Baruch Scholars 2011

Just like any other immigrants who came before me I was taught that America is a land of opportunity. However, I learned for myself that you can’t just wait for an opportunity to come knocking on your door but to find one you must seek it. America is a land of opportunity but only for those who seeks it and it is with such belief that I think of Baruch College. Baruch College is filled with myriad opportunities for success but you must go find it yourself.

At first, I thought of Baruch as just a commuter’s school where it’s nothing more than a building of classrooms to go in and learn and leave right after. I didn’t know how to utilize all the valuable assets and opportunities for my advantage nor did I know of such existence. But through my participation in Community Service Project, I learned not only that Baruch is filled with assets and opportunities for me to use to become successful but how to properly utilize them to maximize the benefit and reach my goal.

Due to Community Service Project and thanks to my freshman seminar class I got to learn to use library and it’s vast web data to search for a right place to volunteer and serve. Learning how to use the library website and its database benefited me greatly for the project and it will benefit me even more throughout my years in Baruch. My peers, as bright as they are, had and shared many brilliant ideas for the project. We also aid one another in times of need. My peers became my strong column on which I can trust and lean on. Also I joined a professional business fraternity this semester and through its pledging process I learned how to properly manage time and to stay strong under pressure and stress. Although there were much more that I have come to know of and have used for my Community Service Project; my peers, fraternity, professors and learning how to use library effectively helped me in greater extent as they all helped me to develop myself as a student who is ready for any challenge and who knows how to properly use all the assets and opportunities in Baruch for my advantage for success in my courses and further years in Baruch.

By participating in Community Service Project I also came to really appreciate and value community service. At first, I saw community service as something people do in order to feel better about themselves but now I see it as something much bigger and meaningful. We may be individuals but we are part of a community and our world is collection of many different communities. Serving in a community may not seem like a big deal at first, but as wild fire that devours mountains can spread from something as small as a spark from a lighter, our service to community spreads to many other and can change this world for a better place for not just me but everyone else to live in. Therefore, I now believe that community service is not an option but something I should partake in and learn to make part of my life.

Throughout next 3 years, I plan to explore even further what Baruch has to offer.  I want to learn variety of subjects and obtain as much information and wisdom from my peers, faculty, and much more in order to better myself to become an individual who will become a great asset to not just the community but the world. In next 3 years, I see myself very much involved in not just my education but school and community as well. After all, having knowledge and skills means nothing until you utilize them to maximize the benefit for not only yourself but also the community that surrounds you.

It is hard to say exactly where to go from here. Often I prefer to imagine life and most endeavors as a series of calculated obstacles and achievements, but in the spirit of metaphysical appreciation and optimism, a spirit in which I do not often indulge, I will say that I hope to work out the kinks in my arsenal of knowledge. Community service has not changed in my mind, it will continue to fill the same role it always has, allowing interests and concerns to manifest themselves as action. The resources at Baruch are one of the many appeals of the honors program, and it would be a fallacy to claim that we all fulfilled the duties of freshman seminar alone. The databases, the back and forth dialogue, as well as the much appreciated aid of our mentor and advisor made this a painless process. And for that we must all be very grateful.

I have never been one to actively pursue clubs, though I found myself constantly engaged in them over the past few years. More often than not interests and activities will simply align themselves, so that one finds him or herself in the place that seems to make the most sense. I firmly believe this trend will continue for me. The next semester, I imagine, will prove interesting. Perhaps I will not get lost as often as I did the first week in school, attending many minutes of lectures I was not registered for. There are only so many hours I can give to every facet of the day. Internships, jobs, riding the subway, I will try to stretch my time as much as it allows, and hopefully still leave room for the more relaxed nights of watching embarrassing science fiction and teaching my rats to do tricks.

Over the next three years my only actual goal is to convert my energy into useful knowledge, and sharpen an efficient plan out of my academic life. Whether I finally end up in the circus, or behind a shabby desk, this knowledge will apply. With any luck this selection of years will be an exhaustive but satisfyingly enjoyable project, and perhaps a little fun as well. I suppose in the ever-ethereal “grand scheme of things” college should be a memory of fondness and timeless value, perhaps we test this assumption as much as it tests us, and that is really the most we can ask for.

