I believe that as a Baruch Scholar in the Honors Program, my role in Baruch and the broader community is to give back in as many ways as I possibly can. As I have received this once in a lifetime opportunity to grow as an individual, both as a person and as a professional, it is now my turn to use my traits and skills to benefit the entire Baruch community. I believe my role is to be there to help others grow and flourish in this community, as others have been there for me. I have a responsibility to become involved and to help others find their new outlook on life.

     Giving back to the community is central to the culture of service that the Honors Program promotes. While becoming active and giving back to the community at Baruch may seem like something that has little impact in the “real world,” this small step is just the beginning of a path to service and self discovery. Learning how to work effectively with a team of people and striving to reach a goal is an experience that is indispensable, and applicable to many situations in the future.

     I am very excited for the Community Service Project that we will be working on in Freshman Seminar. While I was once the type of person who felt like I couldn’t add anything valuable to certain causes and foundations, I have since learned that the most valuable thing you can give is your unique perspective and spirit. Since joining PBIS in high school and becoming a mentor (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports), I have definitely developed a new perspective. I now believe that every person has the power to make a difference, even by spreading an infectious will to help others. I look forward to sharing my new perspective, and reaching out to people who are like the person I once was.

Until next time,

Ryan