To start off, I underestimated Baruch College. I did not take College seriously. However, after a few weeks, I adapted to the surroundings and I gradually developed a better studying habit. I did not expect much from Baruch, but after these past months, I learned not to underestimate anything. The workload at Baruch is overwhelming, but after a while, it isn’t so bad. My first semester did not go as well as I wanted to. I learned that I was particularly weak in many subjects and that I need to develop more. Most of my professors are understanding and great inspirations, but the ones that aren’t always seem to rain down on my parade. If I could change something from my first semester, I would have definitely studied more and put more effort into my work. Since the first day of college, I developed into a more organized and independent person. I am able to depend on myself and sometimes have people rely on me. Overall, my first semester of Baruch was a stepping stone in my path to succed.

My name is Kathy Pan and I was born in Manhattan, raised in Brooklyn, and currently living in Staten Island. Staten Island is not a bad environment to grow up in; in fact, the show Jersey Shore portrays people that live on S.I. incredibly inaccurate! I live on Staten Island and I think I look and behave like people in New York City. Despite my short juvenile physical experience, I have a loud voice and my personality is bold. The Lhasa Apso breed of dogs accurately portrays my image. They are tiny and adorable on the outside, but their barks are loud just like a big dog.

I’m never afraid to speak my mind. My favorite teacher from high school, Mr. Kane taught me to never be ashamed of expressing opinions.  Mr. Kane went to school dressed up in Hawaiian shirts and straw hats because he likes to demonstrate his beliefs instead of simply dictating it. Aside from Mr. Kane, my friends shaped me into the strong and independent feminist I am today. My friends changed the cold pessimist in me to a loving crybaby. Behind the tough exterior lays a girl with a big heart and too much emotion.

I love to perform cultural Chinese dances! My friends and I joined together to create the first Chinese Dance in my high school. We performed it every year for the school’s annual “International Festival.” The dance consists of fans and dedicated girls! The routines were all original ideas and they were mediocre compared to professional dancers.  However, as the years passed, the dance became more elaborate and organized. Here are some pictures from the dance: (click to enlarge)

Link to the 3rd year video, the fan dance does not start until 1:50 🙂 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KLCbozvaXo

My name is Kathy Pan. I might sound conceited, but I feel like my name is unique! I love my last name ‘Pan,’ and people always say my full name rolls right of their tongues compared to just my first name. My last name definitely helped me develop a sense of humor. It’s such a fun last name; I can always change it into a word. For example: Pancakes, Pancreas, Panda, and Frying Pan. Need I say more? I’ve heard every joke about my last name considering I grew up in all white schools and most children had last names such as ‘Smith’ or ‘Charles.’ I have a great sense of humor and I love when people tell me jokes. I grew up to a noisy household. I have a large family and every second of my house is filled with noise from babies crying to my dog barking. Therefore, my family is extremely important and I put my family before myself.  I’m shortest person most people know; I’m only five feet tall! I haven’t grown an inch since freshman year of high school. It doesn’t faze me though; I’m not ashamed of my height.

I was born in Manhattan, raised in Brooklyn, and now I live in Staten Island. Your probably thinking, “Staten Island… Really? I didn’t even know it existed until ‘Jersey Shore.’” Well, it does exist and it’s a great place. The neighborhoods are peaceful and it definitely played a major part in my development as a strong young woman. I went to Susan E. Wagner High School and I’m proud to call it my second home. The school looks run down but it was extremely welcoming. Unfortunately, Baruch College doesn’t produce the same atmosphere that illuminated Wagner. College is much more independent compared to my family like high school. One of my main concerns is my ability to meet new people. I’m sure every student at Baruch have brilliant personalities; unfortunately, I only developed friendships with students within my freshman seminar.  I’m generally a social person, however, I don’t know where to start in the process of meeting new people. Another one of my concerns is whether or not I would be able to balance my job and school. I need my job in order to pay for transportation, books, and food; however, I found myself dozing off a few times. I’m working on the proper balance between the two! My biggest concern is definitely my ability to wake up everyday for school! I’m sure I’m not the only student with this concern. I’m glad I get out of class twice as early compared to most of my friends, but it’s so tragic that I have to wake up twice as early!

Hopefully, I will be able to develop better sleeping and studying habits! I am hoping my first year of college doesn’t impact my weight like most college students! Let’s hope for the best and thank goodness Baruch has a gym!