It is hard to say exactly where to go from here. Often I prefer to imagine life and most endeavors as a series of calculated obstacles and achievements, but in the spirit of metaphysical appreciation and optimism, a spirit in which I do not often indulge, I will say that I hope to work out the kinks in my arsenal of knowledge. Community service has not changed in my mind, it will continue to fill the same role it always has, allowing interests and concerns to manifest themselves as action. The resources at Baruch are one of the many appeals of the honors program, and it would be a fallacy to claim that we all fulfilled the duties of freshman seminar alone. The databases, the back and forth dialogue, as well as the much appreciated aid of our mentor and advisor made this a painless process. And for that we must all be very grateful.

I have never been one to actively pursue clubs, though I found myself constantly engaged in them over the past few years. More often than not interests and activities will simply align themselves, so that one finds him or herself in the place that seems to make the most sense. I firmly believe this trend will continue for me. The next semester, I imagine, will prove interesting. Perhaps I will not get lost as often as I did the first week in school, attending many minutes of lectures I was not registered for. There are only so many hours I can give to every facet of the day. Internships, jobs, riding the subway, I will try to stretch my time as much as it allows, and hopefully still leave room for the more relaxed nights of watching embarrassing science fiction and teaching my rats to do tricks.

Over the next three years my only actual goal is to convert my energy into useful knowledge, and sharpen an efficient plan out of my academic life. Whether I finally end up in the circus, or behind a shabby desk, this knowledge will apply. With any luck this selection of years will be an exhaustive but satisfyingly enjoyable project, and perhaps a little fun as well. I suppose in the ever-ethereal “grand scheme of things” college should be a memory of fondness and timeless value, perhaps we test this assumption as much as it tests us, and that is really the most we can ask for.

It is hard to say exactly where to go from here. Often I prefer to imagine life and most endeavors as a series of calculated obstacles and achievements, but in the spirit of metaphysical appreciation and optimism, a spirit in which I do not often indulge, I will say that I hope to work out the kinks in my arsenal of knowledge. Community service has not changed in my mind, it will continue to fill the same role it always has, allowing interests and concerns to manifest themselves as action. The resources at Baruch are one of the many appeals of the honors program, and it would be a fallacy to claim that we all fulfilled the duties of freshman seminar alone. The databases, the back and forth dialogue, as well as the much appreciated aid of our mentor and advisor made this a painless process. And for that we must all be very grateful.

I have never been one to actively pursue clubs, though I found myself constantly engaged in them over the past few years. More often than not interests and activities will simply align themselves, so that one finds him or herself in the place that seems to make the most sense. I firmly believe this trend will continue for me. The next semester, I imagine, will prove interesting. Perhaps I will not get lost as often as I did the first week in school, attending many minutes of lectures I was not registered for. There are only so many hours I can give to every facet of the day. Internships, jobs, riding the subway, I will try to stretch my time as much as it allows, and hopefully still leave room for the more relaxed nights of watching embarrassing science fiction and teaching my rats to do tricks.

Over the next three years my only actual goal is to convert my energy into useful knowledge, and sharpen an efficient plan out of my academic life. Whether I finally end up in the circus, or behind a shabby desk, this knowledge will apply. With any luck this selection of years will be an exhaustive but satisfyingly enjoyable project, and perhaps a little fun as well. I suppose in the ever-ethereal “grand scheme of things” college should be a memory of fondness and timeless value, perhaps we test this assumption as much as it tests us, and that is really the most we can ask for.

When I think of all of the resources that Baruch offers its students for a price of nothing, I honestly cannot feel anything more than gratitude. From the Writing Center, to SACC, to STARR, the list of places and people whose most important mission is to help us students, is almost endless. One of these resources that I use and abuse is the SACC center. I go there at least twice before a Calculus test, and the tutors help me enormously. Other than providing help in a subject, I’ve found that the tutors and staff at SACC offer more than just homework help/test prep. They offer insight into different professors, maybe even the one you have currently, they offer their advice (since the tutors are mostly upper-classmen) on Baruch in general and what classes to take, and most importantly, they’re there to just say, “I know what you’re going through, and this is what I can do to help.”

Although I have not utilized the services of the other resource centers just yet, representatives from some of these centers such as STARR, Stephen Franceour from the Baruch Library and the Writing Center have come talk to our freshman seminar class and what all of their presentations had in common were, “whenever you need help, we have all of these resources to assist you.” It really makes you appreciate how much help you’re offered, not just as an honors student, but as a student in Baruch.

