Reflecting on my first semester at Baruch College, I would say that Baruch has lived up to my expectations. Although my first semester was a big adjustment to college life, I found that Baruch helped make the transition easier, especially with Freshman Seminar. I found at first it was difficult to balance everything due to the heavy course load but eventually I was able to manage. Academically, Baruch really put things in perspective for me as I didn’t expect things to be so difficult, but now I am up for the challenge. As for the social side at Baruch, you really need to put yourself out there when wanting to me new people, since I’m shy this is something I’m still working on but I hope I can overcome it. Freshman Seminar was great to have as it really helped me cope with my first semester, I’m glad they implemented this into the program since it was really helpful and full of good information about Baruch. Looking back at the first few weeks of classes, I can say that it was really hard to adjust from high school to college. Time management was my biggest problem but as the semester progressed I was able to balance everything that I needed to do. There were times I felt that I was overwhelmed with a lot of work but somehow I got through it. Before starting college, I thought that the professors would be mean but I find that the professors were caring and ultimately wanted us to succeed in their classes. However, the best part of the semester was watching my monologue performed at the Voices show. I never would have expected that my poem for a class assignment would be performed in an actual show. It was great to watch my poem come to life. I felt that the actress portrayed my idea way better than what I had envisioned in my head. Ultimately, if I could relive my first semester I would say I would have learned how to study more efficiently so time management wouldn’t have been a great concern. I feel that college hasn’t drastically changed me but I find that I’m becoming more independent as I am in the city everyday and feel that college has taught me to grow up as I am becoming an adult.

Dreams

There once was a girl who dared to dream

Of living a life like a queen

However she knew this wasn’t the case

She thought about what could take its place

She went to school and did everything right

So she could grow up and take on the world with all her might

In case you haven’t realized, that this girl is me

Who now goes to Baruch College in the City

It’s a vertical campus, fourteen floors tall

As you walk by, you see people studying against the wall

Reading, assignments, exams-galore

Be ready to work as you walk through the doors

As you pass by Mr. Baruch on the way

You swipe your card and start your day

I came to Baruch for a higher education

But sometimes you feel that you need a vacation

My first semester has just begun

Which I am learning is not all fun

While walking into class, in search of a desk

Since I’m left handed, finding one could be a pest

The teachers are friendly and seem like they care

If we have trouble, we should have questions prepared

As a freshman we will come across challenges that we need to face

Such as balancing time and studying at a steady pace

The commute to Baruch gets kind of annoying

However while on the train it never gets boring

Performers, beggars, and unusual faces

Makes New York one of the many exciting places

The skyline, Central Park and the Hudson River are all nice sceneries

And don’t forget about all the available eateries

The city is a place to chase your dreams

But remembering that we shouldn’t have to go to extremes

Shy, outgoing, quiet or loud

Try to use your qualities at best to standout in the crowd

Remembering never to change who we are

As we achieve our dreams that are afar

Hello everyone! My name is Melissa Singh and as you all know I am currently a freshman at Baruch College. I live in Queens with my parents and one older sister, making me the youngest child. My family background is Guyanese however I was born in the United States. I attended Martin Van Buren High School where all four years was a fun experience that I will always cherish. My senior year was a lot of fun since I was executive advisor for the Scholar’s Institute, which is a program designed for students who has and maintains good grades as well as completing community service. As executive advisor, I along with the other board members worked as well as participated in various events such as International Festival, Junior Achievement in addition to other events. When I am not focusing on my academic career, I like to spend my spare time listening to music, taking walks and most importantly spending time with my family and friends. In the past, I have been told by many people that I have a “serious-looking” face which leads them to believe I am mean but they are quickly surprised to find out that I am shy, soft spoken and the complete opposite of what they thought. My choice was easy when deciding to come to Baruch College since I have an interest in pursuing a career in business and it is right in the center of the city. As I walk down the streets of Manhattan, it is wonderful to see the many different people, rushing yellow cabs and tall buildings every day.  I love that something is always happening and there is never a dull moment. It makes coming to school more exciting.

                After a few weeks of college, we can all tell that college is completely different from high school. Although college is a lot of work, Baruch has its upsides such as almost all of us get a day off to sleep in late or to catch up on work, we have breaks in between our classes, and we get to meet and interact with new people. Although these are some of the many upsides to college, the adjustment to college for our first semester will be a  challenge. My challenge is that I need to learn how to handle a more heavy work load as well as doing readings, completing assignments and studying in a more orderly fashion. My major issue would have to be organizing my time to do my work without feeling overwhelmed. If I can learn to do this I know that college will just be a new challenge that I am ready to face.

                After my first year of college, I know that it will help me grow as a person. I hope being on my own in the city will help me become more independent. While traveling and studying in Manhattan, I can predict that I will come across situations that I will have to face on my own. I expect myself to handle these situations and overcome them like a mature adult. This will only make me stronger and capable of handling difficult situations after I leave Baruch.