Sometimes giving back to your community is just spending the time to engage with others and listen to what others have to share. Like lifting the weight of their shoulders, comforting a fellow friend  or acquaintance. It isn’t necessarily always about being active, and contributing your physical labor, sometimes its just about lending an ear, offering a hug, and sometimes a loving whack on the head.  My participation in the Community Service Project encouraged me to draw on resources and expertise of faculty and staff, but more importantly it taught me  to help these people just as much as they help me. A sense of gratitude and understanding inundated my stream of consciousness. Therefore, instead of merely walking up to these benefactors, supports, and assisters and asking for help, I embarked on a journey of helping  these people. The most trivial acts of reserving some time to engage about their personal lives, being interested in their work, just showing that I care. After all, these people are so involved in the construction of our future; they help pave the road to our success and make the climb, if not less steeper than definitely an easier travel.

I owe the survival of my first semester in college to many individuals.  Unfortunately, I can’t even begin to acknowledge each and everyone of them name by name, but my gratitude does reach out to each of them, even those whose impact escaped my awareness. Every small contribution helps, and without them these past few months wouldn’t be as a bearable of a hurricane as they were.

First and foremost, I owe much to the Newman Library and its workers. Their help and patience were welcomed additions to my life, and facilitated many projects and searches for stimulating discussion. The writing center was another blessing. The workers there helped me with multiple speeches, gave valuable advice on accommodating and adjusting to the high and meticulous requirements of professors. However, most of all I want to thank Golden Key and Maria, my  freshman seminar mentor who introduced me to the Honour Society, for encouraging me to reach out and get involved. The knowledge and experience that I acquired through all these countless escapades have refined my networking skills, sparked new though, and now serve  as the fuel to greater ambitions. Consequently, they also served as a welcome distraction from the storm of textbooks, papers, and pencil shavings. They kept me sane… and health is what we all need if we want to see ourselves doing something successful in next three years to come.

Keep on Wandering,

Tamara Barbakova

.

Sometimes giving back to your community is just spending the time to engage with others and listen to what others have to share. Like lifting the weight of their shoulders, comforting a fellow friend  or acquaintance. It isn’t necessarily always about being active, and contributing your physical labor, sometimes its just about lending an ear, offering a hug, and sometimes a loving whack on the head.  My participation in the Community Service Project encouraged me to draw on resources and expertise of faculty and staff, but more importantly it taught me  to help these people just as much as they help me. A sense of gratitude and understanding inundated my stream of consciousness. Therefore, instead of merely walking up to these benefactors, supports, and assisters and asking for help, I embarked on a journey of helping  these people. The most trivial acts of reserving some time to engage about their personal lives, being interested in their work, just showing that I care. After all, these people are so involved in the construction of our future; they help pave the road to our success and make the climb, if not less steeper than definitely an easier travel.

I owe the survival of my first semester in college to many individuals.  Unfortunately, I can’t even begin to acknowledge each and everyone of them name by name, but my gratitude does reach out to each of them, even those whose impact escaped my awareness. Every small contribution helps, and without them these past few months wouldn’t be as a bearable of a hurricane as they were.

First and foremost, I owe much to the Newman Library and its workers. Their help and patience were welcomed additions to my life, and facilitated many projects and searches for stimulating discussion. The writing center was another blessing. The workers there helped me with multiple speeches, gave valuable advice on accommodating and adjusting to the high and meticulous requirements of professors. However, most of all I want to thank Golden Key and Maria, my  freshman seminar mentor who introduced me to the Honors Society, for encouraging me to reach out and get involved. The knowledge and experience that I acquired through all these countless escapades have refined my networking skills, sparked new thought, and now serve  as the fuel to greater ambitions. Consequently, they also served as a welcome distraction from the storm of textbooks, papers, and pencil shavings. They kept me sane… and health is what we all need if we want to see ourselves doing something successful in next three years to come.

