Monthly Archives: September 2010

School:

I had a lot of worries when I started school, as I already mentioned in my last comment. Well that was when I first begin school. Now all my worries had become a reality and I had found some kind of balance between play and work. Keeping up with the deadline for essays and readings was not an easy task. Not only you didn’t have the time of the day but most of the readings were in an ancient language that was difficult to understand. However, I had managed to complete my assignments on time and make time for friends and food. The fact that we have the privilege to endless materials and database certainly helped. Furthermore, we have access to help, for instance the writing center or the tutoring center.

About myself:

Among the characteristics I like about myself are: open mind, adventurous, and unique. I think the list of what I don’t like about myself is definitely longer; but one that bothers me the most is my terrible communication skills with my family. Why is it so much easier to deal with strangers than your own flesh and blood? I guess every factor in your life comes in place, and they are the ones that stick with you the longest, the past, the present and hopefully the future. Not able to express your feelings properly has lead me to many misunderstandings and unnecessary conflicts. The worst part of it all is if you don’t fix it, it becomes part of your attitude and behavior. But, they will always be the most important people to me, my priority. Perhaps the source of my deepest fear us rooted in this problem. I hate being by myself. I think loneliness can destroy a person from the inside out. Humans naturally seek companionships, we feel uncomfortable being alone or away from our love ones.

My thoughts:

Our culture of consumerism encourages us to find happiness in materialistic things, but it can only provide us temporary happiness. Recently, my anthropology class has me thinking, simple living might be a preferable living style. It is not easy to let go of a life style you have been living for almost all your life. Very slowly, I hope I can eliminate the urge to spend money and buy unnecessary items.

My motto:

My personal motto: do not judge a book by its cover. I guess it is an attempt to not follow the conformity of society and not taking symbolic cues from some one’s appearance that can be different depends on where you lived.

My mom, me and my brother

Hey, my name is Rezwan Chowdhury. Average is definitely a word to describe me, physically, academically, and athletically. At first glance I may seem very quiet and reserved, but once I am in my comfort zone I may say the stupidest, sometime humorous, thing. I identify myself as a Muslim-American-Bengali. My faith comes first, no matter what, and I primarily follow American culture. Sadly, I know very little of the Bengali culture. Living near Jackson Heights, this is not acceptable. If anyone has ever been to Jackson Heights you know what I mean. The area is filled with Desi people (folks from Indian sub-continent). There are a relatively good amount of Bengali families residing there so I really shouldn’t have an excuse. First year at Baruch is going well. I must say it is a big transition from high school. My main concern enteringthe school was friends. I didn’t know where to start or look. Most people look in class es, but I wanted to find people that were already adjusted to the Baruch culture. At the freshman convocation I was introduced to the Muslim Student Association (MSA) and met great people there. The upperclassmen there told me great deals about what classes to look out for, which professors are good, how to manage time, where to get great food, and how to succeed here in Baruch. I spend my free time there. The folks were very welcoming and I started my networking process. I hate Public Administration. The professor is bland and speaks in low monotone. There is a reason I am late to that class almost everyday. The subject is fairly interesting, but it’s hard when the only thing on your mind in class is to stay awake. To keep up with the class you have to read like there is no tomorrow. Considering I have to read extensively for all my classes, I am a little behind in Pub. I live by the motto “No pain, no gain” so the challenge will be worth it, hopefully. I like the independence and responsibility I have as a college student. It’s good for me. I love the architecture of Vertical campus building. It stands out in the midst of towering skyscrapers and is conveniently located. The subway is a block away, Duane Reade around the corner, and food venues everywhere you look. I came here to study business, obviously. Currently I am vacillating between international business and accounting. Almost everyone is an accountant major and I hear the competition is cut throat. I like to travel so international business is definitely an option, but I will have to look into both. I am also searching for my talent. Unfortunately I don’t know what it is. I may not even have one, but I am hoping Baruch will help me discover it.