But of course, I cannot forget the assistance I’ve encountered from being in the Baruch Scholars Program. Mr. Medina and my peer mentor, Sam have been my lifelines, and a perfect example of this is scheduling. Mr. Medina helped us perfect our prepared schedules for the Sprint Semester while Sam literally sat with us as we all tried anxiously to get into the classes we wanted, and then helped quickly to reformat our schedules if we did not get those classes.

All of these people and resources have helped make our community service projects a breeze, along with all of our other assignments. It goes without saying, that because of all of this help we are offered, it is only fair that we offer our help to those who need it.

If I continue to accept the help that I am offered in Baruch, then I see myself being successful in the next 3 years, not only with my GPA, but with different societies, clubs, and internships.

When I think of all of the resources that Baruch offers its students for a price of nothing, I honestly cannot feel anything more than gratitude. From the Writing Center, to SACC, to STARR, the list of places and people whose most important mission is to help us students, is almost endless. One of these resources that I use and abuse is the SACC center. I go there at least twice before a Calculus test, and the tutors help me enormously. Other than providing help in a subject, I’ve found that the tutors and staff at SACC offer more than just homework help/test prep. They offer insight into different professors, maybe even the one you have currently, they offer their advice (since the tutors are mostly upper-classmen) on Baruch in general and what classes to take, and most importantly, they’re there to just say, “I know what you’re going through, and this is what I can do to help.”

Although I have not utilized the services of the other resource centers just yet, representatives from some of these centers such as STARR, Stephen Franceour from the Baruch Library and the Writing Center have come talk to our freshman seminar class and what all of their presentations had in common were, “whenever you need help, we have all of these resources to assist you.” It really makes you appreciate how much help you’re offered, not just as an honors student, but as a student in Baruch.

But of course, I cannot forget the assistance I’ve encountered from being in the Baruch Scholars Program. Mr. Medina and my peer mentor, Sam have been my lifelines, and a perfect example of this is scheduling. Mr. Medina helped us perfect our prepared schedules for the Sprint Semester while Sam literally sat with us as we all tried anxiously to get into the classes we wanted, and then helped quickly to reformat our schedules if we did not get those classes.

All of these people and resources have helped make our community service projects a breeze, along with all of our other assignments. It goes without saying, that because of all of this help we are offered, it is only fair that we offer our help to those who need it.

If I continue to accept the help that I am offered in Baruch, then I see myself being successful in the next 3 years, not only with my GPA, but with different societies, clubs, and internships.

The overall community service project has been an interesting experience.  The resources that were used for this project was not new to me as I had a similar project in high school.  I have tried to utilize other resources like the writing center.  The problem was that it was fully booked which discouraged me.  So instead I sent my paper to my professor which really helped with the essay.  I’ve also have used other resources like the Wasserman trading floor for the business project that I have.

These resources certainly helped with my project but I wouldn’t say it gave me an edge.  The reason that I say that is because anyone can access those resources so there is really no edge to be gained.  It is up to the person to not slack and to use the resources around them.  I would say that these resources are certainly important to my education as I admit that my writing is not the best.  I have known that and I can only try to make it better.  The writing center is a place that I will try to visit often.  Also the trading floor is also certainly important as Baruch is a business school.  So it is obvious to use the trading floor for future projects and assignments.

The project has not really changed my understanding of community service.  I have always believed that there is never too little time to help out the less fortunate.  Even if it is for a few hours you are still making a difference.  It was just a reminder that I should make time for community service even if the work that Baruch does give me is a large amount.

One of the things I have found in Baruch was the Baruch Japan Club.  It is certainly an interesting class as the Japanese culture is a very vast culture.  The club has may have given me the idea to take a Japanese class in the future.  It certainly would be helpful as knowing more languages is never a handicap.

The overall community service project has been an interesting experience.  The resources that were used for this project was not new to me as I had a similar project in high school.  I have tried to utilize other resources like the writing center.  The problem was that it was fully booked which discouraged me.  So instead I sent my paper to my professor which really helped with the essay.  I’ve also have used other resources like the Wasserman trading floor for the business project that I have.