Keep on Wandering,

Tamara Barbakova

.

Service if inspected as a derivative of the Latin noun servus, servi means slave. However, serving ones community shouldn’t be a burden nor a forced experience. With open arms and  a welcoming heart an individual should approach the act of serving their community. Community service is a time for one to humble him or herself and graciously give back. In fact, in Bavarian servus tantamounts to “hello”. Therefore, community service unlike its common association of torture and chains by many students, should be welcomed. It should be greeted with munificence and gratitude. For it allows an individual to   embellish and strengthen the foundation of their community by mending the fractures, as well as to sculpt their own character and personality.

Throughout my high school career I had cocooned myself in numerous volunteering opportunities, from being a volunteer at a daycare to raising money and awareness for the fights against Cystic Fibrosis and ASL. My experience as a student teacher, however, was the most vibrant paint amongst the palette of colors and tools that life presented me with in order to construct and refine myself.

My first day went something like this:

Sweat ran down my forehead, my knees shook as I walked up the stairs. Every nerve in my brain was screaming, yelling for me to turn around and walk away, but my heart wasn’t yielding. Mama didn’t raise a quitter, nor was I about to run away from my fears. As I willed every muscle of my body to walk up to the classroom door, grabbing the doorknob with a sweaty hand, I hesitated for a second that seemed like eternity. Looking up at the threshold that stood between me and the 5th grade class I was about to teach, I had a choice to make: enter and teach Spanish to fifth graders or run away like a cowering dog with its tail between its legs. However, there was no way anxiety nor fear of public speaking was going to stop me from fulfilling my aspiration.

Warmth and excitement filled my body as I entered the classroom and saw it being illuminated by the excitement and joy shining from my students faces.Their excitement and the idea that I could be of benefit to these children alleviated my fear, and allowed me to introduce myself with ease and begin the lesson.

From that day on I greeted each lesson with great pride and responsibility, teaching my students the basics of Spanish and engaging them in countless games. From “NACHO”(Spanish Bingo), to word searches, and jeopardy my students and I made the most of the Mondays we had together and combined knowledge and entertainment for the benefit of both parties.  Together we would discuss new topics and incorporate various learning styles making sure each student was taking part in the lessons and  didn’t feel left behind.  As the fifth graders gained knowledge, I expanded as an individual, teacher, friend, and mentor. 

Student Teaching bestowed me with an opportunity to repay my community for everything it has done for children like me. I was able able to assist others just like others had done to me in the past. Looking back on my childhood I remember all the happiness that my community was able to instill in me and the boundless smile that was plastered on my face, missing teeth and all. The gratitude I felt radiated throughout my body, reflecting the generosity of those that would help me. Knowing that I’m able to spark the same happiness in others is the greatest gift I could have received from my service.  The plethora of work and dedication that this volunteering opportunity required of me , were worth all the sweat and tears. It not only sculpted me into a much more responsible and meticulous individual, allowing me to  grown as a leader, but  with every lesson I was able to  nourish the knowledge of my students. I was able to see their intellect and curiosity burgeon, and drown in their smiles. My service was just as potent of a service to myself as it was as a community.  I was able to make others happy, consequently allowing happiness to blossom within myself.

Keep On Wandering,

Tamara Barbakova

Service if inspected as a derivative of the Latin noun servus, servi means slave. However, serving ones community shouldn’t be a burden nor a forced experience. With open arms and  a welcoming heart an individual should approach the act of serving their community. Community service is a time for one to humble him or herself and graciously give back. In fact, in Bavarian servus tantamounts to “hello”. Therefore, community service unlike its common association of torture and chains by many students, should be welcomed. It should be greeted with munificence and gratitude. For it allows an individual to   embellish and strengthen the foundation of their community by mending the fractures, as well as to sculpt their own character and personality.