Hey, this is Rezwan Chowdhury. I’ve never had to describe myself to anyone. I think i’m still in the process in developing myself. Average is a word that would definitely express who i am. Athletically, academically, physically, etc. I love playing sports, primarily basketball. I’m not team caliber but love the game. I do well in school, nothing fantastic or amazing. At first impression you may think i’m timid or shy but once we pass that stage i can crack a joke here have a laugh there. I try to be very modest in my behavior and actions. I don’t like attracting attention. I recently discovered the beauty of Islam and strive to be the best Muslim i can be. I try to express the true nature of Islam, despite the events in the media. You can call me a spiritual person, but i think i have a long way to go. Many of my friends think I’m lazy, i think I’m laid back, sometimes too laid back. I’m a procrastinator, like many teens, something that I’m trying to rid of. I like to read to pass time but not so fond about writing. I like to workout but i stopped because i didn’t have access to the gym but i intend to utilize Baruch’s gym. All in all, i’m just a ‘regular’ guy.

My top concern for my freshman year at Baruch is getting involved. There is an abundance of clubs and organizations and i look forward to being affiliated with more than three. I hope this can help me make good friends and get to know people at Baruch, my second concern. Friends at college last for the rest of your life and i hope i can make friends that i can rely on and trust. Friends that will last deep into the future. Also the business field requires connections and i hope to achieve that through friends, clubs, and organizations. My third concern is grades. Ever since high school i have been hearing how difficult college is. Especially because most don’t know how to manage time. So far, the work load i received isn’t as burdensome. My goal is to have a GPA of 3.8 or higher.

The Baruch experience is very different from my high school experience. The college environment will definitely take some time to adjust to. I need to start becoming more responsible and independent. Juggling time with friends, study, and work is something that i have to figure out. There won’t be anyone to constantly remind me of assignments to finish or chapters to read. This experience is something i will embrace.

My first year at Baruch will change the way i manage time and make decisions. When to spend time with friends and when to go to the library and hit the books. I expect my perspective of the world to broaden through the classes i take and the people i meet. I look forward to this 4 year Baruch experience.

Hi! my name is Maria Vlahopoulos and I’m obssesed with softball, music, and crocheting. I see myself as a very happy-go-lucky person but very big on my beliefs and traditions. I am Greek Orthodox so we celebrate things a little different than Catholics. I’m pretty down to earth yet at the same time hyper and bubbly. You’ll always see a big smile on my face unless I am very upset or confused in class. I’m always optimistic with things I never see the glass half empty. My top 3 concerns about freshman year would have to be the following: 1) Not making the softball team- I’ll probably cry if I don’t cause I won’t feel as involved to the school.

2) Doing terrible my first semester- I want to get all the A’s I can now, before the classes get more dificult.

3) Not getting familiar with the school- I want to explore the school and be able to know where I am going. If another freshman were to ask me where a certain office is I want to be helpful and be able to tell them.

So far, I can tell that college will be different from high school by the workload. I’ve gotten more homework in the past 3 weeks in Baruch then I have in 3 months at Lehman High School. Well, I probably did get a decent amount of work at Lehman, but I just rarely did it. I feel that college is a better place for each person so express themselves. I’ve met so many different types of people each with their own style. My high school did have it’s own variety of people but it’s nothing comparing to Baruch. Baruch will be different since here we’re able to start all over and go about things a completely different way. In the next 4 years I imagine to see myself a more mature and intelligent and hopefully slimmer version of what I am today. College is an amazing experience to finally be able to answer the questions, “Who am I?” and “What do I want to do for the rest of my life?” With college I want to gain courage, strength, and individuality.

            My name is Hansol. I am just normal boy who tried to be special. I always dream to live a worthy life. I try to work hard on everything that I want to do or need to do but I am really lazy. I am not unwearied person so it is hard for me to finish something completely. Because I am always being a listener to other people, I have weakness that I cannot speak to the people with confidence. I try to find my talent because my friends told me that I have special talent and I try to be confidence.

