginning the Community Service Project, we were taught how to conduct searches for organizations in the library, which was very beneficial. Mrs. Maestro was also very helpful in suggesting which organizations would be best to work at. I have often utilized the library for printing and a quiet place to study (it is often very hard to get work done in the dorm). I also frequent the honors lounge often in order to get work done or even to just relax in a calm environment with fellow honor students.

This year I’ve become involved in the ECO club and Undergraduate Student Government. I was a member of student council all four years of high school, so I want to become a part of USG. I like to attend the meetings to be informed about what is going on at the school and what events are being planned. I decided to join ECO club because my friend is the Vice President and he said it would be a fun club to join. I would like to be involved in the advertisement of the club, such as making and handing out flyers.

The resources we used for our team project give me an edge in my other classes because I am now aware of the myriad databases offered at Baruch and I will be using them for research for future projects. Due to my participation in the Project, my view of community service has changed from thinking that it was something good to do to being something that is necessary to do. Also, in our discussions in class, I realized the importance of helping others before helping yourself. This doesn’t mean not helping yourself at all, but most of our lives are comfortable enough that we can take time out of our days and use what resources we have to help those who are less fortunate than us.

As a student in the Honors Program at Baruch, I am given a privilege that many other students are not. By granting me this scholarship, Baruch is providing me with a top-notch education while also saving my family the hassle of paying for college. I have two older brothers who both attended NYU, so I know what it’s like to have to take out loans for college, and it was a great relief knowing I would not have to do this. Therefore, it is my duty as a Baruch Scholar to be an active participant in my education; I cannot be a passive student for the next four years. My role right now is to explore, to discover what classes I want to take and what interests me. I also think it is our role be responsible for our own education and our lives. Now that we’re in college we cannot be told what to do and nothing will be handed to us. We must use the knowledge we’ve been given throughout our years of schooling to make decisions for ourselves. The Honors Program is also shaping us to be leaders by doing service projects in our communities. Doing this service takes great responsibility and dedication, and it also helps us to become leaders. Through challenging courses and plenty of opportunities this program is guiding us to achieve these qualities. Furthermore, it is up to us to take advantage of these opportunities given to us, otherwise we will not be able to grow as students and as people.

I think the experiences that have shaped my life the most were the ones I had working at Camp Combe, a YMCA summer camp. I was a camper there for about six years and then was finally able to become a part of their staff. The atmosphere at this camp is always warm and friendly; I truly feel like I am part of a giant family. My first year as a counselor was definitely a scary experience. I had never had complete control over an entire group before, and I wasn’t sure if I could handle it. However, immediately upon meeting my campers, I felt at ease. I was able to be open with them, which enabled them to be more open with me. I am often shy around new people, but with my campers I needed to come out of my shell so that we could have a good time together. It was my duty as their counselor to make their summer amazing. My responsibilities as a counselor were great, but never overwhelming. As I handled the group, I matured into a young adult, but was still able to embrace my inner child. Now as I transition into college, I expect to have a large workload; I will not be able to pass by without doing all of my assignments. While this atmosphere seems like it will be different from camp, in ways it is already proving to be the same. I have become part of a family not only in my dorm, but in my LC as well. I hope to continue making friends and strengthen the bonds I have already formed. I am excited to continue expanding my horizons at Baruch.