Author: Ilana Carmili

Through the Community Service Project, and our FRO class overall, we have learned about several different helpful resources that Baruch offers. Personally, I have not found the need to use most of these resources this semester. However, I am sure that my time of need will come, so it is good to know that I have these resources readily available. Two resources that I have made tremendous use of are Baruch staff and fellow scholars. Any time I was having trouble with something or just had a question to ask, Mr. Medina and Maria were extremely great in assisting me. I’ve asked them both tons of questions and they were always there to give a great answer. They really helped me get through my first semester of college with as much ease as possible. My fellow scholars were also a great help. Since most of our classes are together, and we have the same requirements to fulfill, we were always there for each other when anyone had a question or concern. Additionally, we all became great friends, which I think is a really great thing to have in a commuter school like Baruch.

I can strongly say that I have gained things from the Community Service Project. To start off, it was a group project, which is something really important to get used to. Group activities are very common throughout college so this project was a great way to start adjusting to how they work. Additionally, we had to present in front of Baruch faculty and fellow scholars, which was great practice for inevitable future presentations. This project has also broadened my understanding of what community service is and has made me more aware of the world we live in.

In the next 3 years, I am not sure where I will end up, but I hope to be a more confident, educated, and passionate version of my current self.

As a Baruch Scholar, I am expected to maintain certain standards. Among a few other requirements, I must meet a certain GPA requirement, attend cultural events, and participate in community service. Considering all of the benefits that the Honors Program provides us with, I don’t think these requirements are asking much.

My role as a Scholar is to give back to both the Baruch community and the broader NYC community that surrounds it. I give back to the Baruch community by doing my best to represent the school in a good light and make it a better place. By getting involved in clubs and activities, interacting with all different types of people, and making strong connections, I believe I can successfully fulfill this role. I plan on giving back to the broader NYC community in several different ways through the Honors Program’s community service project. Throughout high school, I was required to complete a certain amount of community service, but it usually ended up being small, local tasks that didn’t really make me feel like I was making much of a difference. Now, being enrolled in the Honors Program, I plan to give back to the community in ways that will take me out of my comfort zone and that will have a lasting effect on people’s lives. I am honestly glad that we have this requirement because I probably wouldn’t have thought to get involved with much if we didn’t. The Honors Program largely focuses on giving back, and I am very excited to do just that.

Group 1

My name is Ilana Carmili and I am from Great Neck, New York. I come from a Jewish Persian background, which I take great pride in. Both my parents are from Iran, making me a first generation American. I attended Jewish schools my whole life, which have been really helpful in forming my strong religious and moral beliefs, and have helped shaped the person I am today. Being in such a great, supportive environment with efficient guidance helped me decide what kind life I want to lead. Just as my religion has shaped who I am, my Persian background has provided me with a great sense of community and culture. It has allowed me to appreciate all the various cultures and traditions that exist around me, which came in handy when entering Baruch’s extremely diverse student body.

Transitioning from high school to college has been a bit rocky, but  nothing I didn’t expect. The first semester of college is known to be very stressful and, at times, a bit overwhelming. When my days don’t go as planned, I try my best to keep calm and remind myself that this is all just part of the adjustment.

My goals for my first semester are to develop new friendships, build up my GPA, and discover all the resources and opportunities that Baruch has to offer. I hope that by the time I graduate, I will be a better version of me, with more knowledge, passion, and drive. Being in the honors program has definitely helped me get off to a good start, and I am looking forward to spending the next four years with this tremendous group of students and faculty.