Career Exploration Workshop

The workshop on career exploration opened up my eyes. The lecturer talked about etiquette when it came to interviews and she gave very good tips. I had gone to a few interviews myself, but I had never once thought about the way I should dress. I never knew that pumps should only be about an inch high.

We were also told about the STARR Development Center and I thought it was really awesome that Baruch has one of these. I’ve checked it out and it seems pretty interesting.

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Let’s Meet Li! (Academic Enrichment)

A while back I attended a panel discussion with Charles N. Li and a few Baruch faculty. When I was initially invited to this panel I was excited because I was under the impression that the panel would be focusing mainly on the book The Bitter Sea by Charles N. Li, which was our summer reading assignment and a book that I enjoyed. So you can imagine my disappointment when I found out that instead it was going to be a panel about identity.

At first I felt mislead and was disappointed but as the panel began and I heard what Mr. Li had to say about his identity and what impact it had on him, I began to enjoy it. It was interesting to hear how he ended up absorbing a new identity with each new setting. It also got me to start thinking about my own identity.

The discussion was very pleasant and enriching. I hope that in the future I would be able to attend another event like this. Who knows, maybe next time it will be me up on that stage talking about my identity!

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Work Workshop (Career Exploration)

The other day me and my crew of comrades headed off to a workshop by the STARR Career Development Center. Prior to going to the workshop me and many others were doing the usual complaining about why do we have to go to these workshops and yada yada yada.

However, I believe most of us left there with a totally different attitude. Personally I found this to be very helpful and really wished that I gone to a workshop like this before going to my first interview, because it would have been very helpful and helped me to avoid some things I might have done wrong.

This was a great workshop that helped me tone up my resume and be aware of the offerings of the STARR website and office. I look forward to using this free service to help me in the future.

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Career Exploration Workshop

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.

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Academic Enrichment Workshop

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.

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Career Exploration Workshop

The one thing that teenagers are afraid to start – work. The work that I speak of is not homework, classwork, or any type of easy schoolwork. I’m talking about a career, an office job, a type of employment. This career exploration workshop that I attended had shown different aspects of searching for a job.

I had visited the STARR career website about a month ago in search for a job. I had not filled out a resume, nor had I been prepared to fully fill out my profile on the website; however, I did create an account and tried the search engine. I found it to be one of the best ways in finding a job. Not only does it give you a broad list of jobs, it also specifies which jobs you are eligible for depending on the information you input on your profile. Fortunately I have already found a job – currently employed at RR Donnelley Financial Services.

I found this workshop to be extremely beneficial. The STARR group had precisely went through procedures of searching for a job, writing a resume, and preparing for an interview. I found the process in writing a resume the most beneficial because it was slightly different from what I had in high school. The procedure that the STARR group showed us was a bit more detailed and “flashy.” I was able to think of more things to fill in on my resume after I attended this workshop. I would definitely attend more workshops in the future if needed.

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My Conglomerate Self (Monologue)

Do I know who I am? Do I know what I want? Do I know what I look forward to in life? I just live life to the fullest because everything happens for a reason. I’m Doug. I’m me, and I’m happy with who I am. There is so much to learn about me, even I do not know myself fully sometimes.

At this point life is going pretty well. School is great, besides failing my first Math test. College is looking good! I’m looking good, just kidding. I’ve had a few challenges ever since this semester started, including reading assignments and time management. I still find myself doing my homework the night before it is due. I still find myself not reading the textbook pages that are assigned on Blackboard. Another challenge is buying books. I’d rather spend my money on new clothes. However, there’s a lot of aspects of college that I enjoy. I enjoy meeting new friends, the large lecture classes, and all the activities I can do here. Everything outside of school is going great as well. I’ve been having fun, planning trips with friends, and plus I’m getting a job very soon! I am finally going to make some big bucks that I can use for myself. Yes, I’m “mad hyped.” The best part of it is that my mom’s boss is hiring me because he felt like he should – no interview or application needed.

I’m on to the next one, next paragraph that is. I am satisfied with how I am now. There are quite a few things that I have accomplished. This summer I’ve lost 20 pounds from my workout and diet plan. My mind and body has overcome cravings for junk food and reset itself to fit another diet.

So about me: Since I’m a Leo, that can tell you a lot about me already since the traits really match who I am. I love making friends and making people laugh. I love helping people with their abs through my sense of humor and charm (Haha, get it? Constant laughing equals ab workout?). Yes, I think I have charm. The most important values I hold are family, friends, education, health, and happiness. I was raised in a realm of respect, discipline, and mannerism. My family members would constantly remind me to say “thank you,” to chew with my mouth closed, and to keep my elbows off the table when I was younger.

When it comes to hobbies, I am very diverse. I love all things out there and I am willing to try and explore everything possible. When it comes to sports, I’ve tried and played almost every sport you can think of. My favorites are basketball, golf, swimming, billiards, and bowling.

I am strong when it comes to a lot of things in life, but I am also sensitive. However, I am definitely a person to love because I know I love myself.

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Michelle’s Monologue

I identify myself as being Ukrainian and Jewish. I pride myself, however, in being a true New Yorker. I was born and raised in the famous Brooklyn, New York. My parents, though, were born in Odessa, Ukraine – they both came to the U.S. when they were young children.

The first language that I learned was English, because my parents wanted me to get into a smart class in public school. I picked up the Russian language from hearing it being spoken by my family members. I took Spanish for quite a number of years in school, and then started to learn some Italian. I take pride in my religion as well as my culture, but I enjoy learning about other cultures as well. I am very passionate about languages and want to make sure that I have time to learn more of them. I also enjoy watching foreign films and trying to pick up some of their dialect.

