Author Archives: andrew.wong3

Although I have very little interest in art, my experience at The Rubin Museum of Art proved to be a worthwhile visit. As I toured around the museum many sculptures caught my eye.

I was particularly interested in a sculpture of an egale-like sculpture, Garuda. Its outstretched wings reminded me of Hawkman, a comic book superhero.The majestic creature Garuda was the half bird half man, animal companion of Vishnu. Garuda was a common figure in Naplese shrines.

This experience has enriched my knowledge of art. I have gotten the chance to explore Himalayan art in the Western world. I would revisit this museum when i get the chance.

As I reflect back onto my semester, I can say that I’m proud of my improvements.  My experience has changed me for the better.

Initially, I felt I was prepared for college. But after a few exams, I realized that I was wrong. Since then, I have put a lot of effort into improving my grades and bettering myself academically. As the semester went on, I kept studying and working harder. Shortly after, I picked up my grade considerably. As the semester progressed, I learned to manage my time efficiently and work at a faster pace. I’ve become much more independent, diligent, and determined.

Looking back at my struggles this semester, I would change my strategy. I would study the lessons ahead of time and arrive to class fully prepared to discuss the material covered in that lesson. I’ve learned that being prepared is essential for success. Overall my first semester at Baruch College was life changing.

I found the Career Exploration workshop was very interesting because it provided resourceful information about resume writing and job searching. Not finding a job has always been one of my biggest fears. It has periodically crossed my mind, that I may not have the necessary skills to have a fighting chance in the competitive workforce of today. I felt that I would easily be overlooked by potential employers because I lacked enough credentials. Even though I will be building my credentials as I go, I may not have the necessary connections to secure a job.

But my heart is at ease now, knowing that if all else fails, the Star Career Development Center has a Star Search button that can easily match me up with a potential employer. I will find this tool very handy when I apply for internships for the summer. I am very grateful that Baruch College has organized this workshop and would attend any similar workshops.

The Bitter Sea was the summer reading of Baruch College freshmen students of 2010. The book was linked to a panel discussion with the author, Charles N. Li. Initially, I felt the discussion would be rather dry and dull. But it provided interesting insights that were not apparent in the book.

The book was about the journey and the hardships that Li had to overcome to reach his life today. He spoke about his identity and its constant adaptation to reality. As he changed settings from each event in his life, he absorbed a unique identity. The end of his journey to America and his experiences created a refined character. His insights inspired a curiosity of what my identity could be.

Even though I did not have the chance to talk to him personally, I feel he has impacted me in my search for my own identity. I will always think back to his panel discussion when I think about who I really am.

I walked home in the rain yesterday. On my way home, I caught a glimpse of my reflection in a puddle on the sidewalk. Even though I only had a second’s glance, I noticed something has changed about me. I looked motivated. I am a laid back guy. I used to do just enough to satisfy academic requirements. This was probably because I found school to be dull and easy. But everything is different now. I am a Baruch College student. The college atmosphere has changed me for the better. I see myself as a normal student with hidden potential. I dislike my pessimistic attitude towards my capabilities. This often holds me back from success. My biggest challenge is to become willing to push myself out of my comfort zone. I know what I am capable of, but I am always shy about it. I am hard working when I want to be. I am spontaneous when I need to be. I am brave when I have to be. I’ve decided to take a new approach. Now that I’m in college, I’ll push myself to become a better student. One day, I’ll be able to expose my inner self with the potential of being the next accountant. Why can I do this? Because I know I can!

I think I would become an influential figure of my time. I am a passive, introvert, and hard-working individual who has not reach my greatest potential. My current traits do not show any signs of my success but I am confident that I would be recognized for some sort of greatness one day.

Baruch College is an entirely different experience from high school. There are no reminders and no announcements given on the deadlines I must make. There is no guidance councilor scheduling my classes. There would be nobody to tell me to go to class if I did not want to. My success would be determined by the decisions I make on my own.

High school to college is like the little league to the major league in baseball. The first day of college was rather relaxing because it was nice to meet my classmates and professors. However, I was bombarded with assignments and readings for homework. I was so overwhelmed with the workload and the expectations for the next class meeting, that I had to take a moment to take in a deep breath. Then I realized in order to reach my full potential, I would have to try my best for everything. Whenever I would fall, I cannot sulk and cry because time would have gone to waste or I would have nothing accomplished.

I am mainly concerned about keeping up with college. I am afraid that I would not be able to handle the workload, or being unable to understand and missing opportunities which would give great advantages. College is the real deal. If I get three strikes, I’m out. I feel like everything matters in college. I am afraid that my irresponsibility would lead to failure and becoming inexperienced.

Over the course of my freshmen year, I will become more responsible and intellectual. Although my physical traits don’t display any signs of success; I am positive I would be noted for some sort of greatness one day and even though I’m afraid now, at least I know I’m giving it my best. I think I would be an influential figure of my time one day!