These resources certainly helped with my project but I wouldn’t say it gave me an edge.  The reason that I say that is because anyone can access those resources so there is really no edge to be gained.  It is up to the person to not slack and to use the resources around them.  I would say that these resources are certainly important to my education as I admit that my writing is not the best.  I have known that and I can only try to make it better.  The writing center is a place that I will try to visit often.  Also the trading floor is also certainly important as Baruch is a business school.  So it is obvious to use the trading floor for future projects and assignments.

The project has not really changed my understanding of community service.  I have always believed that there is never too little time to help out the less fortunate.  Even if it is for a few hours you are still making a difference.  It was just a reminder that I should make time for community service even if the work that Baruch does give me is a large amount.

One of the things I have found in Baruch was the Baruch Japan Club.  It is certainly an interesting class as the Japanese culture is a very vast culture.  The club has may have given me the idea to take a Japanese class in the future.  It certainly would be helpful as knowing more languages is never a handicap.

The Community Service Project is a new experience for me to go through an actual process of finding organizations and seeing if they are okay. Previously, I would just be able to volunteer anywhere. Now, I have asked for help from Mr. Medina and Sam. Throughout freshman seminar, they have always been training us for our final presentation at the end of the semester, even if we did not know it. Through Mr. Medina’s tips on presenting and Sam’s extra look at our powerpoints, we have polished our skills, and now, we can transfer them to other classes.

Freshman seminar has also opened the door to STARR, SEEK, Tutoring, the Writing Center, and various others. I have been to STARR other than when I had gone with the class. I have not yet joined a student club, but I plan to join one next semester, because I am confident that I have now developed the skills, such as time management, that will help me balance schoolwork with another activity.

I have always done community service, even through high school, and I enjoy doing it. Going to school in New York offers me another opportunity to further my horizons and volunteer out of New Jersey. Freshman seminar has shown me that even though New York City is one of the top cities in the United States, there is always room for improvement, and I can make that difference.

In the next three years, I should be a fourth-year student at Baruch studying for a declared major. I am hopefully very involved in my school and have an internship that will likely offer me job opportunities in the future.

The Community Service Project pushed me to use Baruch’s databases to find out more information about not just the organization I will be volunteering at but also its mission: to fight against poverty. Using the databases helped me become used to the different kinds of search engines which I ended up using for some of my classes such as as Intro to Business and Speech Communication. In the beginning, however, the expanse of the Baruch databases overwhelmed me. Although there were so many reliable sources I could use, I could not find the right one that would give the information I wanted. Since my second speech was related to the organization I chose, I ended up telling my Speech professor about the problems I had with researching information. He suggested I try using Baruch’s “Ask a Librarian” feature. I did. The librarian suggested a website I could go to to find out about the preparation that goes on in a typical soup kitchen in NYC. At first, I thought I was going to get the information I needed for my speech, but it was later when my speech date was approaching that I realized I had to change my topic. Nevertheless, I continue to ask a librarian for help in my researches.

Asking someone for help is usually not the first thing I have in mind when I come across a problem. I would try to solve it on my own until approaching deadlines give me the push I need to ask for help. However, relying on another only gets easier. Each time I “Ask a Librarian,” I become more assured that someone is there to help me instead of worrying whether my questions made me seem stupid. One should make good impressions on others but it isn’t a bad thing to get help from someone and his/her expertise.

Using as much resources as I can now will enable me to use them in the future more effectively. That can only spell good things for my future at Baruch, even if I don’t have a clear idea what my future entails. Although I see myself as a future accountant working with numbers and helping others with their financial situations, a career as an accountant is only a detached dream waiting to be lifted…or to be sealed. I hope that taking more classes will help me discover my passions and that joining clubs will help me learn more about myself. Right now, I am in the process of joining VITA, but I am in search of a club that is geared more towards my personal interests.

My future remains a mystery as of yet but there are things I have learned so far.  From my participation in the Project, I have learned the importance of time management to succeed at Baruch. Putting together the Project has been the least stressful assignment so far in college because of my advisor and my peer mentor. (Thank you!) I really appreciate their sincerity to help me succeed and for making me see that I have been procrastinating (despite once thinking otherwise). The Project has also made me come to understand that community service is considered community service when one does it with the desire to help those in the community.