What I like best about myself is my drive to succeed and not let anything get in the way of my happiness. I work hard to get what I want, because I know that things are not just handed to you on a silver platter. The American Dream nowadays has shifted its focus into trying to keep up with the changing society, rather than building a completely new life. People are forced to work hard in order to make it through the tough times and everyday hardships of the new America. I am diligent, determined, and I know what I want in this life.

What I like least about myself is my impatience. When I get impatient, I get easily frustrated and sometimes end up giving up on something or someone. I may come off as being mean or rude, but really it’s just that I am on my last nerve. I try to relax more, and take a step away from the situation to calm down and not do anything in the moment. My motto is: never make permanent decisions based on temporary emotions.

The best part about college is meeting new people and having my doors opened to a wide array of new opportunities. I am learning a lot about the myself, the city I live in, and even the world. College is forcing me to get accustomed to the MTA, bipolar New York weather, and the everyday chaos of living in a big city. Oh well, even with the negative stuff, I am going to make the best of college. I will stay optimistic and make sure this college experience is advantageous to me. 

^ This will be me working hard and having to prioritize/manage my time better.

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Monologue

Coming into Baruch College, I had no idea what to expect.  The way college works is completely different from High School, because I now have the ability to walk out whenever I want to, and I don’t even have to raise my hand to use the bathroom. Along with these “privileges” I am now held accountable for everything I do and don’t do. It is definitely a whole new experience.

Education was always a big thing in my family. My decision to attend Baruch was not really a surprise for anyone. It’s almost in our blood to be business oriented. It is also my biggest difficulty when it comes to school. I was most worried about math when I started school. Math was always one of my most difficult subjects. I always had a hard time with it, even in first grade, where the most we were expected to do was to count our fingers. I’ve heard that the math classes at Baruch were brutal. Despite the fact that I was horrible in math, I still had hope to pass this class

As nervous as I was, it was better than I thought it would be. Although the commute is definitely not the funniest thing to do every morning, I could get used to it. As I handed in my first paper, I breathed a sigh of relief. My first month at Baruch was finally over, although things were definitely harder than high school, the workload was bearable.

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I am the Monologue.

Day 5:

5 days in and I think I can really get the hang of this whole college thing. And boy does Baruch love its free writes. Just right now I’m writing my thirds on in only 5 days, much more than the 0 I used to write in the last four years.

So its day one of our very first Freshman Seminar class, and looking around is seem allot of familiar faces, maybe because they’re the same people from my other classes, hehe.

So for this free write we were asked to write about one thing that we like least about ourselves, which turned out to be easy because my friends were quick to point out- that’s right it’s my height. Yes, that’s right; Baruch is a place of Giants and me? Well I’m barely average height.

As I start out this year I see myself as young new freshman about to explore the sweet College Life, and I can’t wait to begin!

Day 12:

Today the adviser asked us “What are your afraid of?” I had a simple one word reply to that question: Chambre.  We got this “interesting” Sociology teacher who seems to have a problem with just about everything. What I’m really afraid of is that one day I might come into class late =S

However, other than that I’m your average happy go-lucky guy who is glad to have all these friends surrounding him. Friends and good grades right now are two of the most important things right now.

Day 19:

Embarrassed? I was full on rosy cheeks, the whole lecture class is looking at me, embarrassed just a few minutes ago in Politics before class when I made a joke to my friend and the entire class heard it and pretty much everyone turned around and looked at me. Embarrassed didn’t even begin to describe how I was feeling in that moment. Thank god I lived through it and got over it thought.

I’ve also come up with a new modo today- Live everyday like it’s your last.

Day 26:

So it’s been about a month at Baruch and so far I’m loving it. Sure the early mornings can be quite a drag but after all things seem to be fine. By the time I get my coffee and I get to Baruch everything seems to be ok and my day goes on.

However, time still remains one of my biggest problems not only for me but for some of my other peers. I’ve notices on Tuesdays’ and Thursdays the trains can be especially cruel to its passengers.

Day 5:

5 days in and I think I can really get the hang of this whole college thing. And boy does Baruch love its free writes. Just right now I’m writing my thirds on in only 5 days, much more than the 0 I used to write in the last four years.

So its day one of our very first Freshman Seminar class, and looking around is seem allot of familiar faces, maybe because they’re the same people from my other classes, hehe.

So for this free write we were asked to write about one thing that we like least about ourselves, which turned out to be easy because my friends were quick to point out- that’s right it’s my height. Yes, that’s right; Baruch is a place of Giants and me? Well I’m barely average height.

As I start out this year I see myself as young new freshman about to explore the sweet College Life, and I can’t wait to begin!

Day 12:

Today the adviser asked us “What are your afraid of?” I had a simple one word reply to that question: Chambre.  We got this “interesting” Sociology teacher who seems to have a problem with just about everything. What I’m really afraid of is that one day I might come into class late =S

However, other than that I’m your average happy go-lucky guy who is glad to have all these friends surrounding him. Friends and good grades right now are two of the most important things right now.

Day 19:

Embarrassed? I was full on rosy cheeks, the whole lecture class is looking at me, embarrassed just a few minutes ago in Politics before class when I made a joke to my friend and the entire class heard it and pretty much everyone turned around and looked at me. Embarrassed didn’t even begin to describe how I was feeling in that moment. Thank god I lived through it and got over it thought.

I’ve also come up with a new modo today- Live everyday like it’s your last.

Day 26:

So it’s been about a month at Baruch and so far I’m loving it. Sure the early mornings can be quite a drag but after all things seem to be fine. By the time I get my coffee and I get to Baruch everything seems to be ok and my day goes on.

However, time still remains one of my biggest problems not only for me but for some of my other peers. I’ve notices on Tuesdays’ and Thursdays the trains can be especially cruel to its passengers.

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