Elan E Hirsch

Journal #3 – Next Steps…

The Community Service Project that I, along with three other classmates, completed was an extremely powerful and positive experience. My group and I decided to volunteer at Xavier Mission which is an organization that provides basic services as well as other opportunities for New Yorkers in need. My colleagues and I volunteered on three Sunday mornings in which we helped with food preparation that would be distributed later in the day, as well as a variety of other jobs, even though we initially signed up to help sort clothing. One of the many things that I learned by volunteering is that regardless of the expectations that you come in with, the point of volunteering is about helping. Therefore, it did not matter that we did not volunteer in the area that we initially thought we would because they needed our help in different areas. It is not always about what you do, rather, just the fact that you are helping others is what is important.

Throughout my first semester at Baruch, I have utilized many support centers such as the writing center, the tutoring center, the library, the fitness center, and the Starr Career Development Center. These support centers helped me with academic and non-academic subjects. Specifically, the writing center and tutoring center have been a big help to my academic success thus far. Additionally, the library is a quiet place where I can concentrate on my work and be surrounded by other students who are learning and working which is motivating to see. The fitness center has also been a great resource, as it is a way for me to clear my mind and get some exercise. I have been to the Starr Career Development Center several times and have gotten invaluable advice such as ways to fix my resume and how to communicate skills and achievements more professionally.

In the next three years, I see myself continuing to take advantage of the many resources at Baruch, while at the same time continuing to be involved in clubs on campus such as the Hillel and TAMID at Baruch.

What does it mean to serve your community?

As a Baruch Scholar in the Honors program, I have many roles to play throughout my years at Baruch. On a technical level, I have several academic and extra-curricular requirements as a Baruch Scholar. These include completing at least 10 honors courses, maintaining a high cumulative GPA, performing community service, and attending an arts and culture event per semester (except for my first semester). 

However, my role as a Baruch Scholar extends beyond these requirements. As a Baruch Scholar, I feel that since I can attend Baruch at no cost, I am obligated to make the most out of my experience here. What does that mean? I have come to realize that Baruch is a college of opportunity. There are many resources and opportunities for success and growth, but you have to go out and take advantage of them. Some of these resources and opportunities include the writing center, the math tutoring center, the Starr Career Development Center, the different clubs, the library, being in Manhattan, various networking events, the performing arts center, the fitness center, and many others. I believe that part of my role within the Baruch community is to try to explore many of these opportunities and to take advantage of all that Baruch has to offer. I also feel a responsibility to tell my friends, colleagues, and classmates of these opportunities so that they too can benefit and grow. Currently, I am a member of TAMID, in the education semester, and am an active member of Hillel. I look forward to not only continuing to take advantage of what I am a part of, but also to taking on leadership roles and exploring the plethora of initiatives and possibilities at Baruch!

Where Have You Been and Where Are You Going?

This past year I took a gap year in Israel where I learned Talmudic and Bible studies, Jewish law and ethics, and personal development. It was a year filled with new perspectives, new friends, and of course fun that helped shaped who I am  and who I want to become. I learned from amazing teachers and role models who helped guide me into becoming a better person who tries to think critically, show compassion to everyone, and is open to new ideas and truths.

As a college student, I hope to learn a lot from the content of the classes that I take, as well as from the professors that will be teaching the material. I also hope to make some new friends. I have met some really cool and interesting people so far from various backgrounds, along with unique experiences and different ways of thinking about life.

The first semester has been a big adjustment with getting used to a new building, new classmates, new professors, and of course the higher expectations for college classes. It has been hard to balance my academic and social life so far, but the weekends are an amazing time to meet up and hang out with friends, especially on the Sabbath. By the end of the first semester, I hope to adjust to all of these new changes and create a healthy balance between my academic and social life.

Overall, I am very happy to be at Baruch and am excited for what lies ahead!

A picture of some friends and me during my year in Israel.