1. Community-Global awareness :: Blood Drive
For this workshop, I went to the Blood Drive on the 7th of October. When I received an e-mail that there would be a blood drive, I was slightly interested as I had never donated blood. At first, I didn’t know this would count as a workshop too, and as I found out about it, I was most certain to go. It was more complicated than I thought: what I had in mind was to simply give blood, but I was told to read something beforehand, write a form and wait. And so I did. As I was waiting in line, I realized the room was divided in half: the inner room was where the actual “donating blood process” was going on and the other (where I was waiting in) was where each of us were being tested of whether or not we are eligible to donate blood. My turn came, and a doctor asked of which countries I had been to before I came to the U.S., what my blood type was, placed something beneath my tongue and took a bit of my blood. What he then said was that I wouldn’t be able to participate because I didn’t have enough iron in my blood. I couldn’t understand at first, but I soon did, and what came in my mind was relief. Relief that I won’t be having to stick a giant needle in my arm and take out what seemed like a liter of my blood. And then I realized, that if I had donated blood with that kind of thought in my mind, it wouldn’t qualify as doing any good on my part. It wouldn’t have been any different as to being dragged by someone and forced to give blood. As I started eating the bag of nuts people had given me before I left (for the sake of increasing the amount of iron in my blood), I promised myself that the next time I make a decision like this, I will be doing it with a more determined mind.
2. Career Exploration :: Basic Interviewing Techniques
I went to the Basic Interviewing Techniques workshop on the 29th of October. My personal thought was that I’d be more goofing around than actually learning something, but I found this workshop very useful. It was a preparation for my near future, for when I begin to find a job. Before the interview, we must research the corporation/organization, review our resume, practice answering potential interview questions and even prepare a list of questions for the employer. On the day of the interview, we must dress and adjust our attitude for success, and manage our time effectively. During the interview, we must follow the lead of the interview and determine the net step. Last but not least, after the interview, we must analyze the interview and follow up. There was even a student guide given to us, so it was even more helpful as we would be able to review and remember what we had learned. It was a great experience for me, but I only wish it hadn’t been so long.
3. Student Life :: Club Fair
This was the first workshop I had attended throughout my first semester. It was held in the gym at 24th of September, almost 2 months ago, and I remember how the large space was packed with people. I was able to learn what kind of clubs there were at Baruch, and even got free candies. I did find a lot of interesting clubs, but wasn’t able to join any of them for some reason. I promised myself that next year I’ll join at least two more clubs, other than KSA.
4. Arts at Baruch :: Einstein’s Dreams, the play.
For this workshop, I went to watch a play called Einstein’s Dreams on the 18th of November. This play was held in the Bernie West Theater in 23rd bldg. The play was based on a novel by Alan Lightman. I had no clue on how the play would be like in such a small theater, but the performers were so good, it didn’t matter how big the theater was. Each one of them had such powerful voices and performed with such full of energy. The play was about the relationship each human being has to time. It was a great play that made me filled with thoughts.
5. Personal Enrichment Workshop :: Vocat Review
This workshop was on the 17th of November, during our usual freshman seminar class. I had waken up late so I was so close to missing this class. When I arrived, the teacher had just logged out on her computer, but she turned it on for me again. It was embarrassing to watch how I had given the speech to the class, and I knew what the teacher was going to say (since the moment I finished giving the speech two weeks ago). I was always afraid of making eye-contact with my classmates whenever I gave a speech, which happened one time when I was in 10th grade. This speech was only my second speech. I learned that I had to practice at least 20 times at home, with a friend or by myself, until I became really comfortable with what I was talking about. Also, I learned that I didn’t necessarily have to make eye-contact with people, and that staring at the walls would do enough, as they wouldn’t know where I’m staring at. This workshop (although I don’t know whether it could be called as one) was the shortest workshop I attended, but a really helpful one. I just hope I’d be able to use what I had learned the next time I ever give a speech in public. 🙂