Throughout my high school career I had cocooned myself in numerous volunteering opportunities, from being a volunteer at a daycare to raising money and awareness for the fights against Cystic Fibrosis and ASL. My experience as a student teacher, however, was the most vibrant paint amongst the palette of colors and tools that life presented me with in order to construct and refine myself.

My first day went something like this:

Sweat ran down my forehead, my knees shook as I walked up the stairs. Every nerve in my brain was screaming, yelling for me to turn around and walk away, but my heart wasn’t yielding. Mama didn’t raise a quitter, nor was I about to run away from my fears. As I willed every muscle of my body to walk up to the classroom door, grabbing the doorknob with a sweaty hand, I hesitated for a second that seemed like eternity. Looking up at the threshold that stood between me and the 5th grade class I was about to teach, I had a choice to make: enter and teach Spanish to fifth graders or run away like a cowering dog with its tail between its legs. However, there was no way anxiety nor fear of public speaking was going to stop me from fulfilling my aspiration.

Warmth and excitement filled my body as I entered the classroom and saw it being illuminated by the excitement and joy shining from my students faces.Their excitement and the idea that I could be of benefit to these children alleviated my fear, and allowed me to introduce myself with ease and begin the lesson.

From that day on I greeted each lesson with great pride and responsibility, teaching my students the basics of Spanish and engaging them in countless games. From “NACHO”(Spanish Bingo), to word searches, and jeopardy my students and I made the most of the Mondays we had together and combined knowledge and entertainment for the benefit of both parties.  Together we would discuss new topics and incorporate various learning styles making sure each student was taking part in the lessons and  didn’t feel left behind.  As the fifth graders gained knowledge, I expanded as an individual, teacher, friend, and mentor. 

Student Teaching bestowed me with an opportunity to repay my community for everything it has done for children like me. I was able able to assist others just like others had done to me in the past. Looking back on my childhood I remember all the happiness that my community was able to instill in me and the boundless smile that was plastered on my face, missing teeth and all. The gratitude I felt radiated throughout my body, reflecting the generosity of those that would help me. Knowing that I’m able to spark the same happiness in others is the greatest gift I could have received from my service.  The plethora of work and dedication that this volunteering opportunity required of me , were worth all the sweat and tears. It not only sculpted me into a much more responsible and meticulous individual, allowing me to  grown as a leader, but  with every lesson I was able to  nourish the knowledge of my students. I was able to see their intellect and curiosity burgeon, and drown in their smiles. My service was just as potent of a service to myself as it was as a community.  I was able to make others happy, consequently allowing happiness to blossom within myself.

Keep On Wandering,

Tamara Barbakova

Virgil once said “Audaces fortuna iuvat (Latin)- fortune favors the bold” and while many agree, I believe , instead,  that those who are brave harness fortune. They pounce onto it, mounting it like a wild stallion, not letting fear nor obstacles obstruct their path to success. Throughout my very long seventeen years of life every action of mine was questioned, every dream was criticized. My ears where being drowned by the the constant phrase “you can’t do this.” I was told I couldn’t be strong. I was told I couldn’t do kickboxing, get good grades, like blocks and legos. Every turn I made on the yellow brick road of life someone told me I could’t do something, that I had to be “more like a girl.” Their opinions and ideals were somehow far important than my happiness.

These waves of criticism or “advice” on how to live my life where as if the waters from the river Styx, potent and scorching, extracting the breath from my lunges, setting every cell in my body on fire. However, this  engulfing fire ignited an internal flame in my soul. I was motivated to prove everyone wrong; the mere fact that I was born with two x chromosomes wasn’t going to stop me from reaching my full potential. I wasn’t going to stand there taking in the constant bombardment of “can nots”. No, I was going to annihilate all my barriers and accomplish everything I set my mind too, even if I was a girl. These constant reminders in life, that I am somehow inept to achieve something just because I am a female, sculpted me into a determined and flexible individual. Today, I am able to be strong and pursue my ambitions and yet like a nimble blade of grass survive an impending storm. I have learned to respect others opinions, but most importantly I learned how to respect myself, not letting someone’s stereotypical beliefs prevent me from growing.