            There are three main concerns about my freshmen year at Baruch. First one is to be responsible to my works and my future. Because sometime I did not take care of my school works and just procrastinate them even though I know it would make bad consequences. I heard from many college students friends. They told me I have to be more responsible in college than high school. Second one is to have passion and tenacity because there will be many works that I have to complete from many classes. Of course I do not want to do all the work however if I challenge them and complete them with tenacity, I am going to have courage to achieve. Third one is to believe and trust myself because I know I have ability to do any works.

            There are some difference experience between high school and college. In college, I have to take care of my works by myself. Nobody will urge me to work hard unlike in high school.

            The first year of college will make me change. It will make me more responsible, experience more areas that I want.

1. Hi! My name is Sally Liang. I am just an ordinary girl trying to find my way in my first year of college. I am considered to be supportive and loyal to all my friends. In return, I expect the same from them. School wise, I am dedicated, but somehow, I became friends with procrastination during the last few months of senior year. This is a habit I hope to change in college.

2. There are some concerns I have as a freshman in Baruch. The first one would be keeping up my grades in every class. I know that as long as I work hard and keep up with my work, I would do well, but nonetheless college is different from high school. I feel that I have to bring in more as a college student. My second concern is food. In high school, I have free lunch and I never have to worry about going hungry. Now, I have to find ways to eat lunch without spending too much money and the only way I can think of now is bringing something from home. My third concern would be trying to get rid of my procrastinating habits. I developed this during senior year and I need to get rid of it if I want to keep up with my grades.  

3. The fact that my classes start at different times makes my Baruch College experience different from my high school experience already. During my senior year, I had a first period class and the teacher would always say that classes should start as late as 9 O’clock because then people would not be coming in late or falling asleep. I start class the earliest at 8:40 am., but that is only twice a week. I start class close to the afternoon on the other days. I feel less tired and was able to concentrate more in class during these days. Also, the big class size makes my Baruch College experience different. When I am in a class with a hundred or so people in it, I feel that there are a lot more opinions going around as opposed to a class of 20 or 30 people.

4. I think my first year of college will make me a more responsible person. I will also learn to be more independent because I am learning that everything in college depends on you. Whatever you do will shape your future.

Hello everyone! My name is Kristine A. I am a former Ballroom dancer, and I miss it greatly =/ I have a very optimistic outlook on the wrold. I try to see everything in the positive way, no matter how tough the situations may be. As they say, I look at “the glass half FULL, not half EMPTY.” I am also very helpful. If somebody doesn’t understand something I try to explain the topic in very specific details so they have a better comprehension. If a friend, relative, or a coworker is experienced struggles in their lives, I am always there to support them and help them get up when they fall. I love when people smile. And I love it when I am the one who puts a smile on their faces, because it shows me that I have accomplished something wonderful and great in my life. I am a very enrgetic girl and I love having people around me. People who I can socialize with and share my ideas. Also, food is the love of my life! haha… Most of the time I cannot concentrate when my stomach is grumbling.. and that’s really disturbing, because at this point, concentration and focus are extremely important!

My top three concerns: 1. Manhattan is a very expensive city and I am afraid I will not be able to pay for everything. I have to juggle between Books, Tuition, Food, Metrocards, and Credit Card Payments. I have to be independent and cannot rely on my parents because in the next 2 years they can’t provide me with any help. 2. The second concern is food. My schedule this semester is not perfect and I have really long breaks in between some of my classes. I usually get really hungry by about 1:30, because I eat breakfast with my family at around 7 am, and I don’t leave Baruch until 5:30. And as I said before, when I’m hungry, I MUST eat!  What bothers me about this, is that there really is no good, healthy food around the college.. Yes, there is Subway, there is Chipotle, there is Chineese Food around the corner, but none of that provides the nutrients that our body needs. 3. Time management. There is a lot of homework from each class.. I have to accomplish so many things and I do not know how I am going to find the time to squeeze it all in a certain period of time. There’s only this much time in a day and not everything can be finished in time. I hope i find a way to solve this problem, because right now it is not working for me. I have to rush through all my homework and most of it is not thoroughly completed…

College is WAY much more different than high school. Yes, there is more freedom, but there are also more responsibilities that must be taken into consideration. In HS, for example, teachers would remind you about the assignments that are due, here you’re on your own. In HS, books were provided, here you have to buy them. In HS, each student received a lot of attention from the teacher with only about 30 kids in the class. Here, you have to make yourself known because there are close 100 students in almost every class. It’s very difficult.

