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.