Author: Jade Philips

As a Baruch Scholar, I have the privilege of a strong support network to help me in my times of need. When I first entered this college, I thought this meant that my support was a staff of professionals, people like Mr. Medina and the librarians who have guided me from the beginning. However, it didn’t take long before I came to understand the true scope of our scholarly support system. Although the advice I have gained from Baruch’s staff is extremely helpful, some of my fondest memories from this semester have occurred due to my new found friendships with my fellow scholars.

The group assignment given in our shared Freshman Seminar has prepared me for my future at Baruch in a number of ways. At first, I was frustrated when we were told that we could not choose our own group mates. What was I to do without my girls on my team for the first time? Why was I being forced into a situation I wanted no part in? I could not have been more wrong about this experience. I was able to foster new relationships and learned to work well with people whose points of view might differ from my own. In the future I might not always get so lucky as to have such wonderful group mates who are willing to work together so seamlessly, however I will certainly be put into other groups that are less than comfortable during my academic career. Without this project proving to me that everything will work out as long as you put in the effort, I might not be so capable of coping with these situations.

This project has also shaped a broader understanding of community service for me. In the past, my focus was narrow. I believed that small services weren’t part of any bigger picture. However, talking to some of my classmates has shown me that even an act as small as picking up litter has a chain reaction that changes the world for the better. This reassures me that my service is indeed useful and that every little act really matters.

I must admit, I don’t yet know where I see myself in the future. Right now I’m taking my time to find my passion. However, I do know that my experience as a Baruch Scholar has already shaped my life for the better, and will continue to do so for years to come.

As a Baruch Scholar, I believe it is of vital importance to be an active member of the broader college community. This helps create a wider circle of students and even faculty to form relationships with.

Right now, I am a member of two extracurricular clubs at Baruch. One of these is our Model United Nations team, which competes against other universities in a simulation of international politics and diplomacy. The other organization is Women in Business, where I am currently preparing for the “Style Your Success” fashion show. This is particularly important to me because all the proceeds from this show will be donated in order to fund cancer research. Although these are clearly two vastly different organizations, I am content knowing that I have made new friends and will obtain new skills and experiences throughout my time in college.

Another important aspect of becoming a member of the Baruch community is involvement in community service. In high school, my favorite organization I was involved with was the Victory Games, an annual athletic competition for physically disabled children. After having this experience, I believe the most rewarding services involve helping young people in some capacity. I am excited to find an organization with my group mates and make a difference in our new community.

As an honors student here at Baruch College, creating a culture of service is so important. We have been granted the opportunity to receive an excellent education with so many benefits, and it is necessary to do what we can in order to aid those who haven’t been so fortunate.

Hi everyone,

My name is Jade, I’m eighteen years old, and I’m originally from Suffolk County on Long Island. I have always wanted to live in the city after growing up in the shadows of what I believe to be the cultural center of the world. Needless to say, I am ecstatic to be here at Baruch this year.

One event that shaped my life was a school trip I went on my senior year. This trip to me to Washington DC for a conference where high school students from across the country came together to present and vote on political bills written by their peers. Going into this experience I was incredibly nervous. I didn’t believe that I could give a persuasive speech once separated from the friends who had been supporting me in the months leading up to the model Congress. However, I pushed myself to sound confident and researched all questions asked of me despite my lack of confidence. Thankfully, the bill I had worked so hard on developing passed in front of a committee of strangers.

While this may seem insignificant in the scheme of things, I learned a lot about myself during this weekend away from home. I learned that my words can hold power and that confidence is a key factor in achieving goals set for oneself. Hopefully I can use this information moving forward in my academic career. I want to push myself to succeed in areas I have difficulty in, and right now my biggest concern is my calculus class. This is my most recent fear to conquer.