College will definitely change me in this first year. I think I already see the differences in me. I became a little bit more independent, organized, and mature. I start to realize that this is not a joke, like High School was. This is real! This will lead me to my dreams! This will help me become and Accountant! I have to appreciate what I am taught and take in and retain as much information as possible, because it will always be needed in my future. College will also change my work habbits. I will learn how to manage my time correctly and not be late on any due dates. I will finish the assignments days before they are actually due so I wouldn’t have to put myself under pressure to comeplete the tasks. In general, I believe college will be awsome, and I am looking forward to the next 4 years of it! =)

1. Hello everyone, my name is Kimberly Delgado and I describe myself as hardworking yet lazy simultaneously. I always do my work whenever I need to, however, it is never done earlier and I find myself rushing to get everything done in order to meet the designated due date. It is not a good habit but at least I am able to accomplish my tasks.

2. One of my main concerns during my freshman year at Baruch College are my eating habits. When I was in high school, I always ended school early and I was able to go home to eat or sometimes I would go after-school to volunteer at a hospital, which provided free food. However, this semester, I finish very late during certain days, which requires me to spend money on my food or bring food from home. I’m worried that all I will eat is junk food, which doesn’t provide the essential vitamins or nutrients. My second concern is deciding what club or group to join. I’ve heard that Baruch has over 200 clubs, which makes it difficult to decide where I feel I would appropriately belong. My third concern is figuring out what to do during the long gaps between classes. I would definitely had preferred that all my classes were consecutive but for this semester it wasn’t possible. I hope that I am able to use my time productively and wisely.

3. My Baruch College experience will be different from my high school experience in the aspect that my attitude towards school has changed. During my time in high school, I worked extremely hard to get good grades in order to be accepted into a good college. However, I feel that I’m finally working toward accomplishing my dreams and I’m closer to it with each passing second. In high school, all my teachers and faculty would encourage students to get good grades but not many students saw the purpose of it. Now, I am able to see the reason to work hard while enjoying the learning experience.

4. My first year at college will definitely change my work habits. As I mentioned before, I never got my work done a week or days before it was due but now I feel that I can’t leave everything for the last minute.  If I do, then I would provide poor quality work to my professors. I do not plan to let my bad work habits affect my college career and ultimately, I will either gradually change or force myself to change in order to succeed.

1. I’m not really sure who I am. I don’t think there exist any significant differences between me and those around me–friends and strangers alike–so any qualities you see in others you’ll probably also see in me to one degree or another.
2. My biggest concern is maintaining effective time-management. In contrast to high school, where my next destination was usually my next class until the last one of the day ended, there will be many gaps between classes and other activities to be filled. I hope I make the most out of those gaps. Also looming over my head are the classes I’ll be able to register for next semester. There are some class that I would really prefer to complete as soon as possible, but freshmen receive lowest priority in class selection. Finally, I worry about arriving at my classes on time, a concern that has some connections with my first one.
3. The classes I’m currently enrolled in vary in enrollment from 19 to about 100. This wide range is different from the more-or-less constant enrollments across my high school classes, and can take some adjustment because different class sizes elicit different participation patterns. Additionally, the class size is usually inversely proportional to the amount of attention the professor can afford to any particular student.
4. I don’t think how it will change me or how much it will can be accurately predicted because all changes occur, I think, gradually and subliminally. In a way, we are constantly changing; fittingly, we just notice the significant ones more.