As a wanderer, I see life as a never ending yellow brick road, with twist and turns that disrupt the linear progression, but pave a far more interesting journey. Adventure is out there in life, and the greatest one of all is traveling the road of self discovery and growth. These beliefs transcend into my college expectations, as I intend to expand my knowledge: knowledge of myself and the world. I aspire to become the best possible version of myself, therefore, discovering new hobbies, and using the guidance as well as Baruch’s diversity to refine my taste, challenge my beliefs, and acquire the skills I need to ornate my journey to success.

Firsts are always difficult, and the first semester of college doesn’t lose potency on the difficulty meter. In fact, the hardships might actually burgeon. In order to make this adventure in life as smooth yet exciting as humanly possible I will need to work on time management and leaping beyond my comfort zone so that I can excavate latent passions and abilities, and make my story an interesting one. After all, we are all stories in the end…

Keep on wandering,

Tamara Barbakova

Virgil once said “Audaces fortuna iuvat (Latin)- fortune favors the bold” and while many agree, I believe , instead,  that those who are brave harness fortune. They pounce onto it, mounting it like a wild stallion, not letting fear nor obstacles obstruct their path to success. Throughout my very long seventeen years of life every action of mine was questioned, every dream was criticized. My ears where being drowned by the the constant phrase “you can’t do this.” I was told I couldn’t be strong. I was told I couldn’t do kickboxing, get good grades, like blocks and legos. Every turn I made on the yellow brick road of life someone told me I could’t do something, that I had to be “more like a girl.” Their opinions and ideals were somehow far important than my happiness.

These waves of criticism or “advice” on how to live my life where as if the waters from the river Styx, potent and scorching, extracting the breath from my lungs, setting every cell in my body on fire. However, this  engulfing fire ignited an internal flame in my soul. I was motivated to prove everyone wrong; the mere fact that I was born with two x chromosomes wasn’t going to stop me from reaching my full potential. I wasn’t going to stand there taking in the constant bombardment of “cannots”. No, I was going to annihilate all my barriers and accomplish everything I set my mind too, even if I was a girl. These constant reminders in life, that I am somehow inept to achieve something just because I am a female, sculpted me into a determined and flexible individual. Today, I am able to be strong and pursue my ambitions and yet like a nimble blade of grass survive an impending storm. I have learned to respect others opinions and take criticism , but most importantly I learned how to respect myself, not letting someone’s stereotypical beliefs prevent me from growing.

As a wanderer, I see life as a never ending yellow brick road, with twist and turns that disrupt the linear progression, but pave a far more interesting journey. Adventure is out there in life, and the greatest one of all is traveling the road of self discovery and growth. These beliefs transcend into my college expectations, as I intend to expand my knowledge: knowledge of myself and the world. I aspire to become the best possible version of myself, therefore, discovering new hobbies, and using the guidance as well as Baruch’s diversity to refine my taste, challenge my beliefs, and acquire the skills I need to ornate my journey to success.

Firsts are always difficult, and the first semester of college doesn’t lose potency on the difficulty meter. In fact, the hardships might actually burgeon. In order to make this adventure in life as smooth yet exciting as humanly possible I will need to work on time management and leaping beyond my comfort zone so that I can excavate latent passions and abilities, and make my story an interesting one. After all, we are all stories in the end…

Keep on wandering,

Tamara Barbakova

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Thank you for using Blogs@Baruch!

This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start publishing.

You are using a new WordPress theme that places widgets such as “Recent Posts,” “Recent Comments” and “Archives” in the footer, leaving you maximum space for publishing in this central area. If you prefer to have widgets on the right side of this page, these can be added by going to “Widgets” under the “Appearance” tab in your Dashboard. You can also choose from more than 100 other themes from the “Themes” menu in the Dashboard.