Being in Baruch Honors, we have higher expectations to live up to. We have to excel in academics, but we also have to be well rounded in the social and extracurricular aspects. In addition to the free tuition and receiving a free laptop, we have to do volunteer work. Being a part the Baruch Honors community, we have to give back to the community; volunteer work is a perfect way of doing it. Our mandated service hours help us give back to the community and experience different atmospheres. In addition we’re pushed more to do clubs and get involved in the Baruch community. College is not only about receiving high grades and becoming independent, but also about becoming a better human being.
Giving back to the community is central to the culture of service that the Honors Program promotes. I have done volunteer work before, but not very personal and directly helping the people. I was in Red Cross in high school; the events were mostly cancer walks, or picking up trash. Volunteering in high school gave me a different outlook, and proved that volunteering can actually be fun. Volunteering and giving back to the community in Baruch will be different because we will be affiliated with an organization. I’m excited because I can pick whatever organization appeals to me. Volunteering should not be forced, and serving the community under the Baruch Honors program will help me establish a bond